Harmony in Healing: The Impact of Music on Trauma-Informed Social-Emotional Learning
Harmony in Healing: The Impact of Music on Trauma-Informed Social-Emotional Learning
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Issue Date
2025-04-21
Authors
Olsen, Katie Jo
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Abstract
Abstract This mixed-methods action research study examined the impact of music-based Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) interventions on emotional regulation and executive functioning in a kindergarten classroom at a Title I elementary school in Cache Valley, Utah. The participating students, many of whom faced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), economic hardship, and neurodevelopmental challenges, engaged in music-integrated routines designed to support self-regulation, task initiation, and impulse control. Data was collected through behavioral tracking, educator surveys, and post-intervention interviews with teachers and aides. Findings indicated significant reductions in disruptive behaviors and marked improvements in students’ use of emotion-regulation strategies, attention, and classroom engagement. Educators observed students independently applying calming tools such as humming, listening to music, or singing a class-created song during moments of distress. These results suggest that developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive music-based interventions can enhance SEL outcomes, particularly for young learners navigating trauma or neurodiversity, by strengthening core executive functioning skills.
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Music-Based SEL Interventions Executive Functioning in Kindergarten Trauma-Informed Teaching Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Emotional Regulation Through Music Early Childhood Behavior Support Neurodiverse Learners in SEL Small Group SEL Instruction Developmental SEL Strategies Behavior Tracking and Trend Analysis Whole-Child Approach to Education Mindfulness and Music in the Classroom Creative SEL Programming Equity-Based Education Research Student-Centered Intervention Design Data-Driven Behavior Support Kindergarten Research-Based Practices Intersection of SEL and Executive Functioning Educator Action Research Music-Based SEL Interventions Executive Functioning in Kindergarten Trauma-Informed Teaching Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Culturally Responsive Pedagogy Emotional Regulation Through Music Early Childhood Behavior Support Neurodiverse Learners in SEL Small Group SEL Instruction Developmental SEL Strategies Behavior Tracking and Trend Analysis Whole-Child Approach to Education Mindfulness and Music in the Classroom Creative SEL Programming Equity-Based Education Research Student-Centered Intervention Design Data-Driven Behavior Support Kindergarten Research-Based Practices Intersection of SEL and Executive Functioning Educator Action Research , SEL , Social Emotional Learning