Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is more than naming feelings, it is a person’s overall ability to deal with their emotions….

There are five main aspects of emotional intelligence which, when developed, lead to children becoming emotionally literate. These are:

• Knowing emotions – A child recognises a feeling as it happens.
• Managing emotions – A child has ways of reassuring themselves when they feel anxious or upset.
• Self-Motivation – A child is in charge of their emotions, rather than controlled by them.
• Empathy – A child is aware of what another person is feeling.
• Handling relationships – A child is able to build relationships with others.

Encouraging young people to understand the difference between “sad”, “disappointed” and “upset” acts as springboard to develop appropriate strategies. Every emotion word learnt is a new tool for future emotional intelligence.

This resource helps children to identify and articulate their emotions and start to discuss and understand how they are feeling.

For more information about our courses on emotional regulation take a look at our Social and Emotional Mental Health course or our short CPD from our sister company, Dyslexia Action, on the Emotionally Connected Classroom.