Emotional literacy involves having self-awareness and recognition of your own feelings and knowing how to manage them, such as the ability to stay calm when you feel angry or to reassure yourself when in doubt. It includes empathy, i.e. having sensitivity to the feelings of others.
Emotional literacy also includes being able to recognise and adapt to the feelings of other people, whilst at the same time, learning how to manage and express your own emotions effectively.
This is helpful in developing good communication skills and the development and enhancement of relationships.
How do you promote ‘emotional literacy’ in your school?
5 important questions to consider:
- How can you help children / young people to identify and gain a deeper understanding of the feelings they regularly experience?
- How can you help children / young people develop an emotional vocabulary?
- How can you help children / young people empathise with others and become aware of how their personal feelings and behaviours can impact upon others?
- How can you encourage children / young people to be reflective and to understand the consequences of their actions?
- How can you help children / young people to develop a range of strategies and encourage them to express emotions in appropriate ways?