Emotionally Intelligent Educators

I was discussing EQ development and embedding practises into early childhood services with a service Manager today. I thought I would share one small example of how to use emotion cards to support the development of Emotional Self Awareness [EQ Competency #1] and how I do it at home.

This afternoon, master 6 accidently got his finger with a staple while doing art and craft. I had the 'Bear Cards' out so I said "ouch! I wonder which bear you are right now?" He found a 'crying/hurt' bear, told me he was "hurt but shaking it off", shook his arms and legs then happily went off to play again. This was very fast self-regulation for him. Master 5, joined in and found the bear pictured below. I asked what he was feeling, he said "I feel sad and worried cos [my brother] is hurt".

By using 'language' to describe their feelings, it was opening up the pathway to the part of the brain that is responsible for impulse control and logical thinking, therefore calming the emotional brain.

The boys are doing well with emotion recognition but there is always plenty more to learn. Remember, there are over 2000 'emotion' words in the English language!!!

Nic