10 Ways to Bring Emotional Intelligence into Your Classroom.
For so long, IQ was touted as the magic key to unlock the door to success in life. However, in reality, it’s far more complex. Although what we traditionally have understood as ‘intelligence’ certainly holds weight, it's only a fraction of the larger picture when it comes to achieving true success and happiness in all aspects of life. There’s something else that predicts success in not only our personal connections and professional endeavours but our overall state of well-being too.
Recent research clearly shows the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) for both children and adults. Individuals with strong emotional intelligence are more likely to achieve success in life, and this correlation is no coincidence. Emotionally intelligent children get along well with their peers, manage conflict more easily, persevere through challenges, and generally function better in the classroom.
Emotional intelligence involves the awareness of our own emotions and those of others, and the ability to use this valuable information to make good decisions, adjust our behaviour and deepen our relationships. Emotional intelligence isn’t a new concept anymore. Its relevance and importance have become increasingly emphasized across the globe, gaining significant attention among parents, educators, teams, and organisations in the last two decades.
As a teacher, you have the power to influence your students in ways that extend far beyond the walls of your classroom. And by teaching your students how to recognise, understand, and manage their emotions, you can help them become better equipped to navigate the challenges of life.
So how can you bring emotional intelligence into your classroom? Here are 10 ways to get you started:
Validate Emotions: Let your students know that all emotions are valid, and that it's okay to feel frustrated or angry. This can help students feel seen and heard, and can help them develop a better understanding of their own emotions.
Unlearn Negative Emotion Labels: Help your students understand that emotions are not "bad," "naughty," or "silly." All emotions are valid and have a purpose. And they are simply part of being human.
Look Beyond the Behaviour: Like an iceberg, emotions often lie beneath the surface. When a student is acting out, there is often an underlying emotion driving that behaviour. Look beneath what you see - complaining about a boring test can signal confusion, embarrassment or fear of not doing well.
Respond, Don't React: Instead of reacting impulsively to a student's behaviour, take a moment to pause and respond thoughtfully.
Manage Your Own Triggers: As a teacher, you bring your own emotions into the classroom. Be mindful of your own triggers and moods, so you don't inadvertently transfer them onto your students.
Model Emotional Management: Let your students see you identifying and managing your own emotions. This normalises emotional expression and can help them learn how to do it themselves.
Expand Emotional Vocabulary: Help your students develop a richer vocabulary for describing their emotions. This can help them better understand and communicate how they’re feeling.
Have One-on-One Conversations: Take the time to have quiet conversations with individual students about their emotions. This can help them build trust and connection, and help them feel heard and understood.
Role-play emotional situations: You can use characters or toys to role-play different emotional situations with your students. This can help your students learn how to handle challenging scenarios in a safe, supportive environment.
Spark conversations about solving problems: Encourage dialogue about how to solve problems, whether it be in friendships, with parents, teachers, or with homework, using constructive, safe, and empowering methods.
By integrating these strategies into your teaching practice, you will cultivate a classroom culture that is positive and supportive and promotes emotional intelligence. You’ll be helping your students to excel academically and socially, not only in the classroom but also beyond its walls.
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