Emotional Intelligence

The emotions of children matter. Focus and learning improve, when children are not anxious or aggressive. Sometimes children can be victims or perpetrators of bullying when their emotions are difficult to control. Bullying can be contributed to a lack of emotional intelligence skills. As teachers and parents, we need to teach these skills.

• We want children to recognise different emotions in themselves and others.
• We want children to understand the cause of emotions and their consequences
• We want children to be able to label different emotions.
• We want children to be able to express their emotions in ways that are socially appropriate
• We want our children to learn to regulate their emotions.

If we are emotionally intelligent, we recognise a range of healthy emotions. This helps us to develop stronger, positive relationships, enjoy better health and wellbeing. Emotional intelligence can help protect us from depression, anxiety and aggression.

Children need to be clear about behaviour expectations at home and at school, to ensure they can better regulate their emotions and behaviour. It is helpful to teach them to take a short pause before reacting to others.

Education in emotional intelligence is as important as learning traditional subjects. Our learners then become more effective, more self-aware and more compassionate people.

Sue Larkey and Tony Attwood

Sue Larkey and Tony Attwood are well known for their professional development days for parents and teachers. They also offer e-learning and many resources to assist families in managing challenging behaviours. The following e-book has lots of strategies for all students, but especially children with ASD, ADD, ADHD, ODD and developmental delays.

https://suelarkey.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Early-Childhood-Free-E-Book-2019-compactv2.pdf

Additional needs/Sensory toys/Social & emotional skills resources

The Elizabeth Richards store has many items for children with additional needs including, social skills games, therapy swings, sensory items, calming items, hearing protectors, timers. We use many of these items at school.

https://www.elizabethrichards.com.au/collections/special-education