
The development of emotional intelligence is very important at every educational stage. Not only do we work daily in the classroom, but we also advise and help families. That is why acquiring these emotional competencies prepares children for life. In addition, it allows them to be alert to prevent possible social dangers not only in the school environment but also outside of school. So, what activities and strategies promote emotional intelligence with the International Baccalaureate at Casvi International American School?
Working on emotions with children is essential. If we educate and work with emotional intelligence, we will achieve that the students know how to identify each of the emotions. And, above all, know which of them appears in each situation.
Some of the examples that allow the development of emotional intelligence at Casvi International American School are:
At Casvi International American School we work on emotional intelligence in two scenarios. On the one hand, with the learning experiences previously planned in the International Baccalaureate inquiries. On the other hand, in any unexpected situation. Besides, this last situation is ideal to work with a particular student or to create group dynamics.
2. Through play
Play has a very important role in the development of emotional intelligence. In fact, it is a way to boost students’ learning and also to develop their skills and abilities.
3. With reading
Emotional training can also be developed with stories. It is a way for children to understand basic emotions because they empathize with the protagonist and discover different emotional experiences.
4. Through dialogue
Many opportunities are created to talk about our feelings and those of our classmates.
5. With active listening
By actively listening, we can know how others feel and make them understand the feeling of empathy.
6. We name what we feel and think why.
We learn to identify each of the emotions. As described by psychologist Paul Ekman, there are six basic emotions: joy, anger, disgust, fear, surprise and sadness. Also, by working on them, students realize that there are no good or bad emotions, but that they all tell us something and we must listen to them.
When an emotion is identified, it is necessary to work on it. Thus, at Casvi International American School we offer our students different strategies and behavior alternatives. This will allow the children to begin to be aware of the different emotions and, moreover, be able to make better decisions.
Surprise is the shortest emotion, because we have to be surprised until we know what we are surprised about. It is always something unexpected.
– Improves self-awareness
– Helps to understand what is going on around them
– Improves students’ decision making
– Helps in relationships between children
– Helps regulate feelings of anger or frustration.
– Children are able to put themselves in the other’s place.