This chapter explores what we understand about emotions and how they may affect the way we live and interact with others.

Within this chapter we look at the term Emotional Literacy (EL). Where it came from and how it has developed over time. It explores the 4 branches of EL. This chapter also looks at the introduction of Character Education introduced by the Government in 2015 and the impact this has had in schools on supporting EL in their children and young people.

This chapter explores the symbiotic relationship between learning and emotions. It looks at how both affect each other within the learning process. It goes on to explore how helping children think about the learning process can be helpful in managing their emotions and achieving greater success in learning.

Within this chapter we explore the school environment as a dynamic system and how its many parts can influence children and young people's understanding of Emotional Literacy (EL).  The chapter also explores how schools have supported the development of EL over the past 20 years and shares good practice.

This chapter identifies and explores emotional competencies and how to support children and young people (CYP) to develop or strengthen them within the school environment. It looks at how our past and present work together to generate emotions. The chapter supports the development of skills and strategies when working with CYP helping them to manage the emotions they experience in a positive way.

This chapter explores the research around Emotional Literacy and a variety of work undertaken within schools to support children. 

Within this chapter we explore emotional regulation and how schools can support CYP develop this skills and therefore managing their emotions in a positive way. This chapter also looks at emotional dysregulation and the impact this can have on behaviour. The links between our thoughts actions and emotions are explored and how these can influence behaviour within the school environment.

This chapter looks at the impact our own Emotional Literacy can have on the work we do and highlights good practice. It also explores the link between managing emotions and learning.

Within this chapter, we explore the impact of emotions on learning in greater detail. Defence mechanisms and their link to behaviour are discussed and ways of managing these within the classroom shared.

This chapter looks at Emotional Coaching as a strategy to support CYP. It demonstrates the importance of effective relationships in building a strong working relationship with CYP and how this then supports them to manage challenging feelings and experiences.

A Whole School Approach to Emotional Literacy

Within this final chapter, we looks at how Emotional Literacy (EL) can be supported and developed using a whole school approach.  Key areas are identified that support the positive development of EL across a the whole school environment.

A selection of personal and school-related tasks to help you put into practice the topics that you have covered throughout the course.

Let's Talk about Emotions