Emotional Literacy

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL LITERACY?

Emotional Literacy is the term used to describe the ability to understand and express feelings.

Emotional Literacy involves having self-awareness and recognition of one’s own feelings and knowing how to manage them, such as the ability to stay calm when angered or to reassure oneself when in doubt. It includes empathy, i.e. having sensitivity to the feelings of other people and it has been said that emotionally literate people are able to employ self-discipline in order to harness their emotions and identify and reach their personal goals.

Emotional Literacy also includes being able to recognise and adapt to the feelings of other people, whilst at the same time, learning how to manage and express one’s own emotions effectively. This is helpful to developing good communication skills and the enhancement of our relationships with other people.

It is especially important that young children develop Emotional Literacy because they need to have a recognition of their emotions in order to know how to behave, mature and ultimately be happy.

WHY IS EMOTIONAL LITERACY IMPORTANT?

Society has increasingly been expressing concern over the social and emotional growth of children. This has even sometimes been said to be replacing the traditional emphasis placed on the cognitive and physical development of children. Psychological studies into behavioural disorders, learning difficulties and other aspects of normal development have shown Emotional Literacy to be important in promoting happiness and self satisfaction.

Having an ability to understand and express feelings improves a person’s self esteem. Evolutionary theory has suggested that we first developed having appropriate awareness of other people in order to aid the survival of human society. In the modern age, a person’s ability to empathise and cooperate with other people can translate into their social and economic success.

It has also been said that without relationship skills, a person’s social support and friendships can disappear. Therefore, recognition of the need for effective teamwork can make the development of Emotional Literacy as important as having technical competence.

Although the development of Emotional Literacy can be affected by a child’s disability or special educational needs or due to them having a behavioural or Anxiety Disorder, many people (as well as children) may have trouble expressing their emotions simply because they are not used to talking or thinking about their feelings or because they are afraid of social disapproval.

HOW CAN EMOTIONAL LITERACY BE DEVELOPED?

The first stage in developing Emotional Literacy is usually for a child to become comfortable exploring and discussing their feelings. Exercises to improve such expression can at first be as simple as making statements such as ‘I am happy’ or, ‘that makes me upset’. These can then be expanded upon and developed over time as the child’s confidence and competence grow.

Play Therapy has proven particularly effective in promoting Emotional Literacy since it may enable a child to develop expression of their feelings in their own way and at their own pace. This may be especially useful to children who have a Speech and Language Disorder or other troubles using conventional forms of communication.

It has been suggested that more educational and social care professionals should be trained in understanding and helping children develop Emotional Literacy through the use of activities which;

• Promote the child’s co-operation with others;
• Create situations for children with positive social interactions with other children/people which helps to build the child’s self esteem;
• Model effective social behaviour; and which
• Using hypothetical situations to encourage children to discuss how other people might be feeling.

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Although the information we have provided here is meant to be helpful to you, Douglas Silas Solicitors cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss caused by any inaccuracy or reliance placed upon it. If you have any concerns about your child, you should seek professional educational or healthcare advice as soon as possible.