Emotional literacy
Emotional literacy is the ability to understand ourselves and others and to be aware of, understand and to use information about the emotional states of others with competence. It includes the ability to understand, express and manage our own emotions, and respond to the emotions of others, in ways that are helpful to ourselves and others.
Katherine Weare, Developing the Emotionally Literate School, Paul Chapman 2004
Developing the social and emotional competence of children and young people leads to improved well-being, self-esteem, pro-social behaviour and higher achievement. The environments that encourage emotional and social competence are, firstly, an enriched physical environment, and secondly, an enriched emotional environment.
What is emotional literacy?
The various aspects of emotional literacy as outlined by Katherine Weare in her book 'Developing the Emotionally Literate School' are given here.
Self understanding:
- having an accurate and positive view of ourselves
- having a sense of optimism about the world and ourselves
- having a coherent and continuous life story.
Understanding and managing emotions:
- experiencing the whole range of emotions
- understanding the causes of our emotions
- expressing our emotions appropriately
- managing our responses to our emotions effectively, for example managing our anger, controlling our impulses
- knowing how to feel good more often and for longer
- using information about emotions to plan and solve problems
- resilience – processing and bouncing back from, difficult experiences.
Understanding social situations and making relationships:
- forming attachments to other people
- experiencing empathy for others
- communicating and responding effectively to others
- managing our relationships effectively
- being autonomous, independent and self-reliant.
What can families do?
You can help your child to develop emotional literacy by:
- discussing feelings and emotions
- helping your child learn to express feelings
- helping your child to deal with responses to emotions – for example, to manage anger, or to control impulses
- helping your child to understand and consider the feelings of others
- building your child's confidence and self-esteem.
Useful resource
Weare, K, 'Developing the Emotionally Literate School', London: Paul Chapman Publishing, 2004
Useful links
Quality Circle Time
Website hosted by Jenny Mosley Consultancies, offering information and advice on using circle time in schools; includes an online shop for circle time resources and details of training courses.
School of Emotional Literacy
Resources, training, research and consultancy on emotional literacy.
Consortium for Research on Emotional Intelligence in Organisations
Information, reports and resources on emotional intelligence, including work by Dr Daniel Goleman.
Antidote
The Campaign for Emotional Literacy website, offering advice, case studies and details of conferences and training opportunities.
