Emotional Literacy Transforming Relationships West Dunbarton Dr Elizabeth Morris

Emotional Intelligence An intelligent use of emotions? Emotions as a form of intelligence?

Emotional Literacy - Definition - Recognising, understanding, appropriately expressing and effectively handling emotional states in ourselves and others. SEL 2001

Introducing Emotional Literacy What is it and why is it important Strong, positive impact on students and staff - Enhancement of personal and interpersonal skills - Creation of emotionally literate relationships and learning - Development of a socially / emotionally responsive community

‘Terminology’ Emotional intelligence – our potential to be aware of and manage emotional states Emotional literacy – the practice of doing this. Emotional intelligence in action. Social and emotional competence – the skills, attitudes and behavioural indicators of emotional intelligence Emotional wellbeing – emotional health and resilience…….

Curriculum for Excellence Successful learners Confident individuals Responsible citizens Effective contributors.

Successful Learners Enthusiasm and motivation for learning Determination to reach high standards of achievement Openness to new thinking and ideas              and able to: Use literacy, communication and numeracy skills Use technology for learning Think creatively and independently Learn independently and as part of a group Make reasoned evaluations Link and apply different kinds of learning in new situations.             

Confident individuals Self-respect A sense of physical, mental and emotional well-being Secure values and beliefs Ambition and able to relate to others and manage themselves Pursue a healthy and active lifestyle Be self-aware Develop and communicate their own beliefs and view of the world Live as independently as they can Assess risk and make informed decisions Achieve success in different areas of activity

Responsible Citizens Respect for others Commitment to participate responsibly in political, economic, social and cultural life              and able to: Develop knowledge and understanding of the world and Scotland's place in it Understand different beliefs and cultures Make informed choices and decisions Evaluate environmental, scientific and technological issues Develop informed, ethical views of complex issues.              Responsible Citizens

Effective Contributors with: An enterprising attitude Resilience Self-reliance               and able to: Communicate in different ways and in different settings Work in partnership and in teams Take the initiative and lead Apply critical thinking in new contexts Create and develop Solve problems

Where has it come from? Interdisciplinary foundations – social sciences, psychology, clinical work……. Brain research - Neurology Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) Educational research Psychotherapeutic and psychiatric research Social and cognitive psychology

3 things that develop a child’s brain into a learning tool that lasts a lifetime Enriched Emotional Environment Enriched Physical Environment Moderate Stress

Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences 1.  Linguistic - talking/listening – politician, author   2.  Logical-mathematical – balance check book – scientist, actuary 3.  Spatial – decorating house – artist/architect 4.  Musical – enjoy listening to radio – DJ/diva 5.  Bodily-kinaesthetic - - unscrew jars - athlete 6.  Intrapersonal – reflecting on life - counsellors 7. Interpersonal – responding to friend – TV interviewer Naturalist – noticing the seasons change – Environmental scientist 9? Spiritual/existential – awareness of relationship with unknown higher dimension

Model framework for Emotional Literacy Intrapersonal intelligence Interpersonal intelligence Self-awareness Other awareness Self-management Relationship management

caught Emotional Literacy taught

You are doing it already…. Circle time Philosophy for children PSE Citizenship Good T&L Assessment is for Learning Accelerated learning/brain based learning Multiple intelligences

Does it link with other initiatives we have used in schools? Jenny Mosley’s Circletime Steps to Excellence Investors in People The Learning Game Solution focused approach Restorative Justice Accelerated Learning Coaching Critical Skills programmes ….

What is in a good EL development session? Children experience security and fun Session is non-judgemental and focused on exploring and experimenting Content is made meaningful for each child Active listening is practiced the majority of the time

Continued… All adults model emotional literacy in the way to talk, interact and manage their energy and emotions Clarity about lesson aims Welcoming (emotional) and comfortable (physical) environment

4 steps to successful implementation in your school Do a readiness audit Develop emotionally literate leadership Appoint a coordinator Use a curriculum to supplement

PERFORMANCE = Potential - Interference P = p - i PERFORMANCE = Potential - Interference Source: Timothy Gallwey "The Inner Game ... "

Model of Emotional Literacy Intrapersonal Intelligence Interpersonal Intelligence Self awareness Other awareness Self management Relationship management

Emotional Intelligence is not Navel Gazing Liking Everyone Just Being Nice IQ Personality Competencies Letting it all Hang Out

How does how we handle emotions hinder us? Stress Distractions Feeling Bad Irrationality Negative Patterns Emotional Hijacks Sleep

How does how we handle emotions help us? Make decisions Instincts: fear Em memory Intuition Aliveness ‘Flow’ Motivation Indicate our Beliefs Focus attention Guide our thoughts/ decisions Wants, Likes and Needs Feeling Good

School of Emotional Literacy 4/1 Primary One, Davie Street Edinburgh EH8 9EB Tel: 01453 549010 Fax: 01453 549008 www.schoolofemotional-literacy.com info@schoolofemotional-literacy.com