Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood Education

Emotional intelligence refers to a set of skills related to monitoring one\u27s own emotions. Previous research has shown that children with higher emotional intelligence are more engaged in school, better able to pay attention, and have more positive relationships with peers and teachers. Studies show that when teachers intentionally support students\u27 social and emotional learning, it can help improve students\u27 well-being; however, not every teacher implements strategies that can help to regulate students\u27 emotions. The purpose of this study is to describe how explicit instruction helps students explain their emotions and increase positive interactions. This study was conducted in a first-grade classroom. Data sources include anecdotal records developed from observation of students during the reading block, behavior calendars, weekly progress reports, and recordings of students practicing these strategies to illustrate how they evolve over time. I expect to find that the students will be able to engage more successfully in learning. Explicitly fostering students\u27 emotional intelligence benefits students not only in first grade but in the rest of their lives while they continue to grow and are exposed to different types of social situations