Let's Talk About Emotional Intelligence in Preschool Education

We are living in an era in which much is said about the intelligences or skills we possess as human beings. However, it is not always clear or evident what these concepts entail. Instead of creating an explanatory document about these scientific discoveries and how the brain works, we would rather take it step by step, discussing some of them and how we acquire or develop them.

Today, we want to address the topic of emotional intelligence and how we foster it in preschool education. We hope that in these short lines, we can share a bit of what we need to know to support our little ones, hand in hand, step by step.

Do you sometimes wonder what is going through your child’s mind when they throw a tantrum, laugh uncontrollably, or cry because something scares them? There are moments when, as parents, we wish to better understand their emotions to support them. This is where emotional intelligence comes into play, and home and your child's preschool are the perfect places to start developing it.

What Is Emotional Intelligence and Why Does It Matter in Childhood?

According to Daniel Goleman, psychologist and author of the book ‘Emotional Intelligence’(1995), it is “the ability to recognize and manage our own emotions, as well as to understand and handle the emotions of others. This includes skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills.”

We understand, then, that emotional intelligence is much more than controlling a tantrum; it is a skill that is built throughout life but begins in childhood. Therefore, working on it is crucial from early childhood because it lays the foundation for their self-esteem, relationships, and future success.

How Preschool Education Supports Emotional Intelligence

Guiding Children Through Everyday Emotions

In preschools, teachers naturally foster emotional intelligence. Every activity is designed to teach children how to identify and manage their emotions. For example, when a child feels frustrated because they cannot complete a puzzle, the teacher doesn’t just say, “Try again.” Instead, they guide the child with questions like, “How does this make you feel?” and show them how to take deep breaths, calm down, and move forward instead of solving the problem for them.

Empathy and Connection Through Play

Through collaborative games, stories, and songs, children also learn to put themselves in someone else’s shoes. When they see a peer who is sad, they discover ways to comfort or help them. This learning not only enhances their empathy but also creates an environment where everyone feels valued and understood.

Emotionally Safe Learning Environments

Moreover, there are preschools designed to be emotionally safe. There are quiet corners for reflection, play areas that encourage sharing, and teachers who model how to manage their own emotions. This environment allows children to explore their feelings and learn that all emotions, even the difficult ones, are valid.

Benefits of Developing Emotional Intelligence from Early Childhood

Here are some of the significant benefits of fostering emotional intelligence from early childhood:

• Healthy Relationships: Children who learn to manage their emotions from a young age develop stronger and deeper friendships.

• Greater Resilience: By understanding that challenges are a part of life, they know how to face them calmly and confidently.

• Academic and Personal Success: An emotionally intelligent child is better able to focus, solve problems, and make decisions.

The Joint Role of Parents and Teachers

When parents and teachers work together to foster emotional intelligence at this stage, they equip children with tools they will use for a lifetime. They learn that no matter how big the challenge, they will have the ability to face it with calmness, empathy, and resilience.

Curious about how we at ABCnMe nurture emotional intelligence from early childhood? Schedule a visit and discover our holistic educational approach!