Emotional health the foundation of peer relations
Print Edition
Most educators today view a whole-child approach to learning as fundamental in preparing children for a well-balanced life. While academics form the body of formal education, social competencies constitute the heartbeat of healthy growth and development.
Since the mid-1990s, educators and school counselors have focused more attention on formalized programs to develop social and emotional competencies. Early elementary students typically learn to recognize and respond to a range of emotions in themselves and others. Upper elementary students explore concepts of empathy and compassionate responses to nonverbal clues. Middle school students identify stressors and motivators that affect performance, while high school students hone communication skills for negotiating problem solving.
Children who lack the ability to self-regulate emotions and behavior often impede their own learning and negatively impact peer relationships. When parents and teachers notice children disengaging or becoming aggressive, it presents an opportunity to check in on social learning. As adults we tend to instinctively focus on stopping the negative behaviors or quickly fixing the problem. However, simply listening, asking open-ended questions, acknowledging the mix of emotions without judgment, and reflecting together on response options boosts the child’s confidence while engaging them in a social learning opportunity.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
