Beyond ABCs: Teaching emotional intelligence in preschool

On par with academic skills in the formative years of childhood, emotional and social development are of immense importance. Rather than simply a set of alphabets and numbers, today’s preschools are geared toward not only building emotional intelligence and social skills for life but also toward lifelong success. This holistic approach is raising a generation of children who are not just smart but also empathetic and adept at traversing complex social landscapes.

Emotional intelligence can be simply defined as the ability to perceive and understand one’s emotions and those of others, and to use such awareness to direct thought and behavior. There are five basic elements to it: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. For young learners, understanding these different features of EI can result in better classroom behavior, enhanced communication, and improved conflict resolution.

According to Ms Nidhi Ghai, School Head, Apeejay Rhythms Kinderworld, Jalandhar, in preschool, emotional and social skills development is crucial for long-term success. “Children learn to recognise and manage emotions through activities like story time, role-playing, and mindfulness exercises, fostering resilience and empathy. Social skills like sharing, taking turns, and conflict resolution, are practiced through group games and collaborative tasks, promoting cooperation and effective communication,” she stated.

Strong emotional and social skills not only improve academic performance but also equip children with essential tools for lifelong problem-solving and relationship-building, she said. “Investing in these competencies during preschool sets the stage for a successful future,” Ms Ghai shared.

Methods of teaching emotional intelligence in preschool

Preschools use a great deal of educational methods to teach these essential skills. Some are role-playing and joint playing of games. Role-playing will help children to be more empathetic by putting themselves in someone else’s shoes and thus see things from a different perspective. Contrarily, in games played collectively, children will learn to become patient, wait for turns, and work together, all of which make for social skills.

Social Skills Development in Preschool

It also models social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and listening through play, which may be structured or unstructured. Structured play, led by teachers, involves group activities that require children to do things together to achieve a common outcome. In contrast, unstructured play provides the environment necessary for children to develop naturally occurring interactions with peers for skills such as these.

The preschools also use circle time, in which children and teachers sit around together to discuss various topics. This activity not only builds speaking skills but also tells the children that they need to listen to others as well; therefore, it develops a sense of community and respect for each other’s views.

Emphasis on the development of emotional and social spheres in preschool is more than a trend; it is an integral constituent of educating the whole child. With a strong foundation in these areas, preschools will be able to give children the tools necessary for succeeding during schooling years and beyond.