Creating an emotionally intelligent classroom is a powerful tool for fostering a positive learning environment. As teachers and youth workers, we play a crucial role in not just imparting knowledge but also in nurturing the emotional well-being of our students. Here are five practical and engaging ways to infuse emotional intelligence into your classroom:

Self-Awareness: Emotional Check-Ins

The start of the day offers the perfect opportunity to seize moments of connection and incorporate what we call ‘emotional check-ins.’ Rituals like morning meetings are a great way to provide a safe place where students identify and share emotions they are feeling. Developing rituals helps students become more self-aware and cultivates an open and supportive atmosphere where everyone’s feelings are acknowledged.

Self-Management: Reset & Relax Strategies

Consider introducing students to various strategies that can help them “reset and relax.” Each month, incorporate a new method such as listening to music, dancing, exercising, practicing yoga, meditation, or engaging in calming activities like coloring or word searches. These practices can aid in promoting self-management skills and also provide students with a toolbox of coping mechanisms for handling stress.

Boost Students Self-Regulation Skills with Control Check

Use the Control Check Skill Builder poster to help students practice staying in control of their thoughts, words, and actions.

Responsible Decision-Making: Reflection Time

In the hustle and bustle of the day, it’s easy to overlook the importance of reflection. Try setting aside blocks of time for students to reflect on their choices. Encourage them to share good choices, mistakes, proud moments, or goals for improvement. This reflection routine can take various forms, from silent reflections to group share-alouds or maintaining reflection journals. No matter what form it takes, reflection benefits students by fostering feelings of accountability and self-awareness when making decisions.

Social Awareness: Lunch Dates

A great way to promote social awareness is by organizing weekly “lunch dates.” Challenge students to sit with someone new and provide a prompt for discussion. This simple practice helps students learn more about their peers and fosters a sense of community by breaking down social barriers. Interacting with different classmates gives students valuable insights into diverse perspectives.

Relationship Skills: Compliment Corner

Explore the idea of establishing a designated space in your classroom for students to use as a platform to express appreciation for one another. We call ours the “Compliment Corner.” Encourage kids to write compliments on sticky notes and post them on the wall or bulletin board. This act of giving praise to one another boosts morale and nurtures relationship-building skills, helping to build a positive and supportive classroom culture.

Incorporating these five strategies into your teaching routine can make a significant difference in building emotional intelligence within your classroom. By prioritizing these strategies, you’ll not only enhance your classroom culture, but also contribute to a more positive and enriching educational experience for your students.