Emotional Intelligence

Children are amazing! They exhibit such a full range of emotions, and often in a very short period of time. It's a wonder to watch young children, and their freedom when they express themselves. As we grow, however, we become less expressive, and often unable to put words to how we are feeling. There's no doubt in my mind that children (and future adults) would benefit greatly  from learning Emotional Intelligence.

One of my favorite Sociology professors from UC Santa Barbara, Dr. Thomas Scheff, makes a convincing case for adding "Emotional Education" to the K-12 curriculum. "There is a way of teaching emotions," Scheff says," and I think it's necessary for our personal lives, as a mass, as a nation, to start working on it.

Here are some of Creative Learning Studio's favorite book picks to help your child feel comfortable with their feelings, and to help teach them "Emotional Intelligence".

1.     Feelings - Aliki 

2.     When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, really Angry - by Molly Bang

3.     Mean Soup – Betsy Everitt

4.     Today I Feel Silly – Jamie Lee Curtis

5.     Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day – Judith Viorst

6.     Story of My Feelings – Laurie Berkner

7.     Tough Boris – Mem Fox

8.     The Runaway Bunny – Margaret Wise Brown

Enjoy!