Introduction
From the very day children are born, their emotional development begins. However, it is during the preschool years that kids start to understand and express complex feelings like anger, joy, fear, and empathy. One invaluable tool which can significantly aid this developmental process is the use of children's books. Using books as a learning resource can contribute immensely in nurturing our preschoolers’ emotional intelligence.
The Interconnection of Reading and Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence, as defined by psychologists, is the capacity to understand, control, and effectively communicate one's own feelings, as well as to engage and navigate well with the emotions of others. Just as we work to develop children's cognitive skills during the preschool years, it's equally crucial to foster their emotional intelligence.
Reading has a major part to play here. Books provide a safe, secure space where children can explore complex emotions and situations. They help children identify and name the emotions they're experiencing. But how exactly do children’s books cultivate emotional intelligence?
Recognizing Emotions and Empathy
Characters in children's books often portray a wide range of emotions. When reading together, parents and teachers can ask the child how the character might be feeling, thereby nurturing empathy. For instance, in 'The Kissing Hand' by Audrey Penn, the central character Chester Raccoon feels anxious about going to school. This presents an ideal opportunity for adults to talk about anxiety, fear, or separation with the child.
Modelling Emotional Speech
Children's books typically use simple, direct language to describe feelings, which makes them perfect resources for teaching children how to articulate their own feelings. For example, in 'When Sophie Gets Angry – Really, Really Angry' by Molly Bang, Sophie's feelings of anger are expressed explicitly. This demonstrates to a child how it is perfectly acceptable to describe their emotions.
Understanding and Managing Emotions
Books can also show children that it's okay to have strong feelings and provide strategies for managing those feelings. One such book is 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day' by Judith Viorst. Despite his bad day, Alexander learns that it's normal to have unpleasant experiences and feelings.
Conclusion
Children's books not only serve as means of entertainment or sources of education but also as powerful tools in shaping our children's emotional intelligence. Let's make reading an integral part of our preschoolers' routine and help them understand, appreciate and express their emotions in a healthy way.
Remember, a child who learns to navigate their emotions will turn into an adult who is competent at dealing with life's ups and downs. We can give our children no greater gift than the gift of emotional intelligence, and books are an excellent way to bestow that crucial gift.