Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor. ―Thích Nhất Hạnh, Zen Buddhist monk, author, and teacher
Research has proven that children’s social competence is vital to their lifelong success. Part of social competency is learning to identify and regulate feelings. Giving children words for feelings—emotional literacy—is as important as learning to read a book. These three words, “You feel strongly,” used when someone is in the middle of a meltdown, can be emotionally cathartic. They reflect to the child her inner emotional reality, which helps as she learns to connect with her feelings. Also, “You feel strongly” respects a child’s right to define her own emotional experience. “You’re feeling sad,” or “You’re really angry,” while possibly accurate, short-circuits the child’s chance to learn how she feels.
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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