Emotional Literacy ― Supporting Emotional Health and Wellbeing in School

One of the five books in the Mental Health and Wellbeing Toolkit, this practical resource focuses on the topic of ‘Emotional Literacy’ and how to support children and young people on a journey of self-discovery where they learn to recognise, understand, share and manage a range of emotions. Promoting a proactive rather than a reactive approach to dealing with the social and emotional aspects of learning and managing the world of today, Emotional Literacy addresses the increasing number of mental health issues arising among young people.

Chapters span key topics including Recognising Emotions, Understanding Emotions, Self-Regulation and Empathy. A complete toolkit for teachers and counsellors, this book offers:

• Easy to follow, and flexible, lesson plans that can be adapted and personalised for use in lessons or smaller groups or 1:1 work.
• Resources that are linked to the PSHE and Wellbeing curriculum for KS1, KS2 and KS3
• New research, ‘Circles for Learning’, where the introduction of baby observation into the classroom by a teacher is used to understand and develop self-awareness, skills for learning, relationships, neuroscience and awareness of others.
• Sections on the development of key skills in communication, skills for learning, collaboration, empathy and self-confidence.
• Learning links, learning objectives and reflection questions.

Offering research-driven, practical strategies and lesson plans, Emotional Literacy is an essential resource book for educators and health professionals looking to have a positive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of the children in their care; both now and in the future.

Alison Waterhouse has worked in mainstream, special education and the independent sector for the past 30 years, specialising in working with children with AEN including mental health and Wellbeing. She has set up and developed an Independent Therapeutic Special School; and developed a role as Teacher in Charge of the Social and Emotional Wellbeing of the Whole School Community.

She now works as an Independent Educational Consultant for SEN and Wellbeing, is involved in staff training; and has her own Educational Psychotherapy practice. Alison works with children who are referred due to difficulties with self esteem, anger, anxiety, depression and other special learning differences or mental health needs.

Alison is developing the Circles for Learning project in schools and has already undertaken a Primary Research Project and is now working on a secondary research project. The resources were put together to support staff with these projects.