As an educator who has walked the halls as both a teacher and principal, I’ve seen firsthand how vital emotional literacy is for the children in our care. In 2025, education is no longer solely about preparing children academically, it’s just as much about nurturing the whole child. At the heart of this shift lies emotional literacy: a skillset that empowers children to understand, express, and regulate their emotions.
If you’ve ever struggled to connect with a withdrawn student or felt the ripple effect of a single meltdown in your classroom, you know this truth: emotions are always present in the learning environment. When we equip children with the tools to navigate their feelings, we’re not just teaching them to cope; we’re empowering them to thrive. Emotional literacy is the key to unlocking their potential and ours as educators.
At its core, emotional literacy is about recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions, our own and others.
Here’s what it looks like in action:
Here’s what it could look like in action:
As educators we’ve seen how much stress or difficult experiences can affect a child’s ability to learn and grow. If a child doesn’t feel safe or listened to, it’s hard for them to focus or join in. Helping children learn about their feelings, what we call emotional literacy, gives them the tools to understand and share how they’re feeling, which is so important for their happiness and learning.
For example, teaching a child to say, “I feel stuck,” when they’re frustrated can stop them from getting upset or acting out. It’s like giving them a way to understand themselves and the world better. These early skills help them build good relationships and enjoy learning as they grow.
I know adding “one more thing” can feel overwhelming. But teaching emotional literacy doesn’t mean a whole new curriculum; it means weaving it into what we already do.
Here’s how we can start:
Books on Emotional Literacy for Ages 2–6
Building emotional literacy takes time and intention, but there are fantastic resources to guide us. Here are some of my favorites:
Teaching emotional literacy isn’t just about helping students—it’s about transforming our practice as educators. When we understand our own emotional triggers and learn to respond calmly, we create a classroom environment where everyone feels seen and valued.
As educators, we’re not just teaching lessons; we’re shaping lives. Emotional literacy is our opportunity to leave a legacy of empathy, resilience, and connection.
Let’s make 2025 the year we prioritize what truly matters, giving children the tools not just to learn, but to thrive. Together, we can redefine what success looks like in education: confident, emotionally intelligent learners who are ready to take on the world.
Emotional literacy is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity for the modern world. By understanding and managing emotions, students become more resilient, empathetic, and capable of thriving in life and work. From improving mental health to fostering collaboration, emotional literacy is the cornerstone of a brighter future.
The educational landscape in 2025 is shifting, and emotional literacy is leading the charge. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or policymaker, embracing emotional literacy can transform lives. Together, let’s create a world where every child is equipped not just with knowledge but with the emotional tools to succeed. After all, when we teach kids to understand their hearts, we empower them to change the world.