Emotional literacy is the ability to express our emotions and feelings using speech and other forms of communication. It’s an important skill that children must develop from a young age to help establish a stable relationship with their own emotions.

Emotional literacy is a key aspect of emotional intelligence, which means our overall ability to deal with emotions. Emotional literacy focuses on how we communicate our feelings and how well we can read others’ emotions. Whilst some children will naturally be comfortable doing this, others might need more encouragement and support. Without emotional literacy, children will struggle to express their feelings appropriately and might be confused or alarmed by the emotions of others.

What is ELSA intervention?

There will always be children in schools facing life challenges that can detract from their ability to engage with learning, some require greater support than others to increase their emotional literacy. ELSA is an initiative designed and supported by Educational Psychologists. It recognises that children are happier and learn better if their emotional and social needs are being met. Our school ELSA Mrs Dunne and Mrs Howard-lanes, have received training from the Surrey Educational Psychologists to be able to deliver individual or group interventions to address the needs of our pupils.

The sessions are tailored to meet the individual needs of the child and the programme usually runs for 10-12 weeks. The session are fun and include activities like role-play, games, reading books, arts and craft and therapeutic activities such as mindfulness. ELSA sessions take place in The Hive which provides a calm and relaxing space where the children can explore their emotions and feelings in a safe and caring environment ensuring each child feels supported and nurtured.