Bringing Wellbeing into the Classroom
In today’s fast-paced world, children face increasing emotional and social challenges. As teachers and parents, we have a unique opportunity to create environments that nurture emotional intelligence, helping children recognize, understand, and manage their emotions. By incorporating simple wellbeing activities into the home and classroom, we can equip children with the skills they need to build resilience, develop empathy, and handle life’s ups and downs with confidence.
Why Emotional Intelligence Matters
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage emotions in oneself and others. Research shows that children with higher EQ:
Have better relationships with peers and adults
Perform better academically
Experience lower levels of stress and anxiety
Make healthier life choices
Fortunately, emotional intelligence isn’t something children either have or don’t have, it can be taught and strengthened with practice.
Easy Activities to Build EQ in the Classroom
1. Feelings Check-In
Purpose: Helps children develop emotional awareness and vocabulary.
How to do it:
Create a “Feelings Board” with different emotions displayed (happy, sad, frustrated, excited, bored, worried etc.).
At the start of the day, ask each child to use simple gestures to express their current emotion:
o Thumbs Up: I'm happy, excited etc
o Thumbs Down: I'm sad, bored, worried etc
o Thumbs Sideways: I'm okay.
Encourage children who feel comfortable to share the emotion they are feeling and why they feel that way.
Acknowledge and validate each child's feelings with supportive comments, emphasizing that all feelings are welcome and important.
Conclude the check-in by briefly discussing that understanding how we feel helps us learn better and take care of ourselves throughout the day.
Labeling emotions helps calm intense emotions more quickly by lowering activity in the amygdala.
2. Five-Finger Breathing
Purpose:
Helps children start their day with calm and focus by using mindful breathing. By tracing their fingers while inhaling and exhaling slowly, children learn to regulate their breathing, reduce stress, and set a positive tone for the day.
How to do it:
Have the children sit in a circle or at their desks, ensuring they have enough space to extend one hand.
Ask each child to raise one hand and spread their fingers wide so that they have a clear outline to trace.
Tell the children that they will use their index finger as a guide. They should trace along the side of their hand slowly and deliberately.
o Inhale: As they trace upward along the outside of their thumb to the tip of the index finger, they should take a slow, deep breath in.
o Exhale: As they trace downward along the same finger back to the starting point, they should exhale slowly.
o Repeat: Once they finish one finger, move to the next finger, continuing this pattern for all five fingers. Encourage them to repeat the exercise 2-3 times.
Conclude the check-in by briefly discussing how the practice helps to calm intense emotions by lowering activity in the amygdala, allowing the mind to settle and prepare for a focused day of learning.
This simple, tactile routine not only brings a sense of calm to the classroom but also teaches valuable skills for emotional self-regulation that children can carry with them throughout life.
3. Gratitude Circle
Objective:
The Gratitude Circle is designed to start the day on a positive note by fostering gratitude, enhancing emotional wellbeing, and building a sense of community within the classroom.
How to Do It:
Have all the children sit in a circle so everyone can see and hear each other clearly.
Explain that the Gratitude Circle is a special time to reflect on something positive in their lives. Emphasize that there are no right or wrong answers, just a chance to share something that makes them feel thankful.
Invite each child to share one thing they are grateful for. This could be as simple as a favourite toy, a kind friend, or a fun experience from the previous day. Optionally, encourage them to share a short reason why they feel grateful about it.
Remind everyone to listen respectfully while each person speaks, reinforcing the value of each other's experiences and perspectives.
Model the practice by starting with your own example. Share something you are grateful for, setting a warm and open tone for the session.
Conclude by thanking everyone for sharing. Highlight common themes or positive sentiments expressed during the circle, and encourage the children to carry that sense of gratitude with them throughout the day.
The Gratitude Circle is a simple yet powerful routine that not only cultivates a positive atmosphere but also equips children with a lifelong tool for emotional wellbeing.
4. Emotion Stories & Role-Playing
Purpose: Helps children recognize and understand different emotions in themselves and others.
How to do it:
Read books or short stories featuring characters experiencing strong emotions.
Pause to discuss: “How do you think this character is feeling?” “What would you do in their situation?”
Act out different scenarios (e.g., a friend feeling left out, managing frustration, receiving a compliment) to practice empathy and appropriate responses.
5. Kindness Jar
Purpose: Reinforces positive social interactions and emotional connection.
How to do it:
Place a jar in the classroom where children can write and drop in notes recognizing acts of kindness they witnessed.
At the end of the week, read a few notes aloud to celebrate acts of kindness.
This fosters a culture of support, appreciation, and belonging.
Final Thoughts
Bringing wellbeing into the classroom doesn’t require drastic changes, small, intentional activities can make a big impact on children’s emotional intelligence.
By fostering emotional awareness, teaching self-soothing strategies, and encouraging kindness, we give children the tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and empathy.
The more we integrate these practices into daily routines, the more resilient and emotionally intelligent our children will become.
