Abstract
This article explores the importance of emotional intelligence (EI) in the primary school setting and examines effective strategies teachers can use to develop EI in young learners. Emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions and those of others—is closely linked to academic achievement, classroom behavior, and social relationships. The paper outlines the core components of EI, including self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation, and presents practical, age-appropriate techniques for fostering these skills. It also emphasizes the teacher’s role in modeling emotional competence and creating a safe, inclusive classroom environment where students can thrive emotionally and academically.
References
1. Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
2. CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning). (2020). Core SEL Competencies. Retrieved from https://casel.org
3. Denham, S. A. (2006). “Social–emotional competence as support for school readiness: What is it and how do we assess it?” Early Education and Development, 17(1), 57–89.
4. Brackett, M. A., & Rivers, S. E. (2014). “Transforming Students’ Lives with Social and Emotional Learning.” International Handbook of Emotions in Education, Routledge.
5. Schonert-Reichl, K. A., & Hymel, S. (2007). “Educating the heart as well as the mind: Social and emotional learning for school and life success.” Education Canada, 47(2), 20–25.
6. Jennings, P. A., & Greenberg, M. T. (2009). “The prosocial classroom: Teacher social and emotional competence in relation to student and classroom outcomes.” Review of Educational Research, 79(1), 491–525.
7. OECD. (2021). Social and Emotional Skills: Well-being, Connectedness and Success. OECD Publishing.
8. Ministry of Preschool and School Education of Uzbekistan. (2023). Guidelines for Promoting Emotional and Social Development in Primary Schools.