In a world where academic achievement often overshadows emotional well-being, children also need to be supported in developing the essential skills needed for healthy relationships and personal growth. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) addresses this gap, and there are a wide range of resources available for parents, teachers or other professionals, from books, posters or games. For this post, we’ve put together a list especially for you of the Top 5 books on emotional intelligence for children in 2024 – all carefully designed to help develop social and emotional skills in children, helping foster emotional awareness and well-being. Whether at home or in the classroom, these books are fantastic resources for raising emotionally resilient children.
Understanding Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Traditionally, educational systems have prioritized academic achievements and dedicated little classroom time or interest to the emotional and social development that is crucial for a child’s overall well-being. However, over the last few years, we as a society have become far more aware of the importance of protecting and nurturing children’s mental health. Many children struggle with issues like anxiety, low-self esteem or difficulties interacting with peers. It’s very hard to see this as an adult, but there are things we can do to support them. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) aims to provide children and their grown-ups with the tools they need to understand their emotions, build positive relationships, and make thoughtful decisions. One of the very best ways to include SEL in the household or equally the classroom and of course to start up those all important conversations about feelings and how the child is doing in their day-to-day life is reading. Through joint reading of thoughtfully crafted SEL books can help support children’s emotional growth and development and foster greater well-being.
Criteria for Selecting the Top 5 Books
For making our selection of top books on emotional intelligence for children in 2024, we looked at several key aspects of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and children’s emotional and social development needs.
- Educational Value: The books selected were chosen for their ability to teach fundamental SEL concepts such as emotional awareness, empathy, and conflict resolution. Each book was evaluated for how well it conveys these important lessons in a way that is accessible and engaging for children.
- Age Appropriateness: It’s crucial that the content of these books aligns with the developmental stages of their intended age groups. The selected books cater to various age ranges, ensuring that the lessons in emotional intelligence are both relevant and understandable for the children reading them.
- Diversity of Perspectives: Emotional intelligence and social skills are best learned through a variety of contexts and perspectives. The books were chosen to represent diverse characters, cultures, and situations, providing children with a broad understanding of different emotional and social experiences.
- Interactive and Engaging Content: For children to truly absorb SEL concepts, the books must be captivating and interactive. The selected books feature engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and activities or discussion prompts that encourage children to think critically about their emotions and relationships.
- Positive Reviews and Recommendations: The books were also selected based on positive reviews from educators, parents, and experts in child development. Books that have been well-received by those who work closely with children are more likely to be effective tools for teaching SEL.
Top 5 Books on Emotional Intelligence for Children in 2024
Introducing your child to emotional intelligence early on is essential for their growth and development. Below are the Top 5 books on emotional intelligence for children in 2024 that are carefully selected to enhance their Social Emotional Learning (SEL) journey.
- Emotional Regulation and Wellbeing Workbook: Social Emotional Learning for Kids by Catherine Stephenson and Jenny Stephenson, Illustrated by Hiruni Kariyawasam
- This book stands out as a comprehensive guide for helping children understand and articulate their emotions. Through engaging activities and interactive lessons, it teaches kids how to identify, express, and manage their feelings in healthy ways. With a focus on emotional literacy, this workbook is a must-have for parents and educators who want to foster emotional intelligence in children from an early age.
- Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child: The Heart of Parenting by John Gottman
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- A classic in the field, this book is invaluable for parents who want to nurture emotional intelligence in their children. Although it’s directed towards parents, the strategies discussed can be applied directly to children’s everyday experiences. Gottman’s approach emphasizes the importance of emotional coaching and how parents can guide their children to understand and manage their emotions effectively.
- The Brain Colouring Book by Maria Zamfir and Marion Van Horn
- This unique book combines the fun of coloring with educational insights into how the brain processes emotions. It’s an excellent tool for kids to learn about their brains and how different parts control their feelings and reactions. The interactive nature of the book makes it an enjoyable and informative resource for children, blending creativity with learning.
- I Don’t Want to Be Quiet! by Laura Ellen Anderson
- This delightful storybook is perfect for children who struggle with understanding when and how to express their emotions appropriately. The protagonist’s journey from being loud to learning when to be quiet and thoughtful is relatable for many kids. It teaches the importance of self-regulation and understanding the impact of our emotions on others, all through a charming narrative.
- All About Feelings by Felicity Brooks and Frankie Allen
- This book is an excellent introduction to emotions for younger children. It explains a wide range of feelings in a simple and accessible way, making it ideal for preschoolers and early elementary students. The illustrations are engaging, and the content is designed to help children recognize and discuss their emotions, which is a crucial step in developing emotional intelligence.
These books provide a diverse and comprehensive approach to fostering emotional intelligence in children, making them essential reads for parents, educators, and caregivers who are committed to supporting the emotional and social development of the next generation.
How to Integrate These Books into Your Child’s Routine
Even if the benefits of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) are clear, it can be difficult to know where to start in terms of how to use SEL books or even apply these concepts to a child’s daily life. Check out these practical but effective ways to incorporate SEL ideas in children’s routine, fostering emotional growth in a natural and meaningful way.
1. Create a Cozy Reading Ritual
- Set aside a special time each day to snuggle up with your child and dive into one of these books. Whether it’s part of your bedtime routine or a quiet moment after school, this regular reading time becomes a comforting ritual. It’s not just about the stories; it’s about the connection you build with your child as you explore emotions together.
2. Talk About Feelings Together
- After reading, take a few minutes to talk about what you’ve just read. Ask gentle questions like, “How do you think the character felt?” or “Has anything like that ever happened to you?” These conversations help your child open up about their own feelings in a safe and loving environment. It’s through these chats that they start to understand their own emotions better.
3. Make It Fun (and Memorable) with Activities
- Make it hands-on and fun by doing SEL activitiesr. Look out for books with interactive activities or resources, which, besides being fun, help children internalize what they’re learning. Or make up your own based on the stories!
4. Relate the Stories to Real Life
- Look for opportunities throughout the day to connect the lessons from these books to your child’s own experiences. If they’ve learned about dealing with frustration in All About Feelings, encourage them to use those strategies the next time they’re upset. This helps them see how the skills they’re learning can make a difference in their everyday lives.
5. Reflect and Revisit
- Emotional intelligence isn’t something that’s learned overnight. It’s a journey. Revisit these books from time to time, and talk about how your child’s understanding of certain feelings has changed. Reflecting on past readings can lead to some truly insightful conversations and help your child see their own growth.
6. Get the Whole Family Involved
- Emotional learning works best when everyone’s on board. Involve siblings and other family members in your reading time. Discuss the stories together and share how each of you might handle the emotions the characters experience. This not only strengthens your child’s emotional skills but also fosters empathy and understanding throughout the family.
Gently incorporating these books into your daily routine does more than just teach your child about emotions—it nurtures a deeper connection between you and supports their emotional growth in a loving, thoughtful manner. These small, consistent efforts are what will help your child develop the emotional intelligence they need to navigate life’s ups and downs. And remember, this is a journey you’re both embarking on together.
We’ve explored the Top 5 books on emotional intelligence for children in 2024, each selected to support your child’s Social Emotional Learning (SEL). These books offer valuable lessons on understanding and managing emotions, building empathy, and fostering healthy relationships. By incorporating these resources into your child’s daily routine, you’re laying the foundation for their lifelong emotional and social success. Nurturing emotional intelligence from a young age is a gift that will benefit them throughout their lives.
