How Emotions Affect Learning

As parents, we all want the best for our children. We want them to do well in school, make friends easily, and grow into confident, happy adults. But there's one factor, the importance of which can often get overlooked: emotions.

How our kids feel can really impact how they learn and develop.

Studies, like this one from the Educational Endowment Fund, show that social and emotional learning (SEL) approaches can lead to an average of 4 months’ additional progress in academic outcomes over the course of an academic year - we need to pay attention to how our children are feeling and why.

Understanding and managing emotions is vital for a child's learning process and overall development: when children learn to recognise and deal with their feelings, they're better equipped to handle the ups and downs of school life and beyond.

The Importance of Emotional Literacy

Emotional literacy is the ability to recognise, name, and express feelings.

We love this resource from the National Council for Special Education (free to download) that gives helpful advice for supporting your child in emotional literacy.

For children, especially those aged 7-16, learning to understand their feelings is really important because when children can figure out what they're feeling, they can handle their emotions better, which leads to better outcomes in their learning.

This is what My Primary & Secondary Tutor's Emotions First program focuses on - teaching children about their emotions, helping them build a strong foundation for understanding and managing their feelings.

Exploring the Reasons Behind Emotions

While vital in supporting our child's emotional literacy, recognising emotions is just the first step. It's equally important to explore why they are feeling these emotions. For example, feeling anxious before a test or frustrated with tough homework.

Here are some ways you can support your child to identify the 'why' behind their emotions:

Talk to Your Child: Listen without interrupting: ask them how they feel and why.
Create a Calm Space: Make a quiet area at home where your child can relax and reflect on their feelings.
Be curious without judgement or presumption: Ask questions like, "What made you feel this way?" or "Can you tell me more about what happened?"

This insight is crucial for creating a positive learning environment where children feel supported and understood. By exploring the reasons behind emotions, we can better help our kids manage their feelings and succeed in school.

At My Primary & Secondary Tutor, we go beyond just recognising emotions. We help children and parents understand how these feelings affect their daily lives.

Practical Solutions for Managing Emotions

Once children are able to recognise and understand their emotions, the next step is learning how to manage them in a positive way. The Emotions First program gives children practical tools and strategies to handle their feelings. For example, deep breathing exercises can help calm anxiety, and positive self-talk can boost confidence.

These skills help children face challenges with resilience, enabling them to thrive both in school and in their personal lives.

For more practical tips on helping your child manage their emotions, check out this free resource from Action for Children, "How can I help my child deal with their emotions".

Building Confidence and a Positive Mindset

When children learn to manage their emotions effectively, they build confidence and develop a positive mindset about themselves and their learning journey. This change can be incredible. A child who believes in their abilities is more likely to participate actively in class, tackle difficult subjects, and achieve academic success.

Emotions First helps children believe in themselves, setting them on a path to greatness.

The Role of Emotions in Learning

Emotions play a crucial role in learning because they directly impact how children absorb and process information. A child who is anxious or stressed may find it hard to concentrate or remember information. On the other hand, a child who feels emotionally secure and supported is more likely to engage in learning actively and effectively. Emotions affect motivation, attention, and memory – all key parts of the learning process.

In summary, understanding and managing emotions is essential for a child's learning and overall development. By prioritising emotional literacy, exploring the reasons behind emotions, and providing practical solutions for positive management, we can help children build confidence and reach their full potential.

Emotions First is not just a program; it's a revolutionary approach to online tutoring that prioritises your child's mental health and learning success. Don't miss out on the chance to give your child the tools they need for emotional and academic growth.

At My Primary and Secondary Tutor we provide expert one-to-one and group tuition for pupils across Scotland, the wider UK and online, supporting children from P1 to S6 and Key Stage 1 to GCSE. Our experienced fully qualified teachers are specialists in both the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence and the English National Curriculum, helping pupils who are struggling, have gaps in learning or want to build confidence across a wide range of subjects.

We offer tailored support in English, maths, history, geography, physics, modern studies, accounting, economics, business, IT and our unique Emotions First programme designed to nurture children’s emotional wellbeing alongside academic progress. Parents trust our team of tutors to deliver high-quality professional tuition that meets every learner’s needs.

Find out more and book a session by emailing karen@myprimaryandsecondarytutor.com or completing our contact us form.