For decades, academic achievement has been the primary measure of educational success in India. Report cards, marks, and test scores have defined how well a child is doing in school. However, a significant shift is underway. Emotional skills are no longer seen as “soft” or secondary.
Instead, emotional literacy is emerging as the foundation for meaningful learning, healthy relationships, and lifelong success. Today, wellness and emotional literacy are increasingly recognised as essential components of education.
We will explore what is emotional literacy, why it matters as much as academics, and how to teach emotional literacy effectively within the Indian context.
What Is Emotional Literacy?
To understand why emotional literacy is so critical, we must first answer a fundamental question: What is emotional literacy? Emotional literacy refers to the ability to recognise, understand, express, and manage one’s own emotions, while also responding empathetically to the emotions of others.
It includes skills such as:
- Identifying feelings
- Expressing emotions appropriately
- Regulating emotional responses
- Understanding others’ perspectives
Unlike academic literacy, which focuses on intellectual development, emotional literacy focuses on emotional awareness and social understanding.
The Changing Definition of “Success” in Education
In today’s world, success is no longer defined solely by academic excellence. Employers, educators, and parents increasingly value skills such as emotional resilience, communication, and collaboration. These skills are rooted in emotional literacy. This is why wellness and emotional literacy are now seen as integral to education rather than optional extras.
Emotional Literacy in the Indian Context
India’s education system has long placed strong emphasis on academic performance. While academic discipline has its benefits, it can also create pressure and anxiety in young learners. In such an environment, emotional literacy helps children navigate these pressures with confidence and balance.
Why Emotional Literacy Is the New Academic Literacy
Learning Depends on Emotional Readiness
A child who is anxious or overwhelmed will find it challenging to concentrate or absorb new information. Emotional literacy helps children understand and manage these feelings, making them more receptive to learning. A recent study showed that children with higher levels of social-emotional competence demonstrated greater readiness for school.
Emotional Skills Support Social Learning
Schools are social environments. Emotional literacy supports cooperation, conflict resolution, and respectful communication. In this sense, emotional literacy functions much like academic literacy: it enables participation and engagement in learning spaces.
Wellness and Emotional Literacy Go Hand in Hand
Children’s mental and emotional well-being directly affects their academic performance. When schools prioritise wellness and emotional literacy, children feel safer and more motivated to learn.
Emotional Literacy Versus Emotional Intelligence
While often used interchangeably, emotional literacy focuses specifically on learning the “language of emotions”—naming, expressing, and understanding feelings. In early childhood education, emotional literacy provides the foundation for the development of emotional intelligence.
How to Teach Emotional Literacy in Early Years
Start with Naming Emotions
Teaching young children words for strong emotions like happy, sad, or angry helps them understand what they are experiencing. Asking simple questions such as “How are you feeling today?” encourages emotional awareness.
Normalise All Feelings
Children need to know that all emotions are valid, even difficult ones. Emotional literacy means learning appropriate ways to express feelings, not suppressing them.
Use Stories and Conversations
Storytelling is a powerful tool in Indian culture. Discussing characters’ emotions in stories helps children practise empathy and emotional understanding. This is an effective way to teach emotional literacy.
Emotional Literacy at Home and School
Modelling Emotional Awareness
Children learn emotional habits by observing adults. Parents who openly talk about feelings naturally teach emotional literacy. For example, saying “I felt happy when you helped me” makes emotional processes visible.
The Teacher’s Role
Teachers are key facilitators of emotional learning. Integrating emotional learning into circle time, group activities, and conflict resolution discussions creates opportunities for emotional growth.
Measuring Emotional Growth: The Emotional Literacy Scale
As awareness grows, educators seek ways to assess emotional development. An emotional literacy scale helps observe progress in areas such as emotional awareness, expression, and empathy. Unlike academic tests, an emotional literacy scale is observational and focuses on growth over time.
The Future of Education: A Balanced Approach
The future of education lies in balance. As India continues to modernise its education system, integrating wellness and emotional literacy into everyday learning will be essential.
By understanding what is emotional literacy and prioritising how to teach emotional literacy, parents and educators can support children’s holistic development. Emotional literacy is not replacing academic literacy; it is strengthening it. At Kangaroo Kids, we integrate emotional learning into every aspect of our curriculum.
