🧠 Building Emotional Intelligence from the Ground Up
In this first session of EMBRACE Module 2: Cognitive Well-being, elementary students (ages 6 to 10) are introduced to how the brain works, how to recognize their own strengths and qualities, and how to regulate their emotions. Through interactive activities, they also explore the value of teamwork and mutual support. The goal is not only to share information, but to help children develop awareness of their thinking, emotions, and motivation.
According to neuroscience, children’s brains are continuously shaped by their environment. That means every experience can help or hinder their cognitive growth. Learning to learn, embracing effort, and analyzing mistakes are all key to unlocking their full potential.
In Module 2, children explore:
- Basic brain structure and functions: what neurons do, how attention and concentration work, and what helps them remember things better.
- Information processing: how sleep, daily routines, and even emotions influence how we take in and remember information.
- Effort and motivation: they learned that making mistakes is part of learning and that effort and practice help the brain grow, reinforcing the concept of a growth mindset.
- Healthy habits for learning: The session emphasized that movement, nutrition, rest, and emotional balance all contribute to brain function.
- Reflection activities: students were invited to draw and name parts of the brain, describe their own habits, and share when they feel most focused, most distracted, or most motivated.
Specifically, in Session 1 of Elementary School Sessions in July, students learn:
- Understand what the brain is and how it functions
- Recognize that all emotions are valid, and it’s normal to feel differently each day
- Reflect on their own strengths and qualities through drawing and sharing
- Explore shared classroom values by contributing to a symbolic “class treasure”
- Practice basic mindfulness and breathing techniques to support emotional regulation
- Work in teams to identify personal strengths in various scenarios and reflect on collaboration
The learning materials ~ presentations, worksheets, classroom activities ~ were developed by our dedicated EMBRACE partners: Fundatia Serviciilor Sociale Bethany (FSSB), Fundatia de Sprijin Comunitar (FSC), Asociatia “Bună Ziua, Copii din România” (BZRO), Federatia Organizatiilor Neguvernamentale pentru Copil (FONPC) & Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL (EA).
📲 Learn more at embrace-future.eu
