Emotional Intelligence in a Childrens Book

Author(s)

Delaney FarrFollow

Major

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Second Major

Psychology

Minor(s)

Gender and Women's Studies

Advisor

Killian Lund, Virginia

Advisor Department

Education

Date

5-2024

Keywords

Emotional Intelligence; Children's book; Middle Elementary

Abstract

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize and manage the emotions of oneself and others, which is crucial in building and sustaining social relationships. This children's book focuses on two aspects of EI and other skills in social-emotional development. The two EI skills this book focuses on are first, the ability to recognize one's emotions and, second, the ability to react appropriately to these emotions. In making this book, I utilized my background knowledge in EI and child development which I obtained through previous study of EI and child development in my psychology course work and in close working with children through my job experiences. I used this background knowledge to write a story about a duck named Willow who struggles with managing his feelings as he goes through a life change, the family's first migration. To promote engagement, I used writing and illustration strategies like creating two-page landscapes, incorporating dialogue conversations, having interesting font and text placements, and foreshadowing events. Another piece I added to increase engagement was the addition of an adult reading guide. This guide provides a space for deeper understanding where the adult may pose questions or comment on the story for children to respond to. As the story is read children can practice recall skills, emotion identification, and identify proper emotional coping mechanisms. Through creating this book, I have learned several different skills: how to write for a younger audience, creative writing, writing to convey a message, and illustrating for a young audience. This project allowed me to challenge and expand my creativity while also utilizing my background knowledge, both of which I plan to expand after graduation.