What is Emotional Literacy?

Have you ever watched a child go from laughing to crying in seconds flat? Kids feel things big, and they don’t always have the words (or tools) to explain what’s going on inside. That’s where emotional literacy comes in.

So… what is emotional literacy?

At its core, emotional literacy is about being able to recognize, understand, and express emotions — in yourself and in others. It’s not just about naming feelings like happy, sad, or angry. It’s about knowing what you’re feeling, why, and what to do with that feeling in a healthy way.

Think of it as the emotional version of learning to read. Just like we teach letters and sounds to build reading skills, we need to teach kids the “language” of emotions.

Why it matters (a lot)

When kids understand their emotions, they’re better able to manage them. That can mean fewer meltdowns, better communication, stronger relationships, and more confidence. And the research backs it up — emotional literacy is linked to better school performance, mental health, and social skills.

Honestly, it’s one of the most important things we can teach.

How do you teach emotional literacy?

The good news? You don’t need a special degree or fancy tools to help kids build these skills. Emotional literacy starts with small, everyday moments — like noticing a character’s feelings in a story, talking about how a tough situation made them feel, or modeling how you calm down when you’re frustrated.

At Ruby’s Lessons, I create simple, engaging tools to help parents and teachers have these conversations more easily. Think visual aids, emotion check-ins, games, and story-based activities that fit right into real life.

Final thoughts

Emotional literacy isn’t something kids just “pick up.” It’s something we help them build, bit by bit, through connection and conversation. And when we do? We’re not just helping them handle big feelings now — we’re giving them tools they’ll use for the rest of their lives.

If you’re curious about how to start teaching emotional literacy in your home or classroom, stick around. I’ve got a lot to share.