Beyond IQ: Emotional Intelligence

Emotions are connected to thinking. You are feeling an emotion at every point in time throughout your life. Of course, emotions such as “rage” will get our attention quicker than emotions such as “contentment,” but it’s important to acknowledge emotions are always there. That’s why learning to recognize and handle them can make a big difference regarding the quality of our life. When we work on improving in this area, we are working on what is known as emotional intelligence.

EQ “Test” Questions:

  1. Do your feelings lead to actions that disrupt your relationships on a frequent basis?

  2. Can you adapt to change?

  3. Do your feelings interfere with your ideal self and cause you to hide (debilitating stage fright or avoidance of conflict would be an example of this)?

  4. Do you use intuition or do you ignore your gut?

  5. Can you name a wide range of feelings? Can you identify when they take place in you?


People with high emotional intelligence understand themselves and their emotions. They understand how their emotions impact them, they know how to express emotions in a beneficial way, and they use their emotions to make better decisions. This leads to more easily understanding others, and this equates to “people skills” and better decision making.


Suggestions for boosting EQ:

  • Journal. Notice your feelings for a day (track them by the hour). Avoid labeling feelings “good” or “bad.” Simply notice what is pleasant and unpleasant. 

  • Learn about meditation, mindfulness, or simply breathing/counting/waiting. Put space between a strong emotion and any action.

  • Learn to question your first reactions and first labels. Could what you called anger actually be sadness? Is jealousy actually disappointment? Vice versa?

  • Seek out good role models for emotional intelligence. Do they have any tips for you? What can you learn from them?

  • Read. Seek out art. Watch quality films. Go to museums. See the variety of emotions inherent to the human experience “in action.” What are your reactions? What do you like and why?


Go Deeper:

Video to explore this week: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9h8fG1DKhA





Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

About DYS Homerooms

Welcome to homeroom classes addressing social and emotional needs, creative problem solving, and effective task management in a friendly setting.  This is a fun space for students (8-12 years old) who are profoundly gifted to meet like-minded peers.   “I love DYS Homeroom because it is a safe space where I feel I can talk about my feelings with friends. It’s so fun to be around other Davidson Young Scholars in a friendly environment! I enjoy all of Michelle’s mini lessons. I love and cherish every moment with Michelle and my peers.” – Lauren, Age 11  First Semester 2023: Sep. 5th - Dec. 22nd (except Nov. 23rd and 24th) Second Semester 2024: Jan. 8 - May 24th (spring break: March 29 - April 5) Click  here  for the topics/curriculum calendar.  DYS Homerooms are held M-F at the below times: DYS Homeroom 1 (9:30am EST / 8:30am CST / 7:30am MST/ 6:30am PST) DYS Homeroom 2 (10:00am EST / 9:00am CST / 8:00am MST/ 7:00am PST) DYS Homeroom 3 (11:00am EST /...
Read more

What is Twice-Exceptionality (2E) in Gifted Education?

Image
Concerning the mini-lesson, this week we focused on common “maddening myths” about gifted education (see below). Students were presented with a myth and asked to break it down from their own perspective while being exposed to the “fact” in the Gifted Teen Survival Guide (sometimes I borrow from this excellent book in addition to the Gifted Kids Survival Guide). We used myth number four (“gifted kids are good at everything they do”) to segue into a discussion about twice-exceptionality. I let students know, even if they don’t identify as twice-exceptional themselves, they will encounter many students on their educational journey who do, and it’s beneficial to be aware of this definition and the specific challenges involved (see images below). We also discussed Famous 2e people in history (a brief list) and analyzed corresponding quotes. Hans Christian Andersen  Simone Weil  Mozart  Beethoven  Archimedes  Vincent van Gogh  Isaac Newton  Nikola Tesla...
Read more