Emotional Literacy

What is Emotional Literacy?

  • Understanding and coping with the feelings of ourselves and others
  • Developing high self-esteem and positive interactions with others
  • Being emotionally literate helps children to focus more effectively on their learning

 Some of the areas we work on with the pupils are:

  • Recognising emotions
  • Developing self-esteem
  • Improving social skills
  • Gaining friendship skills
  • Support with anger management
  • Support with loss and bereavement
  • General day to day management of their time at school

 This is normally delivered in weekly 20-30 minute sessions (following a referral) with the pupil or a daily check-in to make sure they are on task for the day.

Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA)

Encouraging pupils to talk and have their voice heard is the key role of an Emotional Literacy Support Assistant. An ELSA is a member of staff who has been trained to support children in the development of their emotional literacy.

Carew Academy has five ELSAs at present: Mr Jon Davey, Mrs Jayne Cooper, Mr Courtney Hewitt, Miss Sarah Cragg, Mrs Miriam Carter and Miss Sheriese Lowe

Sessions are always tailored to the individual child’s needs which can include:

  • Role play
  • Puppets
  • Board games
  • Time to talk

 As ELSAs we aim to help the children and young people to understand their emotions and respect the feelings of those around them. We provide the time and space for pupils to think about their personal circumstances and how they manage them.

Referrals can be made through annual reviews, SLT and Tutors.