Emotional Regulation and Self-Awareness

Implementation

In the SEEL approach: Those who learn to perceive and name their own state lay the foundation for self-regulation and successful togetherness.
A short morning round (‘How are you today – sun, cloud or rain?’) creates orientation and signals that emotional states have a place in the classroom. This sounds simple but is for many children a genuine exercise, especially for those who have little space for feelings at home.

Concrete ideas for everyday school life

• Weather card on the board: Each child places a magnet on sun, cloud or rain each day.
• Emotion cards on the desk: Children show with a card how they are feeling, without having to say it aloud.
• Breathing exercise to start: Three deep breaths together before the lesson begins.
• Body scan in one minute: ‘Close your eyes, feel your belly, your shoulders, your hands. What do you notice?’

Picture books as conversation starters

• ‘Der Löwe in dir’ by Rachel Bright (Cycle 1 and 2): A mouse discovers that true strength lies in their own voice. Conversation starter: When did you dare to do something, even though you were afraid?
• ‘Das Grand Hotel der Gefühle’ by Lidia Brankovic (from age 4): Different emotions move in as guests – a humorous entry into naming emotions.
• ‘Das Farbenmonster’ by Anna Llenas (Cycle 1): Naming and distinguishing feelings.

Materials/ Tools

Llenas, Anna (2015): Das Farbenmonster. Velber Verlag. Bilderbuch.
Brankovic, Lidia (2023): Das Grand Hotel der Gefühle. Hatje Cantz Verlag. Bilderbuch.
Bright, Rachel (2016): Der Löwe in dir. Magellan Verlag. Bilderbuch.

References:

After: Selin Güler, primary school teacher and  Translationmanager at BeLEARN