Title

Fostering Emotional Intelligence in Preschool Children

Author

Maria Abercrombie, Concordia University, St. Paul

Date of Award

2004

Document Type

Non Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education

Program

Early Childhood Education

Capstone Instructor

Barbara Schoenbeck

Second Reader

Lacey Wellens

Keywords

emotional intelligence, early childhood education, preschool children, emotional development, developmentally appropriate instruction, affective education

Abstract

The result of this capstone is the development of a practitioner's guidebook, based on a thorough review of the literature and supported by the importance of emotional intelligence during the preschool years. The guidebook will provide an agenda for early childhood practitioners in fostering emotional competences. Material for this project was based on current research, pertinent information gained from other early childhood practitioners, the field of neuroscience, and this author's own personal and professional experience. The guidebook consists of 6 chapters. The first chapter of the guidebook provides the definition of the areas of emotional intelligence. The second chapter includes information about the significance of fostering emotional intelligence in the preschool years. The third chapter includes the stages of emotional development from birth to age five. The fourth chapter provides an overview of the role of the early childhood practitioner in fostering emotional intelligence in preschool children and the barriers that limit this practice in preschool settings. The last two chapters provide practical applications for early childhood professionals to create an environment to foster emotional literacy in developmentally appropriate ways in the early childhood setting.

Recommended Citation