Teachers, parents, grandparents and friends all agree on the importance of academic success, even from the first years of nursery. In the rush towards achieving good grades and favorable comparison with others, adults tend to forget one aspect which is just as important in a child’s development: his/her emotional well being.
According to a study published in Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology the emotional development of children comes from increased self esteem that in turn facilitates interpersonal skills, problem solving abilities and managing of one’s own emotions.

Alicia Blanco-Bayo (specialist in early years education and researcher), held a training session about the development of emotional intelligence in the first years of life at the 5th edition of the Early Years Conference held at the beginning of November in Bucharest. Here, staff from Romanian pre schools and primary schools found out information about the latest research regarding children’s emotional development, strategies and work that can a major impact on teaching and learning.

Why is it important to have an emotional connection between child and teacher?

„Socio-emotional development is the key to progress in all areas of learning” explained Alicia Blanco-Bayo during the event. “Social and tactile experiences in the first years of life support the development of cerebral connections” stated the researcher, quoting a study carried out in the 1990s.

Establishing a connection between teacher and child implies the assurance of a psychologic space in which both the child and teacher can express themselves freely. It is very important that preschoolers see in their teachers a companion on their journey, not a strict authoritarian figure. Discipline, although it has its place in early years education, should have at its base mutual respect and shouldn’t be built on fear.
“if there is no emotional connection between teacher and child nothing can happen in terms of progress. A feeling of partnership and belonging is what encourages a child to be active, to be responsible for his/her actions and expressive him/herself creatively,” Alicia Blanco-Bayo told teachers present at the event from 7-9th November.

Observations – a healthy alternative to a system based on labeling

Alicia Blanco-Bayo suggests a different way of reporting children’s progress, which aims to understand their needs without resorting to grades and labels. Comparisons and standard assessments make the connection between teacher and child more difficult and have a harmful affect on the whole learning process. When they feel judged, children become anxious and inhibited. Alicia Blanco-Bayo suggests an alternative assessment system through observation – which has a crucial role in the development of children’s emotional intelligence.
„Observation is a central element of good practice in any type of early years education” added the specialist.
Alicia Blanco-Bayo continued „We all know those children who prefer not to participate in group activities. Beyond difficulties in socializing these children demonstrate physical abilities and general knowledge in areas that they are passionate about. They could share this information with one or two colleagues in order to practice communication skills and relationships instead of being directed towards pre established social activities. During these times, the teacher should be present in order to observe all that the child demonstrates”
Through structured observation, a teacher gets to really know a child, to understand how they are as a person, what unique contributions they make to the group and where teaching can help them to make further progress.

About the Early Years Conference

The Early Years Conference is an Acorns Foundation project, organised by the training division First7 Parents & Educators Coaching. The event brings together international experts in pre school and primary education in a professional environment conclusive to development through quality information. With the aim of supporting the development of education in Romania, the organisers offer free participation at the conference to staff working in the state nurseries and primary schools.