Module Introduction
Regardless of how we might FEEL about the emotions we experience every day, they can actually provide valuable information about students, colleagues, ourselves, and the work we do. Emotions reflect our sensitivity to our environment, cueing us to see what’s relevant, and ultimately informing our decisions and actions.
In this lesson, we’ll explore how our emotions play out in our minds and bodies by addressing the following questions:
- What are emotions? Why are they important?
- How do our cultural backgrounds affect our beliefs about our emotions (and how we express them)
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topic of "Caring for Ourselves: The Science of Emotional Resilience".
Individual Exploration
Stress is contagious, but peace is contagious, too. In this practical module, we will map out an argument for why our own well-being and emotional resilience are crucial.
Thinking About Emotions
Review the following video resources (narrated by Amy L. Eva, PhD, Associate Education Director, Greater Good Science Center):
What are Emotions? Why are They Important?
Beliefs about Emotions: Ideal vs. Real Emotions
Cultural Differences in Emotional Expression
Reflection
After exploring the videos, reflect on the following questions:
- What concepts from the videos were new to you?
- Many people believe that emotions are “bad” or even “dangerous.” What’s your best argument for why emotions are important and valuable?
- What are the ways we can apply research about the critical importance of emotions to our everyday lives? For example, how can you make this information accessible to colleagues, leaders, educators, families and students in your context?
1.1 Taking in Deeper: Exploring Beliefs about Emotions
It’s also important to explore what we believe about our emotions in the first place. Complete the “Exploring my Beliefs about Emotions” reflection activity, linked below.
After you finish, consider the following:
- Did any of your responses surprise you?
- Are you paying attention to your own emotional journey throughout the work day? Why or why not?
- What emotions are you experiencing most often throughout the day? What messages are your emotions giving you?
- Which beliefs about emotions would you like to shift or change? Some research suggests that believing emotions are completely “uncontrollable” may lead to depressive symptoms. And the belief that emotions are bad, in general, can predict poorer psychological health like higher anxiety and depression.
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topic of "Caring for Ourselves: The Science of Emotional Resilience".
A reflection activity on exploring beliefs about emotions.
Group Facilitation
Before facilitating groups, spend time in individual exploration in order to experience and embody the learning. And if you haven’t yet explored our introduction to SEL in California, make sure you explore those resources, too.
When facilitating groups, use the following resources:
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topic of "Caring for Ourselves: The Science of Emotional Resilience".
A revisable, turnkey powerpoint slide deck to use for professional learning sessions on the topic of "Caring for Ourselves: The Science of Emotional Resilience".
A powerpoint slide deck with welcoming and closing activities to include in professional learning sessions.
A reflection activity on exploring beliefs about emotions.
Additional Modules
Caring for Ourselves: The Science of Emotional Resilience
Do you want to dive deeper into the science behind our GGIE practices? Enroll in one of our online courses for educators!
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