Term 3 in Get GRIT: Building Emotional Intelligence, One Feeling at a Time

This term in the Get GRIT Program, students are excited to begin the Identifying Emotions Unit! 

This important unit sits at the heart of developing emotionally intelligent, self-aware learners. It teaches students that all feelings are normal and okay — helping them notice, name, and understand their emotions rather than push them away or feel overwhelmed by them.

Emotions are a natural part of being human. Everyone experiences feelings such as happiness, sadness, anger, worry, excitement, and frustration. The goal is not to get rid of difficult emotions, but to help children understand them, manage them, and use them as helpful information.

💡 Building Emotional Intelligence

At the core of the Identifying Emotions Unit is the development of emotional intelligence — the ability to recognise what we are feeling, understand why we might be feeling that way, and respond in ways that support our wellbeing and relationships. 

Students explore the idea that emotions are not “good” or “bad”. Instead, every emotion has a purpose and provides us with important information about ourselves and the world around us.

For example:

😠 Anger can show us that something feels unfair or that a boundary has been crossed.
😢 Sadness can show us what is important and what we value.
😊 Joy can guide us towards experiences, people, and activities that bring meaning and fulfilment.

Rather than trying to push emotions away, students are encouraged to ask:

“What is this feeling trying to tell me?” 🤔

This question helps children become curious about their emotions, understand their needs, and make thoughtful choices about how they respond.

✨ What Students Will Learn

Throughout the Identifying Emotions Unit, students are explicitly taught how to:

✅ Identify and name their feelings.
✅ Understand the role emotions play in providing information about themselves and others.
✅ Make connections between how the brain works and their own emotional experiences.
✅ Regulate and manage their emotional responses.
✅ Use positive coping strategies to support their wellbeing.
✅ Communicate their feelings and express what they need.

💛 What Does It Mean to Identify Emotions?

In the Get GRIT Program, Identifying Emotions means:

The ability to notice, name, and understand feelings — both your own and other people’s — and use that understanding to make sense of situations and respond in healthy ways.

A student who can identify their emotions understands that feelings are a normal part of life. They know emotions are not something to fear or hide — they are messages that provide valuable information. 📩

When children develop these skills, they become more:

🌱 Self-aware – understanding their own feelings, thoughts, and reactions.
💙 Empathetic – recognising and understanding how others may feel.
🧘 Calm under pressure – using strategies to manage big emotions.
💬 Confident communicators – able to explain their feelings and needs.
⭐ Secure in themselves – knowing their feelings are valid.

🧠 The Science Behind Understanding Emotions

Identifying Emotions is grounded in neuroscience. Students learn about two important parts of the brain that influence how they experience and respond to emotions.

🚨 The Amygdala: The Feeling Brain

The amygdala acts like an alarm system in the brain. It helps us quickly respond when we sense danger or experience strong emotions.

When the amygdala is activated, students may notice changes such as:
❤️ a faster heartbeat
💪 tense muscles
🌪️ a strong urge to react quickly

🧠 The Prefrontal Cortex: The Thinking Brain

The prefrontal cortex sits behind the forehead and helps us:

• think clearly,

• solve problems,

• make decisions,

• consider consequences,

• and manage our emotions.

It helps students pause, think, and choose a helpful response. ⏸️✨

Because the prefrontal cortex is still developing throughout childhood and adolescence, managing emotions can sometimes be challenging. This is why students need opportunities to practise emotional regulation skills through modelling, guided practice, and supportive classroom environments. 

🌧️ Understanding Helpful and Unhelpful Worries

Students also explore the difference between helpful worries and unhelpful worries.

✅ Helpful worries alert us to real problems and encourage us to make safe choices.

For example, feeling worried about crossing a busy road reminds us to stop, look, and listen. 🚦

❌ Unhelpful worries can feel scary even when we are safe. These worries can stop children from trying new things, making friendships, or building confidence.

Students learn to ask:

“Is this a time to be safe, or is this a time to be brave?” 💪

This helps them respond appropriately, face challenges, and build resilience. 🌱

🌟 Why Identifying Emotions Matters

Identifying Emotions is not just a classroom skill — it is a lifelong skill.

When children understand their emotions, they are better able to:

💛 Manage stress and anxiety.
🤝 Develop stronger relationships.
🌍 Show empathy towards others.
💬 Communicate their needs.
📚 Engage confidently in learning and social experiences.

Most importantly, students learn that their feelings matter. They discover that emotions are not problems to be fixed — they are signals that help them understand themselves and the world around them. 

Learning to identify and understand emotions is one of the most valuable foundations we can give young people as they grow, develop relationships, and navigate life’s challenges.