5th grader, Ariayana Taliaferro is gearing up for classes, getting all her books and supplies, and checking her E-I. It’s as important to her success In class today as her books—if not more. Her “E.I.” stands for ‘Emotional Intelligence’ and she assesses her emotions each day.
Her goal is to get a grip on them before they get the better Of her. And if a difficult situation comes up she uses positive strategies to solve them.
“It’s a good way to get all your emotions out so you won’t have all your secrets inside,” Taliaferro said.
They started working on the emotional health of the students here at Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls, two years ago.
Every morning students literally check their emotions at the door by looking at this ‘mood meter.’ Are they happy, sad, in the blue zone or the red?
4th grade teacher Helen Danciu said, “Say somebody is in a bad mood. That’s clearly going to affect how they’re learning, a test grade or how they’re reading or if they’re understanding what they’re reading.”
Along with classroom instruction, the mood meters also help students relate to their teachers and one another-especially in conflict situations like bullying.
Even the girl’s parents are seeing a change.
Parent Monique Kirkley said, “It’s kinda funny hearing the little one come home and say mommy you have to be responsible for your actions, mommy your not making good choices.”