What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence (EI or EQ for "emotional quotient") is the ability to perceive, interpret, demonstrate, control, evaluate, and use emotions to communicate with and relate to others effectively and constructively. This ability to express and control emotions is essential, but so is the ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others. Some experts suggest that emotional intelligence is more important than IQ for success in life.

Nature School naturally supports children to become more aware of their physical selves. It also allows children to safely explore and test their own boundaries. They can face fears, develop skills, test ideas and make discoveries

Nature School allows children to experience the emotions that go with challenging oneself, taking risks, achieving something and perhaps even failing at something. By providing a safe environment in which to experience these emotions, children can better learn how to manage them successfully. 

A natural place to promote working together, sharing tools, and playing together, Nature School operates outside of the constraints or rules of the classroom. Children can collaborate and collectively achieve by building a den, making up a game or helping each other to climb a tree. 

Empathy is a complex emotion that helps people build connections with others — when we imagine how it feels to be another person, we can start to understand their suffering and joy.  In nature, children can start to learn empathy by appreciating and caring for plants and animals.

Nature School offers a fascinating environment for children to play and learn in. Curiosity and keenness to explore often trigger an eagerness to participate, freedom from “being wrong” and willingness to have a go. Activities that are self-led allow children to take ownership and lead their own learning.