The Crucial Skill of Emotion Naming

In a world filled with emotions, teaching children to name and understand their feelings is a vital life skill. The acclaimed children’s book, The Colour Monster by Anna Llenas, provides a powerful and imaginative tool for nurturing emotional intelligence in young minds. 

The story revolves around the Colour Monster, tangled in a web of mixed emotions represented by different colours. As the friendly monster sorts through his feelings with the help of a young girl, the book beautifully illustrates how acknowledging and naming emotions can lead to a sense of calm and clarity. 

Emotion naming equips children with essential tools for their emotional wellbeing. By recognising and expressing their emotions, they develop better self-awareness and interpersonal skills. 

This ability helps children navigate challenging situations, communicate effectively, and build stronger relationships. In Barbreck these skills are developed across all areas of our programs, most notably during our Wellbeing lessons.  

The Colour Monster is a valuable conversation starter, encouraging parents, teachers, and caregivers to engage children in open discussions about emotions. 

Through the colourful journey of the Colour Monster, young readers learn that emotions are natural and manageable, fostering a healthier emotional landscape that will serve them throughout their lives. 

Mrs Courtney O'Brien, Year 1 Teacher