Emotions and emotional intelligence impact every aspect of people’s lives including learning, decision-making, creativity, relationships, and health.  It is therefore vital that the boys learn how to recognise, express and manage their emotions.

The RULER program was developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.  It is designed to teach individuals of any age how to develop their emotional intelligence to create a more effective and compassionate society.  

Studies have shown that the RULER program enhances learning environments, improves academic performance and decreases aggressive behaviours. One study in particular found that students in classrooms integrating the RULER program had higher year-end grades and higher teacher ratings of social and emotional competence compared to students in classrooms not using RULER.  In other words, the RULER program also helps students to develop vital social and life skills such leadership and communication.  

The program uses the word Ruler as an acronym for:

Recognising emotions in self and others

Understanding causes and consequences of emotions

Labelling emotions accurately

Expressing emotions appropriately

Regulating emotions effectively

Following the acronym helps children, who often find it difficult to label and express emotions, learn how to identify and understand their emotions using more complex language.  They learn to replace basic feeling words with more sophisticated words and progress from using words like ‘ok’ or ‘fine’ to using words like ‘tranquil’ or ‘serene’. This helps both students and staff handle and regulate strong emotions at school so they can make better decisions for themselves and their community. It also results in fewer incidents of bullying, a more productive classroom and greater student well-being.

How can you help your son develop his social and emotional skills using RULER?

• Follow the acronym at home
• Point out and discuss with your son facial expressions, vocal changes and body language that reflect different emotions
• Use a wide variety of emotion words with your son
• Help your son evaluate the best time, place and way to express his feelings
• Help your son find useful and successful strategies for managing the emotions he experiences

Patricia Kazacos – Learning Enhancement Intern

Bracket, M., Rivers, A., Reyes, M & Salovey, P. (2012). Enhancing academic performance and social and emotional competence with RULER feeling words curriculum. Learning and Individual Differences, 22(2), 218-224. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2010.10.002