Developing Students’ Emotional Intelligence in Literature Lessons

The article is devoted to the study of the role of literary reading lessons in the development of emotional intelligence in primary school students. The essence of emotional intelligence is considered as a key skill that determines successful adaptation, communication and personal growth of a child. The emphasis is on empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which is formed through the analysis of the emotions of literary characters. Works of art serve as a means of introducing children to the diversity of human experiences, and such methods as creating fairy tales, role-playing games, keeping an “emotional diary”, group discussions contribute to the awareness of their emotions and the development of the ability to manage them. Particular attention is paid to practical techniques that a teacher can use in lessons: dramatizations, poetry minutes, illustrations, joint analysis of texts. It has been proven that the development of emotional intelligence through literature not only improves the psychological state of students, but also forms a socially mature personality capable of critical thinking and emotional stability. The study findings highlight the importance of integrating emotional education into the school curriculum to prepare children for the challenges of adult life.