The Role of the Heart in Learning and Intelligence

Our educational systems focus on honing children’s cognitive skills from the moment they enter the kindergarten classroom. But very little emphasis is placed on educating children in the management of the inner conflicts and unbalanced emotions they bring with them every day to school. As new research sheds light on the development of the brain and concepts such as “emotional intelligence” become more widely understood, many educators are realizing that cognitive ability is not the sole or necessarily the most critical determinant of young people’s aptitude to flourish in today’s society. Developing skill in emotional management, conflict resolution, decision making, communication and interpersonal skills are essential for children to develop a broader intelligence to help them successfully deal with the pressures and obstacles that will inevitably arise in their lives.