Abstract
This chapter will explore how Emotional Intelligence, Self-Regulation, Grit and Mindset, and High Approval Teaching are building blocks for later life success and what teachers and parents can do to foster development of these important skills. Success in life depends on students being able to learn how to be emotionally intelligent, how to self-regulate one’s behavior, how to take on academic challenges and persevere, and how to identify resources that can facilitate success. Learning about these skills and being able to perform them leads to success, not all at once and not in isolation, but with consistency and helpful feedback. Determining how to be emotionally appropriate in a given setting can generate acceptance from peers and adults. Children need to learn how to recruit reinforcement in the environment from teachers and parents. High approval interactions between children and significant others in the environment helps to create an atmosphere where children do not feel threatened and are encouraged to try out new behaviors and take on more challenging tasks. Reciprocity of approval often does not receive the attention that is warranted, when discussing what makes classroom and home environments conducive to positive and appropriate interactions.