What is RULER

ALL learning has an emotional base. 

RULER is an evidence-based approach to social and emotional learning (SEL) that was developed by the Yale School of Emotional Intelligence. 

Farmington uses this approach K to 12 to help students develop confidence and the ability to self-regulate their emotions in order to thrive in the learning environment.

RULER stands for the 5 skills of emotional intelligence:

R – Recognize emotions in oneself and others

U – Understand the reason for and consequences of these emotions

L – Label emotions using accurate and rich vocabulary

E – Express feelings in a productive way

R – Regulate and manage emotions effectively

Research shows that emotions influence:

• Attention and memory
• Decision making
• Creativity
• Mental and physical well-being
• Ability to form positive relationships
• Academic performance

RULER at Home:

• Help children understand that our feelings are normal 
• When faced with a challenge, ask, “How do you feel about that?” 
• Listen and validate emotions
• Encourage the use of specific words to describe feelings (“worried” vs “bad”)
• Talk about what might have caused heightened emotions 
• When children are in a calm place, encourage reflection and discussion about the situation
• Brainstorm productive strategies for regulating emotions such as counting to ten or taking a time out to help regulate emotions
• Support children in navigating conflicts using statements that begin with, “I feel _____ when you_____”

For more information go to rulerapproach.org