Emotional Literacy Support (E.L.S.A)
What is ELSA?
ELSA is an initiative developed and supported by educational psychologists who apply psychological knowledge of children’s social and emotional development to particular areas of need and to specific casework.
It was designed to build the capacity of schools to support the emotional needs of their pupils from within their own resources. It recognises that children learn better and are happier in school if their emotional needs are also addressed.
ELSAs are Emotional Literacy Support Assistants who plan support sessions to facilitate the pupil in developing new skills and coping strategies that allow them to manage social and emotional demands more effectively. Each session has its own objective (either something the ELSA wants to achieve or something for the pupil to achieve) that builds towards longer term aims.
What issues may be covered during the sessions?
- Relationships
- Recognising emotions
- Social skills
- Friendships
- Self-esteem
- Understanding anger
- Loss and berevement
- Anxiety
- Coping strategies
- Building resilience
- Bullying
