EQ' spreading from Albany Diocese to the world

"EQ," a social-emotional intelligence program for children that was piloted at St. Ambrose School in Latham, has grown to serve schools across the country and the world, with inquiries coming from India, South America and the Philippines.

"Ultimately, all of our work is about changing society for the better," said Dr. Maureen Hannah, founder of the "EQ" program. "Our only hope is to start early with our young children."

Ethics

"EQ" teaches principles of character development, such as optimism, loyalty and forgiveness, as well as principles of interpersonal relationships, including empathy, listening and negotiation.

"These are skills that life demands of you," the professor said. "Some of us get them by hook or by crook; some of us, if we're lucky, get them from our parents; and some of us don't get them at all."

BY including character education in schools, more children have the opportunity to develop the skills, said Dr. Hannah. As the children age, they will have a better understanding of how the choices they make have consequences that affect their communities.

Models

Another model, which is available to local schools only, sends Siena students into the classroom to teach "EQ." This model has been used at St. Ambrose and at Algonquin Middle School in the Averill Park School District. According to Algonquin guidance counselor Tim Herbs, the middle-school students respond well to the college students.

At times, members of Siena's basketball team have served as "EQ" teachers at Algonquin. The players are heroes or role models for the middle-school students, the guidance counselor said, giving their message twice the impact.

Walking the talk

Both she and Mr. Herbs have been encouraged by the commitment of the Siena students. Dr. Hannah said approximately 35 students a semester volunteer to teach "EQ."

"Primarily, this is a non-credit activity that they do because of their interest," she said.

"I'm extremely impressed with the Siena students," Mr. Herbs said. "They spend a great deal of time on this."

On the job

"We had a productive time," she said. "The kids understood about empathy, problem-solving and other aspects of 'EQ'. I liked working with them. The best part was the fact that although there was a lesson plan, we could implement it in ways we thought would work."

Donald Brooks, a junior marketing/ management major, said, "I have to admit, the very first day was intimidating, standing in front of a bunch of sixth graders. It's intimidating because you care about what they think of you. The 'EQ' program is great. I like being able to work with the children. The essence is that magical effect of mentoring. I like the idea of knowing that you can have some sort of positive impact on the children."

(For information about "EQ" visit Dr. Hannah's website at www.emotionalintelligenceprogram.com.)

(08-22-02) [[In-content Ad]]