Key EI topics & content for youth programs

Q: I have read a lot about emotional intelligence and now I am designing a program for youth which will help them to explore, understand and manage their emotions positively. What are the key topics and core content that should be addressed in the program?

A: The best research on what should go into an emotional intelligence program for young people can be found at www.casel.org – the Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning.  CASEL has organized this research on child development and education into a year-by-year curriculum that details what children need to learn at each age in order to develop the most healthy social and emotional abilities.  That curriculum can be found at http://casel.org/publications/illinois-sel-standards/