You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Understanding Emotional Literacy

You Can’t Pour From an Empty Bucket: Building Emotional Literacy for Yourself and the Children in Your Classroom Emotional literacy is the foundation of healthy relationships, behavior regulation, and effective teaching—but it must begin with us as educators. This interactive session explores the intersection of emotional literacy, trauma-informed practices, and brain-based classroom strategies. Drawing on Claude Steiner’s Emotional Literacy framework, Dr. Becky Bailey’s brain state model, and current research on trauma and child development, participants will learn how emotions shape behavior and learning, especially in children impacted by stress and adversity. Educators will reflect on their own emotional states and well-being while exploring practical tools for building emotional literacy in their classrooms. Through engaging activities, small group discussions, and hands-on planning, attendees will walk away with strategies to co-regulate with students, respond to challenging behaviors with empathy, and create emotionally safe environments that support all learners. This session is ideal for teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff working in early childhood through elementary settings. By the end, participants will understand how to "fill their own bucket" and help students do the same creating more connected, responsive, and resilient learning communities.