Psychology is a fascinating field that helps us understand how people think, feel, and behave. For young learners, grasping basic psychological concepts can improve self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social skills. Here are some essential English psychology terms every elementary school student should know, explained in simple language.

Emotion (情绪 - Qíngxù)

Emotions are feelings like happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. Everyone experiences emotions, and they influence how we act. For example, feeling happy might make someone smile, while feeling angry could lead to frustration. Learning to recognize and manage emotions is an important skill.

Empathy (同理心 - Tónglǐxīn)

Empathy means understanding how another person feels. If a friend is sad, showing empathy means comforting them instead of ignoring their feelings. This skill helps build strong friendships and creates a kinder classroom environment.

Self-Esteem (自尊 - Zìzūn)

Self-esteem refers to how much a person values themselves. High self-esteem means feeling confident, while low self-esteem can make someone doubt their abilities. Encouraging children to recognize their strengths helps them develop a healthy self-image.

Behavior (行为 - Xíngwéi)

Behavior is any action a person takes, such as speaking, playing, or following rules. Psychologists study behavior to understand why people act in certain ways. Positive behaviors, like sharing, lead to better social interactions.

Memory (记忆 - Jìyì)

Memory is the ability to store and recall information. There are different types:

• Short-term memory holds information briefly, like remembering a phone number.
• Long-term memory stores knowledge for years, such as childhood experiences.
  Good study habits, like repetition, help strengthen memory.

Attention (注意力 - Zhùyìlì)

Attention is the ability to focus on a task without getting distracted. Some children struggle with staying attentive, which can affect learning. Techniques like breaking tasks into smaller steps can improve concentration.

Motivation (动机 - Dòngjī)

Motivation is what drives a person to take action. There are two main types:

• Intrinsic motivation comes from personal interest (e.g., reading for fun).
• Extrinsic motivation involves external rewards (e.g., earning a sticker for good behavior).
  Helping children find intrinsic motivation makes learning more enjoyable.

Stress (压力 - Yālì)

Stress is the body’s reaction to challenges. A little stress can be helpful (e.g., studying for a test), but too much can cause anxiety. Teaching kids relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, helps them manage stress.

Resilience (韧性 - Rènxìng)

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficulties. A resilient child doesn’t give up easily when facing problems. Encouraging a growth mindset ("I can improve with effort") builds resilience.

Peer Pressure (同伴压力 - Tóngbàn Yālì)

Peer pressure happens when friends influence someone’s choices. Positive peer pressure encourages good behavior, while negative peer pressure may lead to bad decisions. Teaching kids to think independently helps them resist negative influences.

Conflict Resolution (冲突解决 - Chōngtū Jiějué)

Conflict resolution is solving disagreements peacefully. Instead of arguing, children can learn to:

• Listen to each other.
• Find a fair compromise.
• Apologize when needed.
  These skills reduce fights and improve friendships.

Growth Mindset (成长型思维 - Chéngzhǎng Xíng Sīwéi)

A growth mindset means believing abilities can improve with effort. Kids with this mindset see mistakes as learning opportunities. Praising effort ("You worked hard!") instead of talent ("You’re so smart!") fosters this attitude.

Bullying (欺凌 - Qīlíng)

Bullying is repeated hurtful behavior, like teasing or excluding someone. It harms mental health and must be stopped. Schools can prevent bullying by promoting kindness and teaching students to speak up when they see it.

Impulse Control (冲动控制 - Chōngdòng Kòngzhì)

Impulse control is resisting urges to act without thinking. Young children often struggle with this, leading to tantrums or interrupting others. Games like "Red Light, Green Light" help practice self-control.

Social Skills (社交技能 - Shèjiāo Jìnéng)

Social skills are behaviors that help people interact well. Examples include:

• Taking turns.
• Making eye contact.
• Saying "please" and "thank you."
  Practicing these skills helps children build positive relationships.

Anxiety (焦虑 - Jiāolǜ)

Anxiety is excessive worry that interferes with daily life. Some children feel anxious about tests or social situations. Teaching relaxation methods and problem-solving reduces anxiety over time.

Positive Reinforcement (正向强化 - Zhèngxiàng Qiánghuà)

Positive reinforcement rewards good behavior to encourage repetition. For example, praising a child for finishing homework motivates them to keep doing it. This technique is more effective than punishment.

Neurodiversity (神经多样性 - Shénjīng Duōyàngxìng)

Neurodiversity means brains work differently. Conditions like ADHD or autism are natural variations, not flaws. Understanding neurodiversity helps create inclusive classrooms where every child feels accepted.

Mindfulness (正念 - Zhèngniàn)

Mindfulness means focusing on the present moment without judgment. Simple exercises, like paying attention to breathing, help children stay calm and improve concentration.

Coping Skills (应对技巧 - Yìngduì Jìqiǎo)

Coping skills are strategies to handle difficult emotions. Examples include:

• Talking to a trusted adult.
• Drawing or writing about feelings.
• Taking deep breaths.
  Teaching these skills early helps kids manage challenges effectively.

Understanding these psychology terms empowers children to navigate emotions, relationships, and learning more effectively. By introducing these concepts early, parents and educators can support mental well-being and academic success. A strong foundation in psychological awareness leads to happier, more confident students.