As a teacher, I learned a powerful truth. There is a difference between encouragement and praise. Here is an example of what our children need from us:
A teacher walks around her classroom observing her students as they do their seatwork. She notices Michael who usually has really sloppy handwriting, doing something right. It may just be one word on the page written correctly, but there it is, proof positive that he can do better!
What should she do? Say, "Michael, l am so proud of you! That paper really looks good!" This attention would certainly please Michael and give him at least temporary incentive to work harder, but there is a better way!
What if, she was to say, "Wow, Michael, look at how those letters are sitting right on the line where they belong. I believe this is the best paper I have seen you do yet!" Michael would not only be the recipient of some praise from his teacher, but ultimately, he would know what he was doing right and what behavior to repeat!
The rest of the class now knows what pleases the teacher also and many will check their own papers to see if any improvements need to be made. Kids love to get positive attention and if you tell them what they are doing right, they will repeat that behavior because, deep down inside, they really do want to please! (O:
Very helpful, thank you. I often say something nice about a student's work, but I need to be specific more often. :)
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