As teachers and parents we must remember to provide encouragement to our children. Here are some simple ways to recognize and encourage them.

Encouragement Stresses…

~ Recognition of effort rather than accomplishment
~ Placing value on the child as he/she is, not as he/she could be
~ Showing appreciation for contributions – indicating he/she can be useful
~ Faith in the child as a capable human being

Words that Encourage…

~ Knowing you, I’m sure you’ll do fine
~ You’re the kind who can make it
~ You’ll make it
~ I have faith in you
~ Thanks that helped a lot
~ You’re doing better
~ I appreciate what you did
~ It looks like you really worked hard on that
~ I like the way you tackle a problem
~ I like the way you did that
~ I’m glad you enjoy learning
~ Look at the progress you have made
~ You’ll figure it out
~ It looks like you enjoyed doing that
~ I’m sure you’ll do fine
~ Thanks a lot; I really appreciate…
~ I like your – smile, dress, shirt, etc…
~ Its looks like you really thought that out
~ It looks like you did some thinking/planning on that
~ That’s a rough one, but I am sure you’ll work it out

Encouragement is…
~ Liking yourself and other people
~ Noticing improvement
~ Not putting people down
~ Noticing the amount of time it takes someone to do something
~ Trusting other people
~ Helping people improve themselves rather than comparing them to others
~ Being positive
~ Recognizing a good part of an assignment even when the entire assignment isn’t perfect or even completed

Key to Success with Children by G.D. McKay