The Behavior Helper

To praise is "to express warm approval or admiration of." Providing praise to others can boost good feelings and increase motivation. It can also inspire children to be more cooperative, persistent, and hard-working.

Key components of praise:

• Praise must be linked to behavior
• Provide feedback specific to the behavior
• Be genuine
• Reflect skill level
• Evaluate effectiveness
• Praise effort not ability
  
  

Be intentional in looking for opportunities to praise and they will be found! Research indicates we should provide praise on a 4:1 ratio so for each correction we give, four praise statements should be given. An example of praise could be, "You showed such responsibility by pushing in your chair and lining up quietly. I appreciate that!" and pair with a fist bump or high five. When we make the connection between our words and expectations, the child knows exactly why they are being praised. In addition, pointing out the good in one may encourage others to follow suit.

While praise will benefit all, students who seek adult or peer attention may be more motivated as attention is what they are wanting from others.

This short video will give a brief overview of what praise is and how it benefits student success! 👇

This video outlines the "why" behind acknowledgements and behavior specific praise to students. Examples are provided to help demonstrate easy ways to incorporate it into a classroom or home setting! Check it out here 👇

Intentionality of our compliments or in other words, Behavior Specific Praise, is explained so well during this Ted Talk at the University of Georgia. Watch as examples and nonexamples illustrate their power. Check it out here 👇

Share kind words with the world, let them flow so free,

Spread kindness like confetti, for all the world to see.

With a smile and a gentle touch, change the world for the better,

Our words make a difference, they bring hearts together.

Kindness is the key, to unlocking hearts and minds,

We cannot tell what others are going through, so be the difference we find.

Kind words are like honey, they sweeten up our days,

Our words can build others up or tear them down in many ways.

In a world filled with noise, let kindness be our song,

Speak with compassion, and help heal what's gone wrong.

When someone feels alone, lost in the shadows of despair,

A kind word can show them love, reminding them that we care.

Let's be the light, shining bright for all to see,

In our words and actions, an example we will be.

For kindness is contagious, it ripples through the day,

So let's embrace kindness, let it guide our every choice,

With compassion and empathy, let's give others a voice.

Together we can change the world, one kind word at a time,

For kindness is the language that makes our spirits shine.

Below you will find some easy ways of incorporating Behavior Specific Praise into your day!

Not all students like to be praised publicly and that is okay! They can be pulled aside, spoken to directly and quietly, or given a note with praise on it like, "Way to be responsible today by bringing back your homework!"

Providing genuine praise to students is important and more meaningful. When students know you mean what you say, it has a much bigger impact. So rather than telling every student they did a good job or using the same phrases each day, be specific and genuine by pointing out something that is genuinely praiseworthy.

Kindness is free - give it generously. When we are purposeful in looking for the good, we will find it. You are challenged to notice the good and share your kind thoughts with those around you. You never know how that may positively impact someone in the course of their day. ❤️

Download the FREE pdf to get your own copy of the Kindness Challenge.