Does the way we praise students matter? Is there a difference between telling student how intelligent or smart they are instead of telling them how hard they worked or commented on their effort as a part of completing their assignments? The research says it does matter and we should be paying attention to how we praise students.

Don't believe me? Watch the video. It will only take you 4-5 minutes. It's worth it, trust me.

What do you think?

My experience and the experience of may other educators I speak with, the "smarter" a student is, the less likely they are to be able to think outside of the box and solve issues with different approaches. Why? Because they are uncertain of the outcomes. Because they are not sure if they will succeed. Because they are too afraid to make mistake because others may think they are not "smart" anymore.

Kids are kids, regardless of their IQ or their EQ. They want to please. They want to do the right thing. They don't want to fail. Our job is to help them to learn and to grow. We cannot get kids to grow without pushing their limits. That is scary for kids. Praise them on their efforts, work-ethic, and perseverance. Those are the qualities that will help all students continue to grow and improve.

If you think the words you use don't matter, think again.

Think. Achieve. Succeed.

Jeff

The Save to Google Drive Chrome extension helps you get things into Drive. Install the extension and then right click on things on the web to your Google Drive. This extension saves images. It can also save an image of a website.

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About Megan Phelps-Roper's TED Talk

Megan Phelps-Roper grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church, which preaches a message of hate and fear. But after engaging with her critics—on Twitter, no less—she decided to leave the church.

About Megan Phelps-Roper

Megan Phelps-Roper was raised in the Westboro Baptist Church, infamous for its daily public protests against members of the LGBT community, Jews, the military and countless others. Dialogue with "enemies" online proved instrumental in her decision to leave the church and its way of life in November 2012.

Phelps-Roper has since become an advocate for people and ideas she was taught to despise.

Why am I sharing this?

I love podcasts. What is a podcast you ask? A podcast is like a radio show or interview. The difference is they are about specific topics or ideas. You should check out the world of podcasts. You will be surprised at what you can learn.

Monday December 4

• Morning Tutorials 7:50-8:20
• Be at your duty station-- 7:50
• Be at your duty station-- 3:50
• Afternoon Tutorials 3:55 - 4:30
• Progress Reports Grade Due by 4:00pm
• Department Head Meeting 4:30pm - 5:30pm Lecture Hall
• Feagan at Region 6 Leadership Cohort

Tuesday December 5

• Morning Tutorials 7:50-8:20
• Be at your duty station-- 7:50
• Be at your duty station-- 3:50
• Afternoon Tutorials 3:55 - 4:30
• Feagan at Region 6 Leadership Cohort
• AMCMS Orchestra Concert 7pm at Consol

Wednesday December 6

• Morning Tutorials 7:50-8:20
• Be at your duty station-- 7:50
• Be at your duty station-- 3:50
• Afternoon Tutorials 3:55 - 4:20
• Progress Reports Sent Home

Thursday December 7

• Morning Tutorials 7:50-8:20
• Be at your duty station-- 7:50
• Be at your duty station-- 3:50
• Afternoon Tutorials 3:55 - 4:30
• AMCMS Band Concerts 7pm at Consol

Friday December 8

• Morning Tutorials 7:50-8:20
• Be at your duty station-- 7:50
• Katy Morton Ranch Jr High Math Teachers to Visit AMCMS Math Classes
• Be at your duty station-- 3:50

AMCMS is a 7th & 8th grade campus in College Station ISD, College Station, TX, USA

Email: jmann@csisd.org
Website: http://amcms.csisd.org/
Location: 105 Holik Street, College Station, TX, United States
Phone: 979-764-5575
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AMCMS.Home.of.the.Cats
Twitter: @AMCMSCatPRIDE