Encouragement

Some notes about Encouragement.

Praise vs. Encouragement 

Encouragement fosters Growth Mindset. Praise fosters Fixed Mindset.

Following up there are 3 types of encouragement:

1. Descriptive Encouragement: 

“I notice…”

This is not necessarily positive or negative, but helps students know that you see them and how they are doing.

2. Appreciative Encouragement: 

“I appreciate it when you…..”  “Thank you for…..”

Examples:

• I appreciate your help
• Thank you for helping your friend with his Math
• I appreciate how much work you’ve put into this

3. Empowering Encouragement (this is the hardest)

“I trust you to….”  “I have faith….”

Examples:

• I trust you to figure this one out
• I have faith that you’ll be able to solve this

An example for older students who might need “evidence” so your statements feel authentic:

• I saw how persistent you can be when you are shooting hoops.  It will only take half of that kind of persistence for you to be able to get this done.  I know you can do it.

Below you will find some easy to use examples of encouraging statements. See if you can pull a few out that resonate with you and use them 3-5 times a day this week. Notice how your student responds: 

• Look what you accomplished!  You could feel proud about that.
• Look how much you’ve learned since 2 months ago.
• Can you tell me about your project?
• I can tell you worked hard on t his.
• I care about you.
• Thanks for your cooperation.  It helped me out.
• Thank you for your help.  It made my day easier.
• Are you noticing how much you’ve helped your team?
• You figured it out.
• It took courage to stand up for yourself like that.
• What was most important to you about what you learned?
• Have you noticed?  You reached your goal.
• I have faith in you.
• Look how far you’ve come.
• You really stuck it out and you accomplished what you wanted.
• You can decide that for yourself. I trust you to make the decision that is right for you.
• I trust your judgment. Go for it!