by TeachThought Staff
There are many ways to encourage children, but for students of all ages, honest, authentic, and persistent messages from a trusted adult are the most powerful.
The National Center for Quality Teaching and Learning has compiled a list called “50 Ways to Encourage Your Kids.” Although designed for younger students (head start/kindergarten), it’s actually useful across the board from K-12, with the exception of 4-year-olds, 17-year-olds, 21-year-olds, and maybe 40-year-olds. It all depends on your tone, the situation, and who’s listening.
Additionally, we have several other helpful documents available in our Tips for Connecting with Teachers series. Check it out too.
See also Sentence stems to replace “I don’t know” or “I can’t.”
70 things you can say to encourage your child
See also Do you need an elevator?Here are 50 books that will make you happy
70 things you can say to encourage your child
Editor’s note: I’ve started revising this list and decided to do a follow-up post. I left some sentence stems before the list itself.
I respect your…when….
I realized when you…and I thought…
You’re getting better…you can see it’s helping you…
There are so many great things about you, but today I realized…
I’ve tried…many times…and failed. If you keep at it, you might surprise yourself.
The way you…and…allow yourself to….
The way you do things inspires me to be a better teacher…
good. You are on the right path now. You’ve worked so hard on it. I heard you say how you feel. Wow, oh, it worked so well. It’s going well. I’m proud of the way you’re working today. We’ll find out soon. It’s the best thing you’ve ever done. You were very calm during that problem. that’s it! You get it now! That’s quite an improvement. I knew you could do it. Congratulations. I love hearing your words. What a superstar. Problem solved. Please continue working. It’s almost there. Now you have it. Your brain must be working hard, you figured it out right away. I’m sure you’re proud of yourself. Do it again and you’ll do it. That’s a great idea! you are amazing! Great teamwork! Nothing can stop you now. You have very creative ideas. That’s the way it is. sensational! I’m sure he was practicing. You handled it very well. I like your way of thinking. I remember it well. you know what to do! You’re really sticking to this. You expressed yourself very well. You did it! I thought you two could figure it out together. It’s a great way to express your feelings. I know it will be difficult, but we are almost there. Great problem solving! I would love to hear about your ideas. I know it must have been difficult, but you were very calm. yes! I saw how they helped each other. Because we worked together, we finished quickly. You kept trying! Great attempt! You are a creative thinker.
20 words you can say to encourage your child
i believe in you.
I love how you improve with practice.
You are capable of amazing things.
you make a difference.
Your efforts are most important.
I love how you keep going even when things get tough.
You are a great problem solver.
I love seeing you learn new things.
you have a kind heart.
you are very creative.
It’s okay to make mistakes. That’s how we learn.
Thank you for your attitude of always taking on challenges.
Every time you try, you get better.
I’m so lucky to know you.
You are very thoughtful and considerate.
you make the world a better place.
You’ll see how much you’re learning and growing.
You matter, and you matter.
70 things you can say to encourage your child; Image attribution flickr user skokiemonumentpark
