In every classroom, some students present unique challenges. This could be due to behavioral issues, learning difficulties, or other factors. We love kids, we do, but some of them are genuinely HARD to click with when you’re also requiring them to do activities they don’t always want to do. Authentic praise to the rescue! This not only acknowledges students’ efforts and achievements but also builds trust, confidence, and a positive classroom environment. Here are 8 effective strategies and tips for giving authentic praise to challenging students.
1. Be Specific and Genuine
When offering praise, specificity matters. Instead of generic statements like “Good job,” try to pinpoint exactly what the student did well. For instance, “I noticed how you persisted with that math problem until you found the solution. That shows real determination and problem-solving skills.”
Genuine praise stems from genuine observation. Take the time to notice and acknowledge moments of progress or effort, however small they may seem. This communicates to students that their actions are seen and valued. What if a student is seemingly doing NOTHING you would hope they’d be doing? Look for the micro-moments. They’re going to be chatting in an appropriate voice tone with a peer, sitting at their desk, standing in line, writing their name on a paper – SOMETHING. Call it out! Authentic praise doesn’t have to highlight an enormous task, and for some kids, those micro-moments are actually really huge!
2. Focus on Effort and Improvement
Challenging students often face obstacles that can make academic and/or behavioral progress slower than their peers. Recognizing and praising effort, improvement, and perseverance sends a powerful message. For example, “I can see you’ve been working hard on improving your writing. Your latest work shows SO MUCH progress in organizing your ideas!”
By emphasizing the process rather than just the outcome, you reinforce the idea that growth and learning are ongoing journeys. This also enhances the importance of growth mindset! You can be building this language into your authentic praise, too.
Did you know that I sell a growth mindset workbook for kids on Amazon? Check it out here!
3. Use Descriptive Language
Descriptive praise goes beyond simply acknowledging success. This type of authentic praise describes the specific qualities or behaviors that led to that success. For instance, “Your group presentation was well prepared and you spoke confidently. You really engaged the audience with your explanations.”
This type of praise not only highlights what the student did well but also provides a model for the future. You can call on these successes in the future if a child is anxious about something, or to remind them of what they’re capable of!
4. Encourage Specific Goals and Celebrate Milestones
Helping challenging students set achievable goals and celebrating when they reach milestones is essential for building motivation and self-esteem. Acknowledge their progress towards these goals with authentic praise that recognizes their dedication and determination. For example, “You set a goal to improve your reading fluency, and I’ve noticed you’ve been practicing every day. Your reading speed has really improved!” Having students track their own goals and achievements is so empowering, too. It makes your authentic praise easier, as you can literally just point out the progress that they tracked.
5. Create Opportunities for Peer and Self-Praise
Incorporate peer feedback and self-assessment into your classroom routines. Encourage students to recognize and praise each other’s efforts and achievements. This fosters a supportive classroom community where students learn from and support each other. Inter-personal skills can be tricky for a lot of kids, and when we build these systems into our class structures, it allows for more opportunities for kids to interact in really meaningful ways with the support of the classroom.
Additionally, teach students to reflect on their own progress and celebrate their achievements. Self-praise based on personal growth reinforces the value of effort and resilience. Utilizing the incredibly powerful tool of affirmations is a great way to support this practice!
6. Personalize Your Approach
Each student is unique, and what motivates and encourages one may not work for another. Get to know your students individually to understand what type of praise resonates with them. Some students may appreciate public recognition, while others may prefer a private pull aside or even a post-it with your authentic praise written down.
Have you ever had students rebel or retreat inward after being praised publicly? It’s a real thing! There’s a million reasons why this could be the case, and it’s not always our job to figure out WHY. What we do need to do is adapt praise to fit the student’s personality and needs, ensuring that it feels genuine and meaningful to them.
7. Use Praise to Redirect Behavior
Praise can also be used strategically to reinforce positive behavior and redirect negative behavior. Instead of focusing solely on challenges, praise students for making better choices or for showing improvement in managing their emotions or interactions.
For example, “I noticed you used your quiet voice when explaining your idea to your classmate. That was a respectful way to communicate your thoughts.”
8. Be Consistent and Frequent
Consistency is key when it comes to building a positive classroom culture. Make a habit of praising students regularly and consistently. Look for opportunities throughout the day to acknowledge and reinforce positive behaviors and efforts.
Frequent praise creates an environment where students feel valued and motivated to continue. What you praise will continue. It’s truly one of the foundations of our humanity!
Incorporating authentic praise into your teaching practice can have a profound impact ALL students, even, and maybe especially, kids that struggle.
Authentic and genuine praise builds their self-esteem, encourages them to persist through difficulties, and strengthens your relationship with them. By focusing on effort, improvement, and specific behaviors, you empower students to see themselves as capable learners who are capable of growth.
The way we praise our students can shape their self awareness and their attitudes towards learning.
