Posts Tagged encouragement

Using positivity in a negative situation

On November 12, 2011 / Discipline Answers, Positivity

I think I work with the most masterful and quick-witted teacher alive! Here’s just one very small example of how Darlene took a negative situation (partly created by me!) and instantly found the positive kernel inside that could make a child feel encouraged and hopeful.

For the month of June Darlene and I decided to work with our grade one class to create a musical circus performance for our school. We knew it was a crazy time of year to do a major production but earlier in the year we’d promised the kids that we would make a circus in May. When various school-wide plans interfered with that timing, we felt we had to keep our promise and do the … >>>

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Praising is second nature to me!

On July 8, 2009 / Acknowledgement, Discipline Answers

QUESTION:

Today was my first time using DWS in the classroom. I found it extremely difficult to break the habit of praising kids! I want to encourage rather than praise, but it just seems that praising is second nature to me.

RESPONSE:

When first trying DWS in the classroom there’s much to think about––so don’t be too hard on yourself!

Remember Dr. Marshall’s advice: Implement now, perfect later!

Just do your best and as you go along keep reflecting on things you would like to improve or change. You’re already doing this! Step by step, you’ll start to move in the direction of your goals.

Don’t worry too much about the praise issue in these early days with DWS. If … >>>

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Without rewards, how can I encourage neat work habits?

On April 11, 2009 / Creating desire, Discipline Answers, Improving Academics

QUESTION:

I don’t want to use stickers to motivate my primary students to print more neatly. Any suggestions to encourage them to take more care with their school work?

RESPONSE:

Here are some things that my teaching partner and I do in order to help build neat work habits over time:

1. We talk a lot about neatness. I’m a great believer in the idea that whatever you put your focus upon will increase!

2. We talk proactively. In other words, before a lesson begins we discuss what a great job would look like. This helps the kids who really have no idea of what a good job looks like and it helps the other kids who might not … >>>

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I want to encourage some very low students.

On July 25, 2008 / Discipline Answers, Improving Academics

QUESTION:

I work with very low math students.  Part of my plan for next year is to convince them that  things can be different. I want to convince them that they can find  success and not be so frustrated! The worst behavior cases seem  to be the kids that have given up.  But then I worry! Maybe I shouldn’t try to convince them that  they can succeed. What if I’m just setting them up for disappointment? What if they don’t realize that they will have  to TRY in order for that to happen? I doubt myself constantly.  Any suggestions?

RESPONSE:

I think you’re absolutely on the right track!

Convincing your students that putting in  effort is a worthwhile thing to … >>>

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