- Praise at the Learning Area
PRAISE AT THE LEARNING AREA
 Praise is the art of making positive statements about a person, object or idea either in public or privately. It is a genuine expression of approval, admiration or commendation. We all love to receive praise as it makes us feel good about ourselves and gives feedback for our efforts. Learners are building their self- esteem and confidence, so are always looking for praise to reinforce personal beliefs. It is extremely important for them to have positive input from you as their teacher.
In reality it is often much easier to criticise than it is to compliment. Inappropriate behaviours are more obvious than appropriate behaviours. Within learning areas we can be rushed for time and the easiest way to gain attention from our learners is with less than positive comments. "Hurry up and line up." "Girls at the back didn't you hear what I said?" "I seem to be talking to myself today." instead of "This line is forming well and we still have 2 minutes to bell time." "Good job. You are all packing up nicely and making a great line here." Compliments and encouragement go a long way to getting cooperation from your learners. Even if you have to use a loud voice to gain attention, positive comments will be heard and acted on, long before negative comments. Learners become "deaf" to constant negative comments.
Tips for Praising Learners
* When your learners are displaying appropriate behaviour say so.
* Single out individuals to give praise too but try not to compare them with others. Comparisons can cause discord between learners.
* Use descriptive praise. This is when you say exactly what it is you are pleased with and the learners understand what you mean.
* Encourage appropriate behaviour with praise, "I can see that you are thinking of your personal space today James.", and discourage inappropriate behaviour with "I" messages. "I am not happy when you push in front like that James. I am worried someone may get hurt." NOT "James, go to the end of the line or you will hurt someone."
* Model appropriate body language when you praise a learner. Open stance, clapping or smiling.
* Look for changes in behaviour and praise accordingly.
* Note that each learner is different but within a learning area you should have guidelines and classroom rules to allow all learners to practice the same level of behaviour.
* Encourage learner's interests and praise their progress.
* Be mindful of what you are writing on learner's work being marked. Praise and criticism here can make or break a learner's confidence in subjects in which they are struggling.
Praising learners appropriately goes a long way to fulfilling your responsibility for nurturing them in the learning area. Remember you are their role model so be mindful of your own behaviours in the learning area.
Irene Reardon provides a professional development membership program for Early Childhood and Primary (Elementary) teachers. This program has helped many teachers reduce their stress, improve their skills, promote active learning and improve their student's outcomes. All this from the comfort of their own home. Find out more at http://www.howtoforteachers.com.
(c) Irene C L Reardon. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
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