What Effective Praise Looks Like
Not all praise has the same impact. Effective praise is:
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Specific: “Thank you for raising your hand,” rather than “Good job”
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Immediate: Given as soon as the behavior occurs
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Behavior-focused: Naming what the student did, not who they are
This helps students understand exactly which behaviors are expected and reinforces those actions clearly.
Supporting Students Who Struggle Most
Students who frequently misbehave often receive far more correction than encouragement, which can lead them to see themselves as “bad kids.” Intentionally praising these students for small successes helps change that narrative.
Positive attention communicates:
“I see you trying, and that matters.”
Over time, students learn they can get adult attention by meeting expectations — not just by breaking them.
Helping All Students Feel Successful
This approach shifts classrooms away from a “good kids vs. bad kids” dynamic. Instead, it creates an environment where every student has frequent opportunities to be noticed for doing something right.
When students feel successful behaviorally, they are more available for learning — academically, socially, and emotionally.