Be Positive

1.  Student Lists 
Many teachers find it helpful to keep a list of all the students in their class on the front of the desk. Every time a student does something praiseworthy, say it out loud to the student, then put a check by their name. This will keep you aware of  opportunities to look for good behavior in a student and it will allow you to visually track the number of times a student receives praise. Students that have no check marks might have to receive some special attention. Either try to motivate them to do good, or make a more conscious effort to look for the good in them.

2. Use Motivational Stickers Freely
The cost is reasonable and the effect is great. Do you remember the first Gold Star you received on your grade school homework? You brought that assignment home to your parents with your chest out and your head held high. Something as small as a sticker has a tremendous effect on student! Also, students can be given a paper with all the sticker pictures printed on the sheet. It becomes each student’s goal to work hard to achieve commendable grades or conduct in order to earn stickers and then paste them on the sheet. This also gives them a way of gauging their own progress and builds self esteem. Please see the website  www.ElementaryStickers.com for some really motivating stickers.

3. Send Positive Progress Reports Home To Parents
Too many parents regard a note to home as a bad report. Could that be because teachers haven’t sent enough good reports home? A student who brings home a good report takes more pride in learning. The parent looks at their child in a more positive light and even take more of an interest in their child’s learning experience. Every child deserves to bring home a good report and every parent deserves to see one. I remember the time my sons Spanish teacher sent us a postcard that said our sons efforts were improving and were noticed by all. That made us commend our son several times over the next week. We were delighted for weeks that his teacher had taken such an interest.

4. Create a Bulletin Board To Display Good Work
If you painted a picture and someone hung it in an art gallery how would you feel? Imagine the feeling a student has when their teacher displays their work on a wall that says: “Some Of Our Best Work”  or  “Miss Smiths Star Students”. This display can be seen by all and encourages learning and achieving.

5. Praise Often
Young people need consistent affirmation. Remember you are molding young minds. Just as constant criticizing is destructive, constant praise is constructive. It builds self esteem.
Do it often.

6. Praise Sincerely
Students recognize insincere flattery. It does them very little good. Do you not like a student for some reason? Could it be that it shows in your voice? If so, work hard to see the best in students and give sincere praise for a job well done.

7. Praise After Correction
Imagine getting an unexpected bill in the mail for $1000. Then imagine getting an unexpected check in the mail for $900. Wow, it really softens the blow doesn’t it?. Don’t fail to correct students when they need it. Be direct and constructive. But after correction offer praise for times in the past when they’ve done a good job. For example “Thomas, I’ve noticed that you haven’t brought home your spelling book for a week. Could that be the reason why your grades have fallen into the low 70’s? (Now the Praise) I remember when you used to bring that book home every week and all your test marks were in the 90’s. You were my best speller for the first semester. What can we do to get you back on track?” See the difference?  Why are some teachers always teacher of the year? Why are some teachers beloved by their students? Could this be the reason?

8. Teach Students To Praise One Another
After a student gives an oral report or a presentation to the class, a good teacher would ask every student to tell the class 1 thing they liked about the presentation. The teacher could start it off by saying “Christy that report sounds like you worked on it every night for 2 weeks. That was very informative.” Now give the students a chance. One way to combat children’s tendency to make fun of one another is to make them list, out loud, 3 things they like about their fellow student or 3 good qualities their fellow student possesses. Start a wave of positive talk in your classroom.

9. If Possible, Avoid Giving Poor Letter Grades When Students Put Forth Good Effort
The goal of teaching is learning. If a student makes a mistake during class, mark it, and then give him a chance to correct it. Some teachers give a preparatory spelling test before the real one. All mistakes are marked the first time. Students are given a chance to correct them, and learn why their first answer was wrong. Then the real test is given. Students score higher and they gain more steam for learning. Do you as a teacher make mistakes? What if the principal deducted money from your paycheck every week for any mistake you made in class? Would you enjoy teaching? Make learning an inspiration for your students.