Praise vs. Encouragement - post

To express approval or admiration for.

To inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence.

Oftentimes it’s easier for teachers to praise children rather than encourage them because it takes less time and less effort to do so.

Encouraging children focuses on the child and their attempt to complete the task and builds more on self-esteem than praise does

Focuses on the child’s accomplishment rather than their effort into doing the task

Leads children to reflect on their efforts rather than fixating on what they were or weren’t able to accomplish.

Praise often comes paired with a judgment or evaluation, such as “best” or “good.”

Encouragement statements are based on descriptive feedback.

Instead of…

Try…

Good job.

You worked hard and figured that out.

That’s pretty.

Tell me about your picture. I saw you really concentrating while you made it.

I’m so proud of you.

You did it! How does that make you feel?

You did great.

You kept going until you finished the job.