Child Psychology and Development For Dummies
Book image
Explore Book Buy On Amazon

Teachers can improve the motivation of their students if they praise them often for doing the right things. Effective praise has four major elements, including

  • When you praise, be sure to point out specifically what the child did right.

  • Be enthusiastic with your praise.

  • Give praise promptly without delay.

  • Make sure the child is close by and paying attention when you praise.

For example, if Sadie sits quietly during the morning roll call, a teacher giving ineffective praise might say after some delay, “You’re a good girl, Sadie.” More effective would be a prompt statement such as, “Great job of sitting quietly, Sadie! I like it when you pay attention!”

About This Article

This article is from the book:

About the book authors:

Laura L. Smith, PhD, is a clinical and school psychologist. Charles H. Elliott, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and founding fellow of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. Together they have written several books, including Borderline Personality Disorder For Dummies and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder For Dummies.

This article can be found in the category: