----- Original Message -----
From: Epstein Family - ronea@xxxxxxxxxx
Subject: praise - a word of caution
As a HUGE believer in the power of praise with kids in the classroom, I'd
like to emphasize that KIDS ARE SMART. Lots of "unwarranted" praise will
make you lose your credibility and the kid will stop finding your praise
meaningful. The "trick" is (and this is the hard part) to find some skill,
material, SOMETHING that the kid deserves lots of praise for and to build
from that. I once gave a kid a certificate for never being late to class!
Hardly an English skill but it was another "step in the right direction" for
the pupil to feel good enough about himself to attempt tasks that were hard
for him to do.
naomi epstein
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