Harnessing Effective Praise: Key Characteristics of a Successful Homeschool Educator

Let me fill you in on a little secret. I really like being thanked, praised, and congratulated on my efforts. If you are anything like me, I believe you do too. So if we, as adults, thrive on praise, don't you think our children feel the same way?

Praise can serve as a powerful teaching tool in our home classrooms. I believe that one of the traits of an effective Home Educator is providing meaningful praise to your child(ren).

Pregnant Black Woman holding her Baby Girl in a field. Smiling and praising our children are effective strategies to boost their learning experiences.

As mothers, we can get in the habit of constantly saying no to our children. "No, don't touch that." No, you can't have that before dinner." "No, no, no." Our children are receiving a lot of negative feedback from us, so it's important implement positive feedback.

Let me be clear, I think it's crucial to say no when raising children. There are modern notions suggesting we should allow our children to act freely and do as they please. This concept has also infiltrated the homeschooling community, often referred to as "Unschooling." Although I support student-choice in certain situations, it shouldn't be a constant, all-day approach.

The Most High tells us this through His Word. For example, in Exodus 20:3, He says, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Shalt not, is like the phrase we say to our children "no, don't." He tells us, His children, that we must not disobey His rules. He is our example and so we must walk in His footsteps. Saying no is Biblical and we must walk in accordance with His teachings.

Positive feedback or praise is helpful when used properly. "Using praise can also decrease instances of problem behaviors by motivating students to behave in ways that will elicit more praise in the future, such as continuing the praised behavior (Howell, Caldarella, Korth, & Young, 2014)."

Effectual praise is different based the child and the age group. For example, I no longer praise my 4-year old for saying basic words, he gives full silloquies at this point. But I do praise him for saying difficult words or overcoming his fears.

Avoid saying "good job" for every action they take, as it can come across as insincere and tiring to hear repeatedly. For instance, my mother homeschooled my five siblings and me during our childhood. She would offer praise when we performed well, but if we submitted a paper that did not meet her expectations, she would have us redo it. She didn't praise work that she knew was below our capabilities.

If you see your child's handwriting on a worksheet, it's super messy and you know they can do better than that should you give them positive feedback? If you praise them for subpar work they will believe it is okay to continue that behavior. They will continue to give inferior work.

I believe that effective praise can communicate a profound message to your student. For instance, if your child is engaged in a math activity and appears frustrated but hasn't given up, approach them and softly say, "I see how hard you're working on this concept. Don't let it get you down. You can do this, baby! If you need help, I'm right here. Keep giving it your best." As the educator, you took the time to encourage and praise your student with words that highlight the specific behavior you wish to promote. This is effective praise. You are clearly expressing what you appreciate and acknowledging their efforts.

Remember:

Characteristics of Highly Effective Home Educators

Give effectual praise.

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