by Teaching staff
There are many ways to encourage a child, but for students of any age, honest, authentic, and persistent messages from adults who are credible in their eyes are among the most powerful.
The National Center for Quality Teaching and Learning has prepared the following list, 50 ways to cheer up a child. It was designed for younger students (head start/kindergarten), but with the exception of 4, 17, 21, and maybe 40, they are actually useful for K-12 in general. It all depends on your tone, the situation, and who else is listening.
Additionally, they have a couple of other useful documents under their Tips to Foster Connections Between Teachers series that you can also watch.
See also Sentences to replace “I don’t know” or “I can’t”
70 things you can say to cheer up a child
See also Do you need an elevator? Here are 50 books that can make you happy
70 things you can say to cheer up a child
Editor’s Note: I started going through this list and decided to do a follow-up post. I left some of the phrases before the list itself.
I respect how you…when…
I realized when you… and I think…
You’re getting better at… which I can say is helping you…
There are many wonderful things about you but today I realize that…
I tried…times and failed when I tried…Keep it up and you might be surprised.
The way you…and…allows you….
You inspire me to be a better teacher by the way you…
- Thumbs up.
- You are on the right track now.
- You’ve worked very hard on that.
- I heard you say how you feel. Brilliant,
- Oh, that turned out very well.
- That’s going very well.
- I’m proud of the way you worked today.
- You almost have it.
- That’s the best thing you’ve ever done.
- You remained very calm during that problem.
- That’s all!
- Now you have discovered it!
- That’s a big improvement.
- I knew you could do it.
- Congratulations.
- I love hearing your words.
- What a superstar you are.
- You have solved the problem.
- Keep working on it, you’re almost there!
- Now you have it.
- Your brain must be working hard, you quickly discovered.
- I bet you’re proud of yourself.
- One more time and you’ll have it.
- Great idea!
- You are amazing!
- Excellent teamwork!
- Nothing can stop you now.
- You have such creative ideas.
- That’s the way to do it.
- Sensational!
- You must have been practicing.
- You handled it very well.
- I like how you think.
- Good memory.
- You know exactly what to do!
- You’re really persisting with this.
- You expressed yourself very well.
- You did it!
- I knew you two could figure it out together.
- Excellent job saying how you feel.
- I know it’s hard, but you’re almost there.
- Fantastic problem solving!
- I love hearing your ideas.
- I know it was difficult for you, but you remained very calm.
- Yeah!
- I watched how they help each other.
- You finished faster because you worked together.
- You kept trying!
- Excellent try!
- You are a creative thinker.
20 more things you can say to cheer up a child
I believe in you.
I love how you continue to improve with practice.
You are capable of amazing things.
You make the difference.
Your effort is what matters most.
I love how you keep going, even when it’s hard.
You are a great problem solver.
I love watching you learn new things.
You have a kind heart.
You are so creative.
It’s okay to make mistakes; That’s how we learn.
I appreciate how you continue to challenge yourself.
Every time you try, you get better.
I am very lucky to know you.
You are very considerate and loving.
You make the world a better place.
I see how much you are learning and growing.
You are important and you matter.
70 Things You Can Say to Cheer Up a Child; image attribution flickr user skokiemonumentpark
