April 2024 School Counselor Newsletter
Dear St. John Families,
We’re in the final stretch of the year! As we work to motivate students to close out the year on a high note, I encourage you to consider the type of feedback you offer your child. The language we use can go a long way in helping children cultivate a growth mindset towards their learning. With that in mind, this month’s tip of the month is on Praise vs. Encouragement.
When we praise kids, it often motivates them for the moment. But it can sometimes lead to a dependance on others and desire to please, rather than fostering a desire to learn for the sake of learning. In contrast, offering encouragement acknowledges children’s effort and enables them to see themselves as being capable, which in turn leads to a deeper, intrinsic motivation. Here are some examples:
– Praise: “I’m so proud of you!” Encouragement: “You must be proud of yourself!”
– Praise: “I love the picture you drew.” Encouragement: “I can see you put so much time into your drawing.”
– Praise: “I’m proud of you for getting an A.” Encouragement: “That A reflects your hard work.”
This is a subtle, yet powerful shift in the language we use with our children—I hope you’ll give it a try! You can learn more about this tip here. And as always, you can reach me at cshaw@st-johnschool.org if there’s anything I can do to support your family!
Ms. Shaw
April Resources
– If you hear a lot of “I don’t knows” or “nothings” in response to questions about your child’s day, check out this article with great tips to use to help with getting your child to talk. Hint: the secret isn’t so much about what you say, but about how you listen!
– I’ve been thinking a lot about AI lately and its impact on children now and in the years to come. If you’re also wondering about the potential benefits and risks, check out this article full of great info and resources from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
– The Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center is a great local resource. They offer a host of services including evaluations, ADHD coaching and therapy, parent coaching, and more. There are also a number of ADHD and executive functioning groups and classes available for children, teens, and adults. Learn more here.