Author Unknown
Wouldn't this world be better,
If folks whom we meet would say
"I know something good about you,"
And treat you just that way?
Wouldn't it be splendid,
If each handshake, good and true,
Carried with it this assurance:
"I know something good about you?"
Wouldn't life be happier,
If the good that's in us all,
Were the only thing about us
That people would recall?
Wouldn't our days be sweeter, If we praised the good we see;
For there is a lot of goodness,
In the worst of you and me?
Wouldn't it be fine to practice,
This way of thinking too;
You know something good about me,
I know something good about you?
(Taken from an article at http://www.songs4teachers.com)
It is essential for us to offer words of praise to our children.
Wow* Way to Go* You're Special* Excellent* Well Done* I Knew You Could Do It* Fantastic* I'm Proud of You* Now You're Flying* You're Incredible* Hurray For You* Good Job* I Like You* You're a Winner* Spectacular* You're Precious* You're Important* You Learned it Right* You're Fun* You're Growing Up* You Tried Hard* You Mean a Lot to Me* You Make Me Happy* You Brighten my Day* You Mean the World to Me* You're a Treasure* You Make My Day* You're Wonderful* What a Good Listener* You're Awesome
Have you given a big hug, a big kiss and said, "I love you" today?
Sometimes all it takes to praise a child is a big smile from you. That says it all!
(This was taken from Family Education.com located at http://www.familyeducation.com)
Want more insight into what's happening during your child's day? Ask these questions and you might be surprised at the answers! Keep the questions open-ended and be careful not to inadvertantly provide answers. Often, children tell adults what they think they want to hear.
* Did anything worry you today?
* Who did you play with outdoors? How about indoors?
* I had ____ for lunch. What did you have?
* Which toy did you take with you at naptime?
* I wonder if you wore something from the dress-up box today...
* Tell me something funny that happened.
* Who was happy today? Who felt sad?
*What stories did you hear? Can you tell me one?
by Susan Ruane, M.A.
(Taken from an article in Early Childhood News, Nov./Dec, 2001)
Red paint in the hair? Blue paint on the jeans? Sand in the shoes? Peanut butter on the favorite shirt? White socks look brown? Sleeves a little damp?
YOUR CHILD PROBABLY...
Worked with a friend; Solved a problem; Created a masterpiece; Negotiated a difference; Learned a new skill; Had a great time; Developed new language skills.
YOUR CHILD PROBABLY DIDN'T...
Feel lonely; Become bored; Do repetitive tasks that are too babyish; Do worksheet tasks that are too easy; Do sit-down work that is discouraging.
YOU PROBABLY...
Paid good money for those clothes; Will have trouble getting the red paint out; Are concerned that the caregiver isn't paying enough attention to your child.
THE CAREGIVER PROBABLY...
Was aware of your child's needs and interests; Spent time planning a challenging activity for the children; Encouraged the children to try new things; Put smocks on the children; Was worried that you might be concerned.
