Positive Feedback

This school year, so far, has been pretty laid back for me. Despite the fact that I was extremely worried about my 8th grade class, they have proven to be more stress-free (for me) than the beloved 8th grade class I had last year.

I am not sure what to attribute this to..

But.. I do have to say that recently I have focused on the power of positive feedback with them. It's amazing how well it works.

When I want them to be quiet.. instead of saying.. "Please be quiet" -- I look around the room and mention the names of people who are doing what they SHOULD be doing. I say, "Thank you Joey for sitting so quietly. Thank you Ian for being ready for class to begin. Thank you Elizabeth for looking and listening while I give instructions."

And. It's amazing. Seriously. You can ask kids to be quiet 20 times.. you can say it loudly.. you can even be mean about it.. but often.. you are just talking to yourself. They don't listen. They don't care.

But, when you compliment someone else for his/her GOOD behavior.. it's amazing how they all snap to attention. They all so desperately want to be the one whose name is spoken.

Before I would say 5 times.. "Ok Class.. please quiet down" louder and louder until they had all heard me. Now, I simply begin to quietly thank the students who are attentive and within seconds I have everyone's undivided attention.

The power of positive feedback. It REALLY DOES work.