Behavior Specific Praise Statements

Teacher praise is a POSITIVE statement by the teacher

immediately after a specific activity of the student.

Teachers can create notes that exemplify praise for what they did

during a lesson

Statements specify a certain behavior the student accomplished.

Not just “Great Job!”

Instead use Great job Jimmy for raising your hand before

speaking.”

Works with Emotional & Behavioral disability.

English language learners Any student who needs assistance with behavior in the classroom!!

ALL STUDENTS BENEFIT

4. Be sincere & consistent

5. Always positive words

when using praise

statements.

How it works! Guidelines for Effective Praise

.

“No matter how busy you are,

you must take time to make the

other person feel important.“

-Mary Kay Ash

Examples You did a nice job washing your hands

That is great that you did your writing quietly today

I like how Mary & Sue are sharing the glue.

1. Express the appropriate

behavior when giving

the praise.

2. Give praise immediately

so the student will

remember what the

appropriate behavior

was.

3. The praise statements

should be used wisely so

it does not lose value.

Allan Allday, R., Hinkson-Lee, K., Hudson, T., Neilsen-Gatti, S., Kleinke, A., & Russel, C. (2012). Training general educators to increase behavior- specific praise: effects on students with ebd. Behavioral Disorders, 37(2), 87-98.

Fullerton, E., Conroy, M. A., & Correa, V. I. (2009). Early childhood teachers' use of specific praise statements with young children at risk for behavioral disorders. Behavioral Disorders, 34(3), 118-135.

Musti-Rao, S., & Haydon, T. (2011). Strategies to increase behavior-specific teacher praise in an inclusive environment. Intervention In School & Clinic, 47(2), 91-97. doi:10.1177/1053451211414187

.