As teachers, how often do we use throw away terms such as, “well done” or “good job”? If we really think about it, using generic phrases like that, mean very little and can often lose their impact over time.
Have you ever considered trying something more heartfelt and meaningful? If you have, this blog post is exactly what you need. It will give you 25 positive and encouraging alternatives for saying "good job" that will uplift and inspire your preschoolers.
Before we jump further into these 25 positive and encouraging things to say instead of ‘good job’, I wanted to make sure you’ve had the chance to download my Size of the Problem Freebie. Perfect for preschoolers, this game will help your students see that not all problems are equal, and is a great first step in helping them deal with problems that occur in preschool. Click on the image below to download it today!
The importance of positive and encouraging language
The language we use to communicate with our preschoolers can have a profound impact on their self-perception, confidence, and overall well-being. Positive and encouraging language not only boosts a child's self-esteem but also fosters a growth mindset, where they see challenges as opportunities to learn and improve rather than obstacles to avoid.
When we provide children with genuine, specific praise and encouragement, we are sending a powerful message: "You are capable, and your efforts are valued." This type of language helps our preschoolers internalize the belief that they have the potential to succeed, which in turn, motivates them to keep trying, even in the face of setbacks.
By embracing a more intentional and nuanced approach to providing feedback, we can create an environment where children feel supported, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential.
The drawbacks of using "good job"
While "good job" is a common and well-intentioned phrase used to express positive feedback, it can have some drawbacks. Firstly, the phrase is often overused, to the point where it can become a reflexive response rather than a genuine expression of appreciation. When this happens, the words lose their impact and meaning, becoming little more than empty platitudes.
“The reality is that children don't need to be told ‘good job!’ when they have done something well; it’s self-evident,” writes psychologist Jim Taylor, Ph.D. “They do need to be told why they did well so they can replicate that behavior in the future to get the same positive outcome.”
Additionally, "good job" is a rather vague and generic statement that fails to provide specific feedback on a child's accomplishments. It doesn't give the child any insight into what they did well or why their efforts were praiseworthy. This can make it difficult for the child to understand what they should continue doing or how they can improve in the future.
The power of words in shaping a child's self-esteem
Positive and encouraging language can help our preschoolers develop a strong sense of self-worth, resilience, and a growth mindset, while negative or dismissive language can undermine their confidence and lead to feelings of inadequacy.
When we use specific, descriptive language that highlights our student’s efforts, abilities, and unique qualities, we are reinforcing the idea that they are valued and appreciated for who they are, not just what they can do.
Here are 25 things to say instead of good job that focus on effort, specific actions, independence, problem-solving skills and growth:
What can you say instead of good job, that focus on effort and process
One of the most powerful ways to encourage and motivate children is to focus on the effort and process they put into their work, rather than just the end result. By acknowledging the hard work, perseverance, and problem-solving skills they've demonstrated, we can help children develop a growth mindset and a deeper appreciation for their own learning journey.
Some examples of what can you say instead of ‘good job’ that emphasizes effort and process:
- "I can see how much time and thought you put into this."
- "Your hard work really paid off. Well done!"
- "You didn't give up, even when it got challenging. That's impressive."
- "I love how you kept trying different strategies until you found one that worked."
- "The way you approached this problem shows a lot of creativity and critical thinking."
These types of comments not only validate the child's efforts but also provide specific feedback on the skills and behaviors they've demonstrated.
What to say instead of good job that acknowledge specific actions or achievements
While it's important to focus on effort and process, it's also valuable to provide specific praise that acknowledges a child's unique accomplishments or actions. By highlighting the specific things they've done well, we can help them feel seen, understood, and proud of their achievements.
Some examples of what to say instead of ‘good job’ that acknowledges specific actions or achievements:
- "I noticed how you carefully measured each ingredient before adding it to the mix. That attention to detail really shows."
- "The way you shared those toys demonstrates great kindness and generosity."
- "Your drawing is so vibrant and colorful. I can tell you put a lot of thought into the composition and use of color."
- "You did an excellent job of listening to my instructions and following them step-by-step."
- "The way you helped your classmate with that problem shows kindness and teamwork."
These types of comments not only validate the child's actions but also provide them with a deeper understanding of what they did well and why it was meaningful. This can help reinforce positive behaviors and encourage them to continue striving for excellence.
Alternatives to saying good job that emphasize growth and improvement
In addition to acknowledging effort and specific achievements, it's also important to recognize a student's growth and improvement over time. This type of feedback helps our students understand that progress and mastery are not about perfection, but about continual learning and development.
Some examples of alternatives to saying ‘good job’ that emphasizes growth and improvement:
- "I can see how much you've improved since the beginning of the year. Your hard work is really paying off."
- "You're doing a great job of remembering to use your strategies for solving problems. I know it was challenging at first, but you're getting the hang of it."
- "The way you're able to express your feelings more clearly shows that your communication skills are really developing."
- "You're becoming more and more independent. I can tell you're putting in the effort to develop that important life skill."
These types of comments help children understand that growth and improvement are valuable, and that their hard work and dedication are being recognized and appreciated.
Alternatives to saying good job that promote independence and problem-solving
Fostering independence and problem-solving skills in preschoolers is crucial for their long-term success and well-being. By using language that encourages these qualities, we can help our students develop the confidence and resilience they need to navigate challenges and take ownership of their learning.
Some examples of alternatives to saying ‘good job’ that promote independence and problem-solving include:
- "You figured out a way to solve that problem on your own. I'm impressed by your critical thinking skills."
- "I noticed you didn't give up when you encountered that obstacle. Instead, you kept trying different ways until you found a solution. That's great problem-solving!"
- "It takes a lot of courage to ask for help. It really is courages to ask me for clarification when you are unsure."
- "You did a fantastic job of organizing your thoughts and sharing them with us. Your communication skills are really shining through."
These types of comments not only acknowledge the student's achievements but also reinforce the valuable skills and behaviors they're developing. This can help build their confidence and empower them to continue taking an active role in their own growth and learning.
Using descriptive praise to reinforce positive behavior
In addition to the alternatives to ‘good job’ mentioned above, using descriptive praise can be an effective way to reinforce positive behavior and help our students understand the specific reasons behind the praise. By providing detailed feedback, we can help children develop a deeper understanding of what they're doing well and why it's important.
Some examples of descriptive praise include:
- "I noticed how you waited patiently for your turn in the line. That shows great self-control and respect for your classmates."
- "The way you cleaned up the blocks without being asked demonstrates responsibility and consideration for our classroom."
- "Your willingness to try a new activity, even though it was challenging, shows a lot of courage and a growth mindset. I'm proud of you for stepping out of your comfort zone."
- "I'm impressed by how you took the time to listen to your friend's concerns and offer really practical suggestions. That level of empathy and problem-solving is really impressive."
By using descriptive praise, we can help children understand the specific behaviors and skills that we value, which can reinforce their positive actions and encourage them to continue developing these qualities.
Conclusion: Why keeping these 25 things to say instead of good job in your back pocket is so important.
By moving beyond the generic ‘good job’ and embracing a more intentional and diverse range of positive and encouraging alternatives, we can create an environment that fosters self-esteem, resilience, and a growth mindset in our preschoolers.
By incorporating these positive language strategies into our daily interactions, we can help children develop a deeper understanding of their own worth and potential, empowering them to take on challenges, learn from their mistakes, and continue striving for excellence.
Ultimately, the words we choose to use with preschoolers are not just empty platitudes – they are powerful tools that can shape their self-perception, their relationships, and their future success.
Further Reading:
How to Help Preschoolers Embrace a Growth Mindset
6 Ways to Teach Size of the Problem
