Acknowledge Positive Behavior: Definition and Key Features

All students need this every day, but some students need more. Equity means matching your use with students’ needs.  

Definition: Genuine, positive, and specific acknowledgement (i.e., praise or positive reinforcement) for behaviors that align with classroom expectations and/or individual student growth.

Key Features for Supporting All Students:

Key Feature 1: Provide different styles of praise to match student preferences and needs.

Key Feature 2: Ensure that all students receive praise daily.

Key Feature 3: Prioritize praising of behaviors that facilitate inclusivity and community building (not just behaviors aligned with compliance to adult authority).

Purpose: To offer guidance, promote prosocial behavior, help students feel good about themselves, and enhance motivation for contributing to the classroom community or individual growth.

Examples:

• I’m noticing that you’re asking some great questions. Thank you!
• I like that you’re doing being quiet and on task!
  Thank you for sitting down, X, great job!

Tips:

• Praise can be general (e.g., “Good work”) or labeled and behavior-specific (e.g., “Good job putting your things away, Sharon”). When possible, praise statements should be labeled and behavior specific as to communicate with the student specifically what they are being acknowledged for.
• When possible, praise statements should immediately follow the desired behavior.
• Use praise statements (a) as a tool for changing or reinforcing behavior, (b) as a tool for building student-teacher relationships, and/or (c) as a tool for highlighting student strengths and worth in front of peers to bolster peer relationships. 
• Strategically use praise for varied reasons in different situations. Ensure that the behaviors you acknowledge as positive align with diverse cultural norms and learning styles. Recognize that different students may demonstrate strengths and growth in various ways.
• Communicate with caregivers about their use of praise and ask for input to enhance comfort and engagement for all students.
• Use rewards that reflect your students’ cultures and interests.
• Take time to get to know students and consider how to modify praise to meet their needs (e.g., how to deliver praise to a student who may be uncomfortable receiving praise).
• Acknowledge each student’s unique accomplishments. Recognize their specific efforts and achievements, considering their strengths and challenges.