Frequent Descriptive Praise (E2.1.7)
Sub Category: Relationships with Individual Children: Security, Warmth, and Responsiveness
Credential Level: Level 2 •
Age Group: Infant, Toddler, Pre-K
COMPETENCY STATEMENT
Provides frequent descriptive praise to reinforce positive behavior, efforts, interests, and accomplishments (“I like the way you put away the toys!”).
DEFINITIONS
Teachers provide frequent praise and encouragement through describing and telling children the positive behavior and/or action they are engaging in. When providing descriptive praise, teachers should use specific positive statements.
EXAMPLES
Frequent Descriptive Praise
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
This video shows how teachers can provide children with descriptive praise to reinforce positive behavior and accomplishments.
Frequent Descriptive Praise
Age Group: Infant
Age Group: Infant
In this exemplar video, a teacher is engaging in floor play with an infant. Notice how the teacher narrates the child’s actions and encourages their accomplishments –an example of providing frequent descriptive praise to reinforce positive behavior, efforts, interests, and accomplishments.
Frequent Descriptive Praise
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, the teacher says, ‘Thank you for being a helper. I love the way you are cleaning up!’ Notice how the teacher is using descriptive praise to encourage positive behavior and support the child’s efforts–an example of providing frequent descriptive praise to reinforce positive behavior, efforts, interests, and accomplishments.
Frequent Descriptive Praise
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, a teacher follows the toddler’s cues during the activity. Notice how the teacher allows time for the child to imitate actions and uses descriptive praise to reinforce effort and accomplishments (e.g., “Good job, you did it! You put them together”)—an example of Responsive Interactions & Guidance.