Positive Reinforcement

Over the years as a parent and educator, I have become a firm believer in using positive reinforcement. Using positive words and phrases is especially beneficial.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is a simple way to encourage wanted behaviors and, in the process, eliminate less desirable ones. They can help persuade the child to pursue behaviors you prefer. They can be any type of incentive or reward that

results in encouraging behaviors you want from the child. One type can be in the form of activities that can be internally rewarding. Another type may be in physical rewards.

POSITIVE WORDS AND PHRASES

Our choice of words does make a difference. Following are some positive words and phrases that can be used effectively as reinforcers:

Great job! Very impressive! Terrific! That’s the best yet!

Amazing! Great! You’ve outdone yourself

Nice work!! Excellent! You make it look easy

Extraordinary! Exactly right! Keep trying, you’ll get it

Brilliant! Terrific! Thank you for …

Perfect! Sensational! You improve every day

Outstanding! Beautiful! That’s a good way to do that

Smart thinking! Very impressive That’s an awesome idea

You’re doing great! Fabulous! That’s the best yet

Great job! Super! Very precise

Sensational! First-rate job! Sharp response

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT-ACTIVITIES

Positive Reinforcement Activities Examples:

Spend time or have lunch with someone special

Spend a longer time at recess

Give sincere compliments and recognition

Praise the child in public

Send notes to parents and teachers for positive behaviors and/or work well-done

Give smiles, hand-shakes, and high-fives

Allow him/her to choose to do classroom chores, be a class leader, or helper

Give extra credit or bonus points on school work

Post work in a place of honor

Give a homework-free night

Give him/her the opportunity to do an activity such as reading, making crafts,

playing sports, or other activity with someone special

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT-PHYSICAL REWARDS

Positive Reinforcement-physical rewards examples are to give:

Age-appropriate prizes from a treasure or reward box

Neat pencils and erasers

Small note pads

Stickers that are special or unique

Tickets to be accumulated to trade for a larger reward or privilege

Healthy snack

Small amount of gum or candy (when approved by parent)

Inexpensive popular items