E is for Exclamations: In Speech and in Encouragement: Building Skills How-Tos

 An introductory list of how to encourage young readers and writers is at your fingertips!  For some, the process is smooth and almost innate but for others it is an uphill battle filled with many moments of discouragement and defeat.  We need to be encouragers and cheerleaders in the lives of children.  E is for Exclamations....words spoken with emphasis....and my hope is that we work hard to ensure our exclamations are encouraging words.  Are we reacting in frustration and exasperation or are we seeking to help these children endure the difficulties and be enthusiastic about their efforts to learn?

Today I want to provide ten examples of E word exclamations to encourage a child to get you started.

  1. You sure are eager to get that done!
  2. I like your enthusiasm!
  3. You definitely put a lot of effort into that!  Well done!
  4. What an epic story you are writing!  It is exceptional!
  5. Your drawing is very elaborate!  I like the details you added.(or...I like the embellishments)
  6. I can see your education is making a difference.  I can see how much you have learned!
  7. Mm, Mmmm!  This meal you are making looks exquisite!
  8. Go easy...You have so much energy!
  9. We have a budding Einstein!  That is such a smart idea!
  10. I see this is hard.  I just want to encourage you to keep trying!  It takes time to learn new things!
Our statements should be sincere and true.  These ones focus on E words since E is my focus!  Sometimes, writing out lists of positive affirmation will help you in the moment to find the words to say.  Maybe you need to write the words in a note and pop it into a book they are reading or onto the door of the room. Sometimes, just taking time to listen and talk about their interests and what they are reading/writing/doing is the best way to encourage a child that you care and value their skill building efforts.  Being present in their day makes a difference.  Your encouragement matters!

The children can write notes to build up others or make up cheers or design banners with positive words to fill the room.  Being sure to point out exceptional moments and recognize examples of excellent behaviours that you want to see more of typically increases the frequency of these good moments. When you praise even small successes in their literacy development such as: writing an A correctly, reading a new word, listening to the entire book or answering a question correctly, you make building literacy skills an empowering part of their day.  I am eager to see you embrace this!  You can do it!

Enjoy your day friends!



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