Using Specific Praise With Children

Why and How to Use Praise with Children with SEN

Specific praise is an effective and powerful tool for supporting children with special educational needs (SEN). It can help reinforce behaviour for learning, build self-esteem, and encourage the child to develop a growth mindset. :

Importance of Specific Praise for Children with SEN:

For children with special educational needs (SEN), the learning path can be filled with unique hurdles and obstacles their peers may not face. Simple tasks can become monumental challenges, leaving these children feeling defeated and devalued. However, the power of specific praise cannot be underestimated in supporting and uplifting any child. By acknowledging and celebrating their efforts and achievements, no matter how small, specific praise helps validate their struggles and instil a sense of worth. Moreover, for many children with SEN who grapple with self-regulation, attention, and motivation, specific praise is a key reinforcer, encouraging them to repeat desired behaviours and remain engaged in the task. Beyond its practical applications, specific praise links to a child’s self-worth/self-esteem and a positive self-image – critical elements that may be lacking due to the emotional toll of their day to day challenges.

What is Specific Praise?

• Specific praise involves acknowledging and describing the child’s specific behaviour or effort that you want to reinforce.
• It is more effective than general praise (e.g. the classic and overused “Good job!” or “Well done!”) because it communicates clearly what the child did well and why they are being praised.
• Examples: “I loved how you kept trying even when it was difficult,” “You used such beautiful colours in your drawing,” or “You listened so carefully to the instructions.”

How to Use Specific Praise Effectively

• Timing: Praise the child immediately after the desired behaviour occurs to reinforce the connection between the actions they undertook and the praise.
• Frequency: Praise frequently, especially when the child is learning a new skill. Be genuine and avoid overuse, which can diminish the impact.
• Focus: Praise the child’s effort, strategies, and progress, not just the end result or ability. This encourages perseverance.
• Vary your language: Use descriptive words and phrases to keep the praise fresh and meaningful.
• Be sincere: Praise should be genuine and specific to the child’s actions. Avoid empty or insincere praise, as children can sense it.
• Involve the child: Ask the child to reflect on their own actions and achievements, encouraging them to take ownership and build self-awareness.
• Adapt to the child’s needs: Consider the child’s age, developmental level, and preferred communication style when delivering praise.

Combining Specific Praise with Other Strategies

• Positive reinforcement: Pair specific praise with tangible rewards or privileges to reinforce the desired behaviour further.
• Visual supports: Use visual cues, such as sticker charts or praise charts, to help children understand and track their progress.
• Self-monitoring: Encourage children to monitor and record their achievements, reinforcing self-awareness and self-regulation.
• Peer support: Involve classmates or siblings in praising each other’s efforts, this can encourage children to see value in peer interaction.

Praise and Communication Styles

Delivering specific praise effectively to children with special educational needs (SEN) who have different communication styles requires adapting your approach to their needs and preferences. Here are some strategies to consider:

For children with Speech and Language Difficulties

• Use simple, concise language tailored to their comprehension level.
• Pair verbal praise with visuals, gestures, or sign language if the child communicates better through those modes.
• Repeat and rephrase the praise if needed to ensure understanding.
• Encourage the child to respond or acknowledge the praise in their preferred communication method.

Praise For Autistic Children

• Be clear, and direct, avoid figurative language or sarcasm, which can be confusing.
• Use their special interests or preferred topics to frame the praise, making it more meaningful and engaging.
• Consider their sensory preferences; some may respond better to written or visual praise, while others may prefer verbal or tactile praise.
• Respect their need for personal space and avoid overwhelming them with excessive praise.
• The tone of voice and level of enthusiasm used can determine the effectiveness of praise with autistic children.

For children with physical disabilities or mobility challenges (PMLD)

• Ensure your praise is accessible and delivered at their eye level or within their line of sight.
• Use assistive technology or communication devices if needed to convey the praise effectively.
• Praise their effort, persistence, and strategies, not just the physical outcome.
• Encourage them to celebrate their achievements in their own unique way.

Praise For children with sensory processing disorders (SPD)

• Be mindful of sensory overload; adjust the volume, lighting, or environment as needed.
• Use sensory-friendly language and descriptions (e.g., “You stayed calm and focused,” “Your painting has beautiful textures”).
• Incorporate sensory experiences into the praise (e.g., high-five, gentle touch, or preferred scent).
• Allow for movement breaks or sensory breaks during the praise process.

Ways to praise a child linking to their achievement:

1. Your hard work and practice on that maths worksheet paid off!
2. I’m so impressed by how carefully you followed all the steps in that science experiment.
3. You did an amazing job sounding out those difficult words while reading.
4. The details and creativity in your story are fantastic. You have such a great imagination!
5. Your drawing/painting/sculpture is beautiful. I love how you used colours/shapes/materials.
6. Wonderful job tying your shoelaces all by yourself today!
7. I’m proud of your patience and focus while putting that puzzle together.
8. You did such a great job sharing your toys and taking turns today.
9. The way you tried different strategies to solve that problem shows incredible persistence.
10. Your swimming has improved so much thanks to your dedication at lessons.
11. You followed all the safety rules perfectly during that activity. Well done!
12. I’m amazed at how well you remembered all those facts/lines/lyrics!
13. Your handwriting is so neat and easy to read. You’ve worked hard on it.
14. The sportsmanship and teamwork you displayed on the field today were excellent.
15. You handled that disappointment/frustration so maturely. I’m proud of your composure.
16. You identified that pattern/rule in math so quickly!
17. The effort you put into practising that musical piece really shines through.
18. I love how you used your imagination to build that amazing block creation!
19. Your research and presentation on that topic were so thorough and informative.
20. You did a stellar job following all the steps to complete that craft project.

Summary

Teachers and parents can use specific praise consistently and effectively to ensure the child remains motivated and is ready to learn.