Literacy is the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute using printed and written materials associated with varying contexts.
Literacy involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop his or her knowledge and potential, and to participate fully in the wider society1.
1“UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), June 2003.”
Effective Praise
Giving Praise Effectively
Praise is a great motivator for your students. It lets a student know that he/she is making progress and can be successful in the classroom
BE SPECIFIC. It is important to tell him/her why he/she is being praised.
General or vague praise is less helpful. For example, “I like the way you noticed the beginning sound” is better than “That’s right.”
Praise a student when he/she tried to self-correct, but is still wrong. You might say, “I really liked the way you tried to sound that out” or “You almost have it.”
Example of Effective Praise
- “I can see that you are putting in the sounds you know.”
- “Good, you noticed that and fixed it.”
- “I liked the way you tried to help yourself.”
- “You did a good job of using the word wall to find a word.”
- “I can tell that you are really thinking about what you are reading.”
- “You are paying attention to the pictures to help you with your reading.”