Using Language to Inspire Positive Self-Esteem (12.7)

What are three things that we can encourage in students when we choose our language carefully?

Children are born knowing how to follow directions and use self-control.

When we teach children to identify and acknowledge their feelings, we are teaching them emotional intelligence.

What are skills that focus on emotions, cooperation and social skills called?

Commands and threats are an effective way of using language to teach children.

When we greet a young girl, we should focus on her ____.

Starting in a new classroom might feel scary or risky to children.

When we compliment a child, we should NOT choose words that are ___.

Growth Mindset is a power skill that determines success.

Case Study: Preschool has just started for the day. The children begin on the playground. When Maria arrives at school she runs over to the teacher and the teacher says, “Good morning, Maria, you look so beautiful today, I love your red dress”. Maria smiles and runs off to play. When Jose arrives, he also runs to his teacher. “Hello Jose, I am glad you are here today, did you practice those numbers last night?” Jose demonstrates is counting excitedly and then spots a friend on the playground. After a few minutes Charlie runs over to the teacher crying, his friend George pushed him to the ground, and he hurt his leg. The teacher bends down and says, “I don’t see anything, you are just fine, don’t be a baby”. Then she goes to George and without giving him a chance to speak she says, “You need to take a time out, you pushed Charlie, you are a bad boy.” She takes George’s hand and walks him to the corner of the playground for a time out. George is screaming that he didn’t do anything, and that Charlie fell and that it isn’t fair that he always gets in trouble for things he didn't do. The teacher ignores him and puts him in time out then walks away. How can the teacher change the way she greets Maria? Why is this change important? When the teacher tells Charlie “Don’t be a baby”, what is the subtle message that she is sending him with her language? Why does George feel like his punishment is unfair? How could the teacher have used language to solve this problem differently?