Everybody needs to be noticed and to matter. That's an important concept for early childhood educators to know. But who notices them and shows them how much they matter to your program?

It always takes more time to do things the right way and I suspect you have very little time to spare. In order to make it just a little bit easier for you to offer the kind of encouragement that helps good teachers stay and do their best, we've included a list of things you might say to offer positive encouragement.

• Your class looks happy.

• I like your positive attitude.

• Thanks for making the effort to sing with the children. They learn a lot from you.

• I saw you diffuse a potentially rough situation in the block area. Good thinking.

• I'm so glad that you realize young children are sensory learners.

• Your playtimes seem focused and the children are obviously learning.

• I like the way you set up your housekeeping area.

• I'm glad your activities are open-ended. I especially liked the leaf painting idea.

• A parent from your class complimented you today.

• I appreciate your lively songs during transitions. You manage to keep them moving along happily and that's a great skill to have!

• I'm so glad you have the energy to dance with the children. And you showcase such a great variety of music.

• I'm glad the children can access crayons and paper freely.

• Good question!

• Do you have any questions about........?

• How is your family?

Thanks for reading this!

Early Childhood Rocks is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building more peace, equity, and empathy in the world through early childhood education.

If you need a little help dealing with difficult people, you can support our organization and get this presentation as a gift of appreciation. It's designed for people who don't have time to do anything!

Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY! She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human development from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She lives and teaches in Madison WI.