The chaos and confusion of the busy world we live in can become quite stressful at times, even for young children. Students today are faced with many challenges, some that have never been faced by their parents, teachers, and administrators.

Recent studies reveal that the pandemic exacerbated the already existent youth mental health crisis. According to data from the Children’s Hospital Association, children’s hospitals around the United States have seen a 14% increase in mental health emergencies for children ages 3-18 in the first three quarters of 2021 as compared to the same period in 2019. Children’s hospitals also reported emergency department (ED) visits for self-injury and suicide in children ages 5-18 at a 42% higher rate than during the same time period in 2019. As of February 2022, more than half of U.S. adults with children in their household express concern about their child’s mental health and nearly three-quarters said their child would benefit from mental health counseling (up from 68% in 2021).

The rapid expansion of technology, adjusting to life in a pandemic, and navigating the social-emotional trials and tribulations of peer relationships all create an ever-changing dynamic for students to manage. Support and encouragement can provide students with the reassurance they need to persevere.

Maria Montessori reminds us of the value of providing support for students, “We must give him the means and encourage him. ‘Courage, my dear, courage! You are a new man that must adapt to this new world. Go on triumphantly. I am here to help you.’ This kind of encouragement is instinctive in those who love children.” Supportive phrases and actions instill a sense of confidence in students that allow them to experience feelings of happiness, pride, independence, and success.

Current research reinforces Montessori’s belief in the value of encouragement. In 2002, researchers at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania found that encouraging words significantly improved athlete performance. This positive effect extends to the classroom as well. In his book Social Intelligence: The New Science of Human Relationships, Daniel Goleman revealed that encouraging words not only feel good emotionally, they ignite the areas of our brain that support cognitive thinking and creativity.

Supporting and encouraging students does not just include uttering a few words of praise every now and then. In fact, as Montessori unveiled, children often do not respond as well to extrinsic forms of motivation and are more compelled by intrinsic rewards. As opposed to praise, which may lower self-esteem and reduce resilience over time, supportive and encouraging phrases and actions reward effort, focusing on a student’s process and progress, rather than a specific product. This type of encouragement increases resilience in children and supports their willingness to persevere when faced with challenges.

So how can you support and encourage students? Here are 20 key phrases and actions:

Phrases

I can see that you are working so hard on this.

Focusing on the child’s dedication and determination helps them value these qualities in themselves and allows them to understand that they have the ability to improve on their efforts using these practices.

Your ideas are so creative.

Helping a child to recognize their ingenuity and creative thinking will instill a sense of confidence in them, empowering them to solve problems in the future more openly and with innovation.

I love your enthusiasm!

Encouraging a child’s spirit inspires them to be more confident and more productive as they move forward positively on the paths that they choose in life.

You should be very proud of yourself for asking for help when you need it.

Ensuring that children know there is nothing wrong with asking for help is invaluable. Letting them know that you’re there to support them and offer love and guidance when they need it empowers them to continue reaching out to those around them when they’re faced with challenging situations.

Believe in yourself; you can do it.

Self-esteem helps children cope with mistakes. It helps children keep trying, even when experiencing failure. Helping children develop a strong belief in themselves empowers them to persevere.

I believe in you.

In addition to ensuring children believe in themselves, it is often reassuring for students to know that you have faith in them as well. This support often empowers children in trying times as they know they have people cheering them on every step of the way.

Mistakes are proof that you are trying.

It is important to let students know that everyone makes mistakes. Let your students see you make mistakes and model how to move forward in these situations. Reassure students who have made a mistake that there is always an opportunity to try again.

Tell me something that made you smile today.

Fostering social-emotional connections with students is invaluable. Let them know that you care about them and their feelings by asking about what brings them joy.

You showed great generosity with your actions.

Focus on encouraging positive social-emotional qualities like kindness and generosity, ensuring students recognize the value of these characteristics in building successful relationships with others.

That was such a kind and thoughtful thing to do.

Encouraging selfless behavior reinforces to students that above all else, it is a person’s nature that is most important in life. Focus on providing positive reinforcement for students’ good deeds so they see the value in them as well.

Your opinions matter.

Listen to each student’s thoughts and opinions and ensure they recognize their worth. Ask students for input when making classroom decisions and use their suggestions to create change.

You are valuable.

Make sure every single student recognizes the difference they make to you, to their peers, and to the world.

You are important.

Find ways to validate each student’s importance through your words and your actions, providing them all with roles and responsibilities that reinforce their sense of self-worth.

Actions

Actively listen to your students.

Take time to really listen to what your students have to say. Stop what you’re doing, get down on their level, and make eye contact with them when they’re talking. Repeat back what you hear them saying for clarification and validation purposes. This type of active listening lets a child know you care about what they have to say and you believe in them.

Show empathy.

Being empathetic towards a student shows them that there is someone who understands them and is supporting them along the way.

Use positive body language.

Gestures and mannerisms can send very powerful messages. Giving a genuine smile, a small wink or nod, or even a thumbs-up can help students feel encouraged and empowered.

Provide students with opportunities for leadership.

Be sure that students feel as though they have important roles in the classroom. Involve them in making classroom decisions including establishing rules and responsibilities at the beginning of the year.

Let your own interests and excitement shine.

When students see that adults are excited about learning and about life, it will become contagious. Share what you are passionate about with your students. Don’t be afraid to crank up the music and dance around the room to celebrate successes with your students!

Learn your students’ interests and introduce works and lessons aligned with those interests.

Take time to observe students, getting to know them and their interests. Provide opportunities for students to explore their interests through exciting new lessons, research projects, and shelf work. When possible, offering opportunities for going out experiences can allow students to delve deeply into topics of interest in meaningful and enriching ways.

Validate and be honest and genuine.

Validate each student’s contributions. Model honesty and respect. This will help develop a sense of trust with students, creating an environment in which each child feels safe, secure, and supported.

The relationship we have with ourselves and the ones we build with others are so powerful. After all, the most important thing in life is each other. Take time to foster relationships with students, investing in them by using these key phrases and actions to show your unending support and encouragement.

Resources

50+ Words of Encouragement for Kids and Students

15 Ways To Make Students Feel Encouraged