30 Positive Phrases Educators Should Say To Children

Positive phrases play a crucial role in children's growth because they help nurture their emotional, social, and cognitive development. The following article lists 30 positive phrases that educators should say to children.

30 Positive Phrases 

• "You worked so hard on that!"

• "Thank you for helping your friend."

• "I love how creative you are!"

• "Can you tell me more about that?"

• "You did it all by yourself—great job!"

• "It’s okay to make mistakes; that’s how we learn."

• "I noticed how kind you were just now."

• "You’re getting better every time!"

• "I’m so proud of you for trying."

• "That’s a fantastic idea!"

• "What do you think we should do next?"

• "You’re such a great problem-solver!"

• "You’re really thinking hard about this."

• "I like how you shared with your friend."

• "Thank you for being so respectful."

• "You’re very good at taking turns."

• "I appreciate your patience."

• "You have such a big imagination!"

• "What a thoughtful question!"

• "I’m so happy to see you having fun."

• "You were so gentle and kind just now."

• "That’s a clever way of doing it!"

• "You remembered to tidy up—thank you!"

• "I can see how much you care."

• "Your drawing/idea/plan looks amazing!"

• "You are so brave to try that."

• "Thank you for listening so carefully."

• "It’s wonderful to see you being independent."

• "You are an important part of our group."

• "I believe in you, and you can do it!"

Benefits Of Using Positive Phrases 

• Builds Self-Esteem: Hearing encouraging and affirming words helps children develop a positive sense of self-worth, which is critical for confidence and resilience.

• Encourages Growth Mindset: Positive phrases like “You’re improving” or “Mistakes help us learn” teach children to see challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles, fostering a love for learning.

• Promotes Emotional Well-Being: Supportive language creates a safe and loving environment where children feel valued and understood, contributing to emotional stability.

• Enhances Communication Skills: When educators model respectful and encouraging language, children are more likely to adopt these communication styles in their interactions with peers.

• Reinforces Positive Behavior: Acknowledging and praising good actions encourages children to repeat those behaviors, shaping their moral and social development.

• Strengthens Relationships: Positive interactions between educators and children build trust and create a nurturing bond, making children feel secure and open to learning.

• Encourages Autonomy: Affirming phrases like “You did it yourself!” or “You made a thoughtful choice!” empower children to take initiative and feel proud of their achievements.

Incorporating Positive Phrases In Daily Interactions 

Incorporating positive phrases into daily interactions with children involves being intentional and consistent in your communication. Here are some practical strategies:

1. Notice and Acknowledge Good Behavior

• Observe children’s actions and praise them specifically. For instance, instead of saying “Good job,” you could say, “I love how you shared your toys with your friends!”

2. Model Positive Language

• Children mimic adults, so using positive phrases in your own conversations sets a great example. Replace critical words with encouraging ones, like “Let’s try another way” instead of “That’s wrong.”

3. Encourage Effort and Growth

• Highlight effort rather than just outcomes. For example, say, “You worked so hard on that puzzle!” to reinforce perseverance and a growth mindset.

4. Use Opportunities for Teaching

• During challenging moments, use phrases that guide and empower. For instance, “Let’s work together to solve this problem” encourages collaboration and problem-solving.

5. Create Rituals with Positive Language

• Start or end the day with affirmations, such as, “I’m so proud of how kind you’ve been today,” or “I can’t wait to see what you’ll learn tomorrow.”

6. Celebrate Individual Strengths

• Personalize your phrases to a child’s unique traits. For example, “You’re such a thoughtful helper!” shows you recognize their individuality.

7. Incorporate Positive Phrases into Play

• Use games or role-play to express affirming language, like, “Wow, you’re such a creative builder!” during block play.

8. Be Mindful of Body Language

• Pair positive words with warm and open body language. A smile or a gentle touch reinforces your message.

9. Reinforce During Transition Times

• Use moments like cleanup or circle time to include encouraging words. For instance, “Thank you for being so responsible and helping clean up!”

10. Practice Active Listening

• Respond to children’s thoughts and feelings with phrases like, “I hear you,” or “That’s such an interesting idea—tell me more.”

Further Reading 

Forming Relationships With Children In Childcare
Strategies To Build Relationships With Children
Building Relationships with Families and Co-Workers
Building Confidence In Children
Using Non-Verbal Communication With Children
Active Listening