Praising and Rewarding Young ones

"Praise your children more than you correct them. Praise them for even their smallest achievement." - Ezra Taft Benson

Praise nurtures children’s confidence and sense of self. By using praise, we can show our children how to think and talk positively about themselves. It's a way of helping our child learn how to recognise when they do well and feel proud of themselves. When we feel good about our children, we can convey the same to them. We can try and give our children some words of encouragement regularly. The small things we say can build up over time to have a big effect on our children.

Coming up with encouraging words for kids can be tricky. Experts say, descriptive praise is when we tell our children exactly what it is that we like. It can help the child understand exactly what it is that they’ve done well. It’s also more genuine than generalized praise like ‘You’re a good boy’. We can help our children recognise when they’ve done well and encourage good behaviour.

Encouragement should be focused on praise for effort – for example, ‘You worked really hard on that Lego tower – well done’. Praising effort can motivate the child and encourage them to try hard in the future. Parents’ encouragement for kids can enhance children’s engagement and perseverance.

We can also use encouragement 'before' the child does something. For example, ‘Show me how well you can put your toys away’. Some children, especially those who are less confident than others, need more encouragement than others. When praise is focused on effort, children are more likely to see trying hard as a good thing in itself. They’re also more likely to keep trying and to be optimistic when they face challenges.

A reward can be termed as a result of good behaviour. Rewards can help make praise and encouragement work better. So when we praise or encourage the child’s behaviour and then reward it, the behaviour is more likely to happen again. It could be a treat, a surprise or an extra privilege. For example, as a reward for picking up the toys, we can take them to the park, or for keeping their room tidy, children can choose what’s for dinner. Or giving the child a surprise with a reward for good behaviour like a playdate. Children are more likely to repeat behaviour that earns praise or encouragement. This means we can use praise and encouragement to change difficult behaviour and replace it with desirable behaviour. It’s best not to overuse rewards though. The first step could be to watch for times when the child behaves in positive ways, or makes an effort. When we see this, we need to immediately get the child’s attention and tell them exactly what we liked – for example, ‘David, I liked how you waited your turn to play with that toy. Well done’

Nonverbal ways to praise or encourage children can be a good idea. A thumbs up, smile or high five can be powerful ways to show the child we’re impressed by their behaviour or efforts. Rather than waiting until the child has done something perfectly, little changes and successes can be applauded. Giving a compliment or trying to praise any effort or improvement can do the trick.

Trying to praise more than criticise is also important. Experts say, praise your child five times for every one time you say something negative. Praising the child for their strengths and encouraging the child to feel excited about their own interests can help the child develop a sense of pride and self-confidence.

Trying to make the praise believable and appropriate to the behaviour is another important aspect. If our praises are exaggerated, the child might not believe it. We sometimes praise our children purposely to boost their self-esteem, motivate them, encourage certain behavior, or protect from them from hurtful feelings. However, if encouraging words are not perceived as sincere and honest, children won’t feel very encouraged.

However we choose to do it, it's important to praise a child with words appropriately and effectively. Words of encouragement for kids, when used right, can have a lasting and powerful positive impact.


Thank You

Purva Deosugur

Coordinator

Olive Trails

learning ENGAGEMENTS @ nursery

Math: semi circle

A Semi circle is half of a circle shaped figure that has 2 sides and two corners . The tiny buds of nursery was introduced to a Semi Circle shape through a wonderful presentation by means of flash cards, real Semi circle shaped objects . The young learners made different objects from semi circle cutouts such as house, turtle, umbrella, cap, jelly fish etc. This activity will enhance the perception skills of learners in understanding the shape of Semi Circle and improve their recognition and sorting of the Semi circle shaped objects. They thoroughly enjoyed the exercise.

Theme: a dive into water transport

Buses, boats, and trains! There are many modes of transport that learners like to use for travelling and exploring the world. Water transport is one of them and Nursery learners were imparted of its knowledge through an informative PPT and song on water ways that allow to move from one part of the world to other. They did a fun activity of making a boat, yacht and shikara boat from origami paper as instructed by the teacher. After making their boat learners sticked it on a white sheet of paper and they beautified it with their own creativity by creating a scenery with water, birds and trees. Through this activity learners practiced their folding skills and learned different ways of water transport.

sports: POtato race!

Allowing children to participate in outdoor extracurricular activities, such as sports, helps them explore and develop skills which are considered beneficial throughout their lives. By participating in sports, children are exposed to various mental, social, emotional, physical and educational benefits.

This week nursery learners enjoyed 'Potato Race' during their sport session which is a very simple, but fun game to play with everyone's.The learners finished this session with full zeal and enthusiasm.


learning ENGAGEMENTS @ K1

Math: Hey! i'm learning tens and ones concept

Math is important and it is important to help young children develop their mathematical thinking. Math skills help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Draw Grapes is a fun way to promote math skills with learners. Tens and ones math activity is perfect for helping young math learners practice important math skills in fun and creative ways. Children love to play with the play dough because of its amazing colour and texture.

K1 learners made bunch of Grapes with play dough on a blank paper sheet to show that one bunch of 10 grapes makes one tens and they made loose grapes to show the concept of ones according to given numbers by the teacher. Learners extremely enjoyed creating their own bunch of grapes, hence learning the concept of 'Tens and Ones' in a play way method.  



English: i can write three letter words

An important stage in learning to read is the mastery of three letter words, especially words in the format: consonant/vowel/consonant. These types of words, (for example, “cat”, “man” and “jam”), are usually the first used to teach children to “sound out” words. Once a child knows the basic sounds made by the letters of the alphabet, they are only a short, (but very important) step away from starting to read. Teacher took recap of three letter words before writing in the notebook. Then they started writing in their red blue line books. K1 learners did fantastic job by writing 3 letter words in their notebook which develops their linguistic, thinking and memory skills.

stream: My pencil stand

STREAM sessions are one of the most interesting sessions for children. Children look forward to these sessions every week.

Learners enjoyed this week's STREAM session wherein they used ice cream sticks, paper cups and decorative materials to make their own pencil stand. First they colored the ice cream sticks and then stuck them onto the sides of the paper cup with glue. Then they used various decorative materials of their choice to make it beautiful. Learners actively participated in the activity and were happy to make their own pencil stand.

sports

Everyone talks about the importance of fitness and exercise for kids – including us. Playing a sport is a great way for children to take a break from academics and release the pent-up energy. It also helps them lead fuller and happier lives as regular sports and fitness activities have proven to provide not only physical benefits but also social and psychological benefits to children. This sports session was very special for K1 learners this week because after a long time they played in their school's sports ground. Learners enjoyed different drill exercise as instructed by the teacher. They followed the exercises with complete enthusiasm.

learning ENGAGEMENTS @ K2


Math: Greater/ Smaller activity


Numbers are taught to learners at a a very early age, they learn to say and write the numbers. Greater than and less than symbols are used to compare any two numbers. When a number is bigger than another number greater than symbol is used and when a number is smaller than another number, then less than symbol is used. Mathematics is a language which has its own rules and formulas.

K2 learners were taught the symbol to compare the numbers in the class. Related to that they did an activity where they made few numbers of their choice out of clay and kept on a color sheet. They placed two numbers and then they compared the numbers. With the help of ice cream sticks they placed the symbol as per the bigger number. Learners taught how to compare the numbers and used the symbol accordingly.

Stream- Splat Art


STREAM curriculum allows students to learn vital skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration and innovation along with essential technology skills sets. STREAM in kindergarten is fun. It builds a strong foundation when students are curious little sponges. It prepares them for their future endeavors.

This week K2 learners did an activity called Splat Art where they were explained about gravity and how gravity works by showing a video. Later they used few pomp om balls and poster colours to complete the activity. Learners dip the balls in poster colour and drop it down on a white sheet of paper.When the pomp pom ball touched the paper it made a splash on the paper. Learners explore Gravity through Splat Art.


let's enjoy some Sports


Physical activity is good for children in many of the same ways that it is good for adults. In the early age it is quite important to engage the learners in different types of physical activities. It also helps them to develop their gross motor skills. Preschoolers, three to five years of age should spend at least 3 hours a day being physically active. Active play for children this age should include fun aerobic exercises like running around, catching and throwing, swimming, riding a bike, etc. Aside from sleeping, preschool-age children should not be inactive for prolonged periods of time. So the more opportunities they have to be active, the better it is for physical development.

K2 learners in their sports period did some yoga poses where they took the pose of tree, mountain and crescent moon and many more. Teacher guided the learners and showed them different poses of yoga and also explained their meanings. Learners followed the poses and did it correctly. They have enjoyed the sports session.



Emotional Quotient: i can manage my worries

The feelings we feel are identified as responses to different events that either occur internally are emotions. There are a handful of different emotions. Some we experience more often daily like feeling of enjoyment, fear, anger. Emotional behavior involves both physiological and psychological activities. It gives motion to the organism either to move towards the goal or move away from the goal.

Getting worried is also a kind of emotion where we get worried and tensed for any situation or in any other circumstance. K2 learners were taught this emotion with the help of a video. Later they drew an emoji in their scrap book in the center of the page and wrote few reasons why they get worried. It was an interactive session where they expressed their emotions which are the things that make them worried. The same thing they portrayed in the book. They enjoyed the activity.

Celebrations @olive trails

Feed The Birds Day

Birds have always held special place in our hearts, which is why we celebrate Feed the Birds Day on February 3 every year and is part of the celebrations of National Bird-Feeding Month. Feeding the Birds Day is celebrated to bring attention to the extra help birds need right before spring, when their winter stores of food start running out. This day is also a great day to think about the kind of food birds like to eat and make sure that the bird feeders are set up to help out the birds that visit your backyard with the best food. The day also offers a great opportunity to learn about wild birds and their needs. The month was created to educate the public on the seasonal journeys of birds, and for us to provide some aid at the height of winter when it is needed most.

Nursery and K1 learners celebrated this day by learning about the importance of the day. To show their affection towards birds, learners made a bird feeder with the help of paper cup, wool and other recycled material available at home. Learners enjoyed a game also where they pretended to be a bird by wearing a bird crown. Their hands were behind their back and they tried to eat puffed rice like birds. They thoroughly enjoyed this game.

K2 learners celebrated this day with great enthusiasm and joy. Riddles were played with the learners where they were asked different questions related to birds. Later learners made a bird feeder out of various materials of their their choice like paper cup/ bowl/ coconut shell etc. Learners also decorated their feeders with colours and stickers. Learners have understood the importance of birds and the importance of feeding the bird.