From Generic to Genuine
The Power of Behavior-Specific Praise
Introduction: When it comes to encouraging positive behavior in children, praise is a powerful tool. However, not all praise is created equal. Behavior-specific praise, which focuses on the details of the behavior being reinforced, is often more effective than generic praise, which simply acknowledges that the child did well. Understanding the difference between these types of praise and how to use them appropriately can significantly impact a child’s development and motivation.
Behavior Principles
The key behavioral analysis concepts that help use understand why specific praise is more effective include:
Positive Reinforcement: This involves providing a reward or acknowledgment following a desired behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated.
Differentiation: Clearly describing what behavior is being praised helps children understand exactly what they did well, reinforcing that specific action.
Shaping: Using specific praise can guide someone toward a desired behavior by rewarding small steps that lead up to it. For example, praising incremental progress helps shape complex behaviors.
Individualization: Tailoring praise to what motivates an individual makes it more effective. Specific praise can be adjusted to meet individual needs and preferences.
Practical Steps
Be Specific: Instead of saying, "Good job," describe exactly what the child did well. This helps them understand what behavior to repeat.
Be Immediate: Provide praise as soon as the desired behavior occurs. This helps the child connect the praise with the specific action.
Be Sincere: Ensure that praise is genuine and related to real achievements or efforts. This maintains the child’s trust and encourages continued effort.
Individualize and Adjust: Tailor your praise to be appropriate for the child’s age and level of understanding. Young children may need simpler explanations, while older children can handle more detailed feedback.
Combine Praise with Guidance: When needed, use praise alongside feedback to guide future behavior. For example, “I really liked how you shared your toys with your friend. Next time, let’s try to remember to use our words to ask if they want to play.”
Examples of Behavior-Specific Praise
By Age Group:
Babies:“You’re doing such a great job holding the toy!” or “Exploring toys is fun, you’re amazing!”
Toddlers: “I’m so proud of how you put all your toys back in the box!” or “You’re keeping your room nice and tidy!”
Preschoolers: “You did an excellent job sharing your crayons with your friend. That was very kind of you!”
K-2nd Grade: “I noticed you finished your homework and organized your work so well. That shows great responsibility and hard work!”
3rd-5th Grade: “Thank you for helping to clean up the classroom. I appreciate how you took the initiative and worked hard to keep our space tidy.”
Middle School Age: “Your ideas about how to approach the project were really insightful. I appreciate how you listened to others and shared your thoughts clearly.”
For Home and School Settings:
Home Setting:
“Great job remembering to brush your teeth without being asked. It shows you’re taking responsibility for your health!”
“I really appreciate how you put all your toys away after playing. It helps keep the house neat and tidy.”
“Thank you for setting the table so nicely. It made dinner time smoother for everyone.”
“I noticed you shared your toys with your brother today. That was very kind and thoughtful of you.”
“You did a fantastic job getting dressed and ready for school quickly this morning. It helped us leave on time.”
School Setting:
“I’m impressed with how you waited for your turn to speak and raised your hand. That shows respect for everyone’s chance to participate.”
“Well done on turning in your project before the deadline. It shows you’re organized and responsible.”
“I saw you help your classmate with their math problem. It’s great to see you being so supportive and helpful.”
“I’m impressed with how you raised your hand and contributed to today’s discussion. It shows you’re engaged and eager to learn.”
Tips and Reminders for Parents + Educators
Be Consistent: Regularly use behavior-specific praise to reinforce desired behaviors.
Avoid Overpraising: Ensure praise is meaningful, genuine, and not given excessively. Too much praise can diminish its impact.
Encourage Self-Assessment: Teach children to recognize and articulate their own successes. This promotes self-awareness and independence.
Provide Opportunities for Success: Create environments where children can achieve and demonstrate desired behaviors to increase their chances of receiving specific praise.
Key Takeaways
Specific Praise Enhances Understanding: Clearly describing what a child did well helps them understand and repeat the behavior.
Immediate Feedback is Crucial: Praise should immediately follow the behavior to make the connection between the behavior and the reward.
Individualization Matters: Tailor praise to the child's age and level of understanding to ensure it is effective and meaningful.
Balanced Approach: Combine praise with helpful feedback to guide future behavior.
By using behavior-specific praise, parents and teachers can more effectively encourage positive behaviors and help children understand what actions are valued and important. This approach not only motivates children but also supports their overall development and learning.
Behavior Beginnings is an introductory guide to understanding ABA. In this guide you dive into what ABA is, the key components of ABA, how to understand behavior, how to promote positive behaviors, and ways ABA can be applied in everyday life.