***** NOT A TEACHER *****
Hello, Learning:
1. All the other posters have given you great suggestions.
2. I wanted to gently suggest that there could be a negative aspect to writing words of praise on their homework.
That is, humans being what they are, they always want more. For example, if you regularly write "Good work!" on
their lessons, the words "Good work!" will lose their power and the students will no longer pay attention to them. On the
other hand, if you stop writing "Good work!" they may feel hurt that you do not think their work continues to be "good."
*****
Everyone likes praise, of course. So I think that you might consider what some teachers do:
1. Refrain from writing individual comments on lessons. (This will prevent students from comparing comments, which might lead to hurt feelings.)
2. Orally thank the class on a regular basis for their conscientious work. Read aloud a good answer from every single student in the class (so that nobody feels left out). Don't mention names, however.
3. Occasionally, give the class a treat (donuts, candy, etc.). Again tell them how touched you are that they are such
good students.
4. Maybe you could even arrange a field trip (to a museum, to a movie, etc.) to show your appreciation.
