Back to basics

Here's Mr. Gelsthorpe stood by the lovely praise pod at Marlcliffe Primary School.  The space theme was chosen by pupils, animated letters on wire the idea of a wonderful teaching assistant, and all-in-all a brilliant team effort.

And this in a week when I hear of governors elsewhere saying 'We have enough praise already in school' in response to a new praise initiative. . . makes me wonder why we bother to commission reports such as Lord Elton's and Sir Alan Steer. For the last ten years the consistent message is one of a 5:1 ratio of praise and rewards to sanctions.

Sometimes words fail me, and I have to look to other references to remind myself of the basics. Invariably these references come from early relationships:

Take a look at an infant held in their parent's arms and count how many positive words of praise and encouragement are spoken. . . probably dozens in a very short space of time.  Now try telling this parent that they need to curb their instinct and see their reaction; "I think you've told your baby they are beautiful too many times now. You need to stop."

And if it doesn't feel good to praise children? I guess that's a whole new post.

Behaviour change lag

Okay, so who's been looking at these pictures and thought something along the lines of,
"Oh yeh, just wait till the first real test. Then we'll see if they can get on so well. . . "

And isn't this so often our reaction when a child manages to change their ways. Many sceptics just sit back and wait for 'The real Johnny' to re-emerge, and then smugly tell you, "See. Told you it wouldn't last!"

Seems getting on is the new falling out.  Where will all this end up I wonder?