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.