No matter how old we are, a bit of encouragement and positive self-talk goes a long way whenever we’re trying something new. Coupled with his gentle nature and genuine care for everyone around him, primary teacher and 2020 Teach Queensland Ambassador James Hall is passionate about helping his students adopt a growth mindset each and every day in the classroom.
Having worked in metropolitan, rural and remote schools across Queensland, he’s mastered some techniques to help students feel good about themselves while they’re engaged in their learning.
Try this advice in your classroom to give your students the pep talk they need!
1. 'I’m learning'
'When setting a task with students, I like to help them to think in a constructive frame of mind,' James said.
James recommends trying these lines with your students:
- I’m not an expert (yet), but I will try my best.
- I can do it!
- I will have a go.
- Mistakes are proof I am learning.
And a pearl of wisdom from Possum Magic: ‘Don’t lose heart.’
'This all becomes really special when you hear students saying it aloud to themselves or even better, to a classmate!' James said.
2. I know you know
'A great way to encourage students who are reluctant to engage during question and answer time is to ask them questions you know they’ll know,' James said.
'My advice is never pick students randomly or force an answer—this will undo all the hard work you’ve done around building a safe and supportive learning environment.'
James also suggested using ‘phone a friend’ when kids are struggling to come up with the answer on their own.
'If they have a go and the answer isn’t correct, we all say ‘Good try, Johnny!’ and then I’ll ask ‘Would you like to phone a friend?’,' James said.
'Then the student picks someone else to answer the question. No harm done!'
3. On their best behaviour…
'Kids are kids and we know not every day is perfect,' James said.
'If it was, we wouldn’t have any cool stories to catch up with our colleagues about in the photocopier line!'
James said when you’re speaking with students, it’s important to describe the behaviour you want to see.
'For example, say ‘Hands up, thank you!’ instead of ‘Don’t call out!’, because in this instance some kids may only hear you say ‘Call out!’,' James said.
This approach is also useful when addressing poor behaviour with students.
'It’s the behaviour we’re upset with, not the student,' James said.
'I learnt from a mentor many years ago to address behaviour through a line like: ‘I think you are great, but that behaviour is not okay. Remember you are capable of so much!’.'
'That way, you can discuss the incident with the student while still building their self-esteem,' James said.
Got any other tips? Share them with us at teachqld@qed.qld.gov.au.