Effective Praise is one of the most powerful tools adults can use to support children’s growth. While almost everyone agrees that children should be praised, the real question is not whether we praise, but how we praise. At First Congregational Preschool in Meriden, CT, we focus on guiding children to recognize and appreciate their own efforts as part of our play-based learning curriculum.

Descriptive vs. Evaluative Praise

Think about these two examples:

1. “Wow, you did such a good job!”
2. “I can see you added lots of color. Did you use every crayon you had?”

Which feels more meaningful? Most adults, including ourselves, would likely choose the second. This is because it shows engagement with the child’s process rather than simply offering a label of approval.

The first statement is evaluative praise. It assigns value to the outcome and positions the adult as the judge of success. Over time, children can grow to expect adult approval, and they may begin to rely on it to feel accepted.

In contrast, the second statement is descriptive praise. It highlights specific actions and effort, encouraging the child to recognize their own achievement. By describing rather than evaluating, the message is subtly shifted: the child is empowered to value their work.

Why Effective Praise Matters for Motivation

Children are naturally curious and creative. When they are praised effectively, they are more likely to take risks and explore ideas. Descriptive praise emphasizes the process rather than the product, reinforcing intrinsic motivation, which is the drive to learn and create for personal satisfaction.

Research shows that children praised for their effort, rather than for being “smart” or “good,” are more resilient and willing to tackle challenging tasks. External praise is still used, but it is balanced with encouragement that the child’s own effort is the most important part of learning. For more insights on child development, and positive reinforcements for kids, you can visit Positive Psychology – Positive Parenting.

How to Use Effective Praise in Everyday Learning

At First Congregational Preschool, effective praise is woven into daily activities. Here are a few strategies for parents and educators:

• Notice specific effort: Instead of simply saying “good job,” point out exactly what the child did, like mixing colors carefully or stacking blocks steadily.
• Encourage self-reflection: Ask questions that invite children to think about what they did, such as “What part of your drawing was your favorite?”
• Balance praise with empowerment: Use language that highlights the child’s control over their creation and decision-making.

Using descriptive language helps children internalize pride in their work and builds long-term confidence. For additional ideas about fostering children’s wellbeing and development, explore our blogs page to learn more. 

The Benefits of Effective Praise for Lifelong Learning

When children receive effective praise consistently, they begin to understand that effort matters more than external approval. They are more likely to engage in creative problem-solving, pursue challenging tasks, and develop resilience. By modeling descriptive praise at home or in the classroom, adults send a powerful message: effort is valuable, mistakes are part of learning, and personal satisfaction is a worthy goal.

Descriptive praise encourages children to value their own work, setting the foundation for intrinsic motivation and lifelong learning. This approach ensures that children not only grow academically but also emotionally and socially.