Keepin’ It Real In Early Childhood: What Should We Say Instead of “Good Job”?

Promoting positive self-esteem is so very important for all children in our care. While we mean well, as teachers, when we say, “Good job”, it is really counterproductive in helping children self-regulate, which is the ultimate goal. So, what do we say instead, or do we say anything at all? Let’s explore more effective techniques in communicating with young children to enable them to be productive, well-adjusted citizens of our programs and beyond.