Discussion Board Two: Using Praise in the Early Childhood Classroom

The Assignment

According to the text, praise is an intangible form of reinforcement that can be used ineffectively. Also, there is information on how to use praise ethically and effectively. 

Read what Alfie Kohn has to say about praise in his article: “Five Reasons to Stop Saying “Good Job”. After reading the article discuss your ideas with your classmates by focusing on the 3 following questions:

Do you agree with Kohn’s ideas on praise?

Should teachers use praise in the classroom? How should it be used to be effective?

Think of a time when you used praise with a child. Judge whether the praise was necessary. Decide whether the praise was effectively stated.