Noticing Language

A common teacher phrase used to motivate students into positive behavior is, “I like how you…” The hidden message is, You should do this because I like it and you want to please me. This leads to compliant behavior that is dependent on a teacher telling the student when they are doing something good or bad. To get started with this shift, try replacing “I like…” with “I notice…” and include how the behavior positively impacted others. This small shift decenters the teacher, and centers the impact of a student’s behavior on those around them. It communicates to students that you see them, and helps them to notice the impact of their behaviors on the community as well. Use this Reinforcing Language Activity to practice.

How much more aware are you about your language placing a value judgment on students behavior?

What has been challenging about this shift to noticing language?

How has this language shift impacted your classroom community? At first? Over time?

What are the benefits and challenges when students are not fluent in the language of instruction?

Read this article by Responsive Classroom for more on The Power of Teacher Language. Read more from The Power of Our Words about how Noticing Language, also known as Reinforcing Language, helps students move to higher levels.