1. "It looks like that was too easy. Let's give you something a bit more challenging."
2. "That isn't the right answer. You don't understand it yet."
3. "You are so smart."
4. "I know it was hard, but look how your effort paid off.4"
5. "You’re really talented in math- you should definitely focus on it next year."
6. "She’ll get it. She’s working on it and making progress."
7. "You did so well! Keep working hard and you will do great again next year."
Reflection
1. "It looks like that was too easy. Let's give you something a bit more challenging."
This indicates that learning and being challenged is more important than getting the right answer quickly.
2. "That isn't the right answer. You don't understand it yet."
"Yet" indicates your child will succeed if they keep working.
3. "You are so smart."
Calling a child "smart" indicates intrinsic ability rather than growth through effort. This sends the message that innate "smartness" is what leads to success, rather than effort and growth.
4. "I know it was hard, but look how your effort paid off.4"
Correct! This specifies that your child’s efforts led to success.
5. "You’re really talented in math- you should definitely focus on it next year."
Singling out a strength in one realm may discourage their growth in other classes and reduce their perseverance. This statement also emphasizes the importance of talent rather than learning and growth.
6. "She’ll get it. She’s working on it and making progress."
This acknowledges that the child is able to succeed, and just needs more time to do so.
7. "You did so well! Keep working hard and you will do great again next year."
This says that continued effort will lead to continued success.