75 Words of Encouragement for Kids That Will Make an Impact

It's impossible to underestimate the impact that words of encouragement from students to teachers can have on little learners. Kids spend a big chunk of their day in school, so the interactions they have with their teachers have a profound impact on them.

• You're going to learn so much in school this year!
• Your effort is really going to pay off.
• I can tell that you are really trying hard.
• It's so great to see you participating in class.
  
• It makes me happy when you raise your hand in class.
• It's great to see you participating with the group.
• This class is a team; you're an important member.
• I'm so glad that I get to be your teacher!

Teachers aren't the only ones whose words have an impact on children. There is no substitute for parental encouragement and appreciation. It only takes a few seconds to write and share a special note featuring an encouraging message with your child.

• Make it easy for everyone to see how awesome you are!
  
• I know you will do a great job in school today!
  
• You can do anything you put your mind to.
• You make me proud every day.
• The sky is the limit!
  
• You are special.
• Our family is stronger because you are in it.
• You matter in this world.
  

Grades and results are important, but when it comes to encouraging kids, it's also critical to reinforce their effort and actions. This is an important key to reinforcing positive behaviors. It can help build confidence without over-focusing on winning. Learn more about positive reinforcement and its impact on kids.

• You should be really proud of the hard work you put in.
  
• I can tell that you worked really hard on this.
  
• It's so wonderful that you set a goal and were able to accomplish it.
• Nice job figuring out where to look for the answer.
• This was a great choice!
• You handled this really well.
• Look at how much you learned here!
• You're so brave to try new things.

Just like any type of effective writing or communication, the words you choose to encourage kids with should be very specific. Don't just say "good job." That's vague and could mean anything or be said to anyone. Let children know exactly what you are praising. Simply think about what makes the work great, then focus your praise on that special characteristic.

• Your poem has beautiful imagery.
• Wonderful handwriting on this!
• This picture has such pretty colors.
• You used some great new words here.
• Thank you for working so well with your partner!
• You really understood the theme of this novel.
• Awesome job on the essay section!
• Your math skills are extremely strong.
• It's amazing how many new definitions you mastered this week.

Some words and phrases get used so much, they become examples of clichés. Words like "fine," "great," "good," and "nice" don't have much meaning to a child who constantly hears them. Instead, utilize a variety of superlative adjectives. When your language choices aren't repetitive, that will help reassure kids that you really mean what you are saying.

• Fantastic work here!
• You did a stellar job on this.
• What an excellent idea!
• You're doing an unbelievably great job listening today.
• That question shows what a fabulous thinker you are.
• Thanks for the extraordinary effort.
• You were an amazing friend today.
• The structure of your poem is outstanding.
• Your performance was spectacular.

Failure is part of learning. When a child fails or makes a mistake, you can help with encouraging words for students and kids. This is a powerful time to show your support through verbal and nonverbal communication.

• Look how much you learned from that mistake!
• Wonderful job asking for help when you needed it.
• It's a small setback, but you've got this.
• You don't have to be perfect.
• All that matters is that you keep trying.
• I love how you are focusing on what this taught you.
• Amazing job taking responsibility.
• It's a sign of strength to admit your mistakes.
• Every mistake is an opportunity to learn something new.

Use positive words to boost self-esteem by praising kids for their creativity and capability. By doing this, you show that you believe in the child and value his or her unique contributions.

• You came up with a great solution!
• That's a fantastic point.
• You have amazing ideas.
• I like the way you think.
• Thank you for sharing your ideas with me.
• You have what it takes to figure it out.
• You have a unique and wonderful writing voice.
• Your talents make you special.
  

It's so important for kids to learn how to have empathy for other people. Look for teachable moments in which you can provide encouragement to children related to their ability to experience and demonstrate empathy for others.

• It was so kind of you to invite the new student to sit with you during recess.
  
• Your kindness to the new students tells me that you're a great team member.
• Thanks for loaning Ann your extra pencil. You are such a good teammate.
  
• Thank you so much for offering to help organize the classroom play area.
• It is wonderful that you try so hard to make all of the other kids feel welcome.
• Your willingness to share with your playmates is wonderful.
• You do such a great job really listening to what others have to say.
• It was very brave of you to speak up on behalf of your classmate who was being bullied.

Sometimes the best words of encouragement for kids come in the form of advice. When things haven't been going the way a child would prefer, share encouraging advice designed to help them see things from a different perspective.

• Every day provides new opportunities.
• You'll learn from this and grow and become even stronger.
• You'll discover your special talents as you grow older.
  
• You are exactly who you are meant to be.
• Everyone has room to become even better.
• Strive to learn something new every day.
• Be yourself.
• You are valuable.

If you're looking for words to appreciate and recognize a child, there are lots of suitable choices. Everyone needs encouragement sometimes, even grown-ups. If you're looking for more ways to build confidence at any age, try these encouraging words for every occasion. When you let people know you believe in them, there's no telling what they can accomplish. Being proactive in offering encouraging words for kids, along with praise and appreciation, will help set them up for a lifetime of success.