Reminding language prompts students to independently recall the specific things they need to do to meet academic and behavioral expectations. For example: “What are some things you can do so that all group members’ ideas are considered fairly?”
Redirecting language directs students back to productive learning when their behavior has gone off task, while helping the rest of the class stay focused on their learning. For example: “Hands down until the speaker has finished.”
Reinforcing language names exactly what students are doing well so they can build on their successes and develop a sense of themselves as competent learners, which helps students move to higher levels of competence. For example: “You added concrete evidence to your essay and that makes for a stronger argument.”
These definitions and examples are from The Power of Our Words for Middle School. You can find our elementary school version here. You can also find our latest articles on reminding, redirecting, and reinforcing language below.
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Inviting students to name learning goals (hopes and dreams) right away shows them that school is a safe place, that they’re important members of the classroom, and that they can look forward to an engaging, challenging, and fun year of learning.
Simple signals for attention—whether visual (a raised hand) or auditory (a chime, rain stick, or other pleasant-sounding instrument)—are an essential classroom management tool.
When I was student teaching, one of my professors said he could tell if a teacher had good management skills by watching whether she could get her students’ attention whenever she needed it. This lesson stuck with me, and once I had my own classroom, the first thing I always modeled was how students should respond to my signals for attention.
Taking time to get to know parents sends an important message: We’re a team with a shared goal of helping students have a successful school year. Plus, parents have invaluable insight that can help us better meet students’ learning needs. Forging strong connections with parents is an ongoing process—and it begins with the first days and weeks of school.
First Weeks of SchoolInteractive ModelingPositive Teacher LanguageReminding, Redirecting, and Reinforcing LanguageRule CreationTeacher LanguageThe First Weeks of School