I was going to email about some facebook drama that happened last week. But when I re-read the email, it was too negative for my taste. And no one wants negativity in their inbox. (Sorry if you were expecting that email! I'm sure you'll love this one, too ;) )

On the note of negativity, life isn’t all perfect. We sometimes have to say no or give negative feedback.

But did you know there’s actually a formula for giving negative feedback that is super applicable to the classroom?

The 80/20 rule.

For every 1 “No” or “negative feedback” - have four positive interactions - to balance it out.

I once gave this tip to a group of teachers on one of my online workshops. The next day, a teacher sent me a picture of an index card with x’s and checks that she had written throughout the class, taking note of how many times she had said “yes” or had a positive interaction and the opposite. Shoutout to this teacher! A true Ever Growing Educator! ​
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​Keeping the 80/20 rule in mind, here are some quick ways to say “YES” or give “positive feedback” in the classroom, that take NO prep time:

• Simply answer “YES” when they ask for something (students love asking for permission to do things)
• Call in the principal (or another admin) to come into your class where you publicly praise your students for something they did or learned.
• If you’re in the middle of reviewing a Pasuk (or any other choral reading), take out your phone, start a voice note to the principal with “You have to hear how beautifully my students are reading/singing!” and then keep recording the voice note as the students are reading/singing.
• Tell your class (or a student) “I appreciate how you….” or “I’m so lucky to teach you because….”
• When you see a student who worked hard on an assignment, ask them if you can take a picture to send their parents. You can even send it right then with a smiley emoji!
• Draw a smiley face on their test with a handwritten comment.
• Send a text to their parents with some Nachas (you can even do it now if you’re on the West Coast! It's not too late!)

Which one will you try?
What would you add to the list?
Hit reply and let me know!
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PPSS: Was this email forwarded to you? That’s an awesome friend/coworker/boss! You’ll want to sign up here so you don’t miss future emails.

Mushkie
@EverGrowingEducator