As a teacher, it's hard to find the balance. You want to encourage each child in the class. This year my goal has been to try and encourage students in a meaningful way. Breaking the habit of saying "You're smart!" has been the hardest. I've had to pinch myself every time I say it. I think after hearing you're smart for so many years the students get an attitude where if it's hard they can give up. I've had a few who were genuinely surprised that I didn't rush to their aid when they commented on hard work.
My new motto is, "I'm glad the work is difficult. When the work is difficult you fail, you try again, and then you learn more."
Maybe I should create a swear-jar type situation where every time I give superficial praise, I put some money in the jar!
