Positive Learning Environment - Why It Matters

Part of the learning process is making mistakes. However, inadvertently, teachers and parents often correct young learners with negative remarks. Kids continually hear the words "no," "incorrect," and "wrong." What’s more, in moments of frustration, many children must withstand cutting, belittling names such as careless, lazy, and unmotivated.

I think we have all been called these names at some time in our lives, and I can promise you, these negative labels never help the situation. It only breeds frustration and disempowerment. In fact, if teachers or parents get too critical, students can feel dejected and even develop a sense of learned helplessness.

Positive learning environment in a classroom showing a teacher hugging a smiling student to highlight the importance of supportive, engaging learning spaces for student success

Stop the Negative Labels

Have you seen Dan Siegel speak about the psychological impact of the word “no?” Here is a link to a YouTube Video where he shows an audience the difference between “no” and “yes” responses (Click Here). I hope you have a moment to view it.

Replace Negativity with Words of Encouragement

How can teachers communicate student errors without sending a punitive message? Always point out what is right before using positive terms to guide any mishaps to the correct answer. Here is a list of browbeating, contentious words that can be replaced with suggested words of encouragement.

Negative Labels	Words of Encouragement
No	Almost. Yes, you are getting there. Close. You're getting warmer. Oopsy doodles.
Wrong or incorrect	Give it another try. Great effort. Do you need to use a lifeline?
Careless	Come into the moment with me.
Lazy	Can I help you? Let's do it together. Let's see if we can turn this into a game.
Unmotivated	What can I do to help? How about a treat when you get this done?

Social emotional learning resources graphic featuring a smiling child holding a pencil, promoting affordable games, lessons, and activities that build emotional skills and a love of learning

Evaluating Errors

Getting students comfortable evaluating their mishaps can be useful for the teacher as well as the student. I tell my students that there are two types of errors.

1) An oops or oopsy doodle:

This is when a student knows the content but overlooked a detail. If my students get discouraged with these types of mistakes, I always give them a high five and remind them that we are human. I then say, "If people didn't make mishaps, there would be nothing to learn."

2) What?:

I always say this as if I am asking a question. A "What?" is when a student never learned the concept. This lets me know that I have to reteach the concept differently.

Executive functioning instruction for elementary learners featuring E-FUN workbooks on inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory, promoting engaging, child-friendly learning resources from Good Sensory Learning

Changing the Atmosphere:

Many of us grew up with negative labels, and I know, firsthand, how difficult it can be to temper discouraging comments. However, with practice, you will find that embracing words of encouragement will change the atmosphere of the learning environment, and your students will embrace the learning process with confidence and enthusiasm.

In addition, providing a safe place where students feel comfortable evaluating their mishaps with cutesy terms such as oopsy doodle and What? will guide classroom strategies that nurture individual success.

Cheers, Erica

Dr. Erica Warren is the author, illustrator, and publisher of multisensory educational materials at Good Sensory Learning. She is also the director of Learning to Learn and Learning Specialist Courses.