Learning the skill of encouragement is part of the art of teaching. And make no mistake: encouragement is a skill that is learned over time and improved with constant use. How, we ask, can we be most encouraging? The answer is found, in part by reminding ourselves what genuine encouragement is and what it is not.
The dictionary defines encouragement as, “the act of inspiring courage and confidence.” Genuine encouragement is not idle flattery nor is it pity. It is instead the transfer of courage from one person to another. It is a firm reminder of the teacher’s confidence in the student’s talents, strengths, resources and opportunities. When that confidence is internalized by the student, miracles can happen.
Source: Dr. Chriswell Freeman, Author of The Teachers’ Book of Wisdom