Each day in 4th grade, Cassidy Mazurek’s students write in their morning journals. He uses this time to examine and reflect on how they feel. Some of her journals encourage readers to write words of encouragement for themselves.
Every student needs to hear words of encouragement. Students believe what we tell them, so positive words can be a powerful tool for all students, not just those who are struggling. The words we say to children help develop their inner voice. Research shows that children who grow up hearing encouraging words have the ability to motivate themselves and do not care about pleasing others.
Below you’ll find tips from teachers on how to use motivational language in the classroom, as well as our favorite words to support students in any situation.
You can also jump to the words of encouragement you need right now:
Why Use Motivational Quotes in the Classroom?
Jenna Evarts (@That_Strong_Teacher), a former elementary school teacher and current classroom management coach, believes that words of encouragement, in the form of affirmations or yelling, are important because they build a student’s confidence. Words of encouragement are not meant to be a one-time thing. When students hear the same beautiful words over and over again, it becomes part of their internal monologue long after they leave your classroom.
Some of Evarts’ words of encouragement include:
- “I’m so smart!”
- “I have a sense of growth.”
- “I can do hard things!”
- “I got this!”
Tips for Using Motivational Quotes in the Classroom
Sometimes how you say it is as important as what you say. Use these teacher-tested tips to help make your words meaningful and impactful.
1. Develop a growth mindset
Children need to know that they have influence over the outcomes of their lives. This builds their growth mindset and helps them develop the persistence they need to face challenges. For example, when students make a mistake, Mazurek uses words of encouragement to help them correct the mistake. “I also think it’s important to speak my inner monologue out loud when I make a mistake,” she said. Showing students that using words of encouragement can help them navigate difficult situations makes it a skill that anyone can master.
2. Give the students the words they need
General encouragement (“Good job,” “That’s good”) doesn’t give students any information they need to understand what’s good about what they’re doing and how they can be better. Add statements that tell the reader what you like, such as “You are very creative” or “I like the way you stuck to that problem.”
3. Hype students will be tested
“Me love using positive affirmations right before students take the test,” Evarts said. “When I was younger, I used to get indeed nervousness before the test, so I knew that some of my students probably felt the same way. Repeating affirmations out loud helps build students’ confidence, while encouraging them to believe they can do difficult things—whether it’s a challenge or a lesson.” Evarts says her students remind themselves that they are math majors, very smart, and have a growth mindset before the test.
Inspirational Words for Everyone
- You make me smile.
- I love having you in my class.
- Your decisions matter.
- Your opinion matters.
- He is an important member of this class.
- I’m proud of you.
- I know you can handle it.
- You build.
- Trust your instincts.
- Your opinions matter.
- You know it.
- You deserve it.
- You are strong.
- You make a difference.
- Your words matter.
- Your actions make a difference.
- Your feelings matter.
- You are a good friend.
- You are kind.
- You can change your mind.
- You can learn from your mistakes.
- I believe you.
- You are adorable.
- You are precious.
- You are important.
Inspirational Words When Students Work
- You can do anything if you put your mind to it.
- Glad to see you are learning something new.
- Keep up the good work – it shows.
- See how your hard work has paid off.
- Don’t be afraid to try something new.
- Your ______ improves because you don’t give up.
- I see what you are doing is beneficial.
- Thank you for your ______ [insert skill they are working on].
- You are working hard on this project.
- I noticed that ______ [skill they are working on] better today than yesterday.
- You really do all this work. I am impressed!
- You use your time well.
Words of Encouragement for Struggling Students
- No one is perfect, and that’s okay.
- That was a tough assignment, but I know you can improve.
- Everyone makes mistakes, but you can learn from them.
- I believe you.
- I believe you can do ______.
- I’m glad you asked for help when you needed it.
- Take a break if you need it, and come back to it with fresh eyes.
- Mistakes prove that you are trying.
- If you need help, remember that I am here for you.
- I am proud of the way you handled this challenge.
- Everyone feels stressed at some point. It doesn’t mean you are weak or a failure.
- I’m proud of you for trying so hard.
- No matter what happens, I’m proud of you.
- You made me think about ______ in a new way.
Words of Encouragement for Students Having a Bad Day
- You may have had a bad day, but that doesn’t reflect on you.
- Today was a difficult day. Let’s make the future better.
- Even if you have a bad day, I still love you.
- I am here to help you.
- You are not alone in this.
- We all have bad days. Tell me about yours.
- You did a great job handling a very difficult day.
- If you tell me about your bad day, I can help you think about how to deal with it in the future.
- I understand what you are going through, and I know you can do it.
- Remember that this is just one day of your life.
- Tomorrow things will look much better.
- Everyone has bad days, and it’s okay to feel that way.
- You can learn a lot by making mistakes.
- Whenever you are having a bad day, know that I am here for you.
- I am proud of the way you handled this difficult day.
Words of Encouragement for Older Students
- He has a unique sense of style.
- You are very wise and mature, even at your age.
- You have brought a positive change in my life.
- ______ is the best thing about you.
- Thanks for making me laugh!
- You make me proud.
- He has a strong and powerful voice.
- He is a good leader.
- You are the real deal! I like your ______.
- Thank you for ______ [task they completed, fact they told you, etc.].
- I really like that ______. It shows me that you are [kind, capable, interested].
- You are an interesting person. I love that ______.
Words of Encouragement Before a Competition, Test, or Performance
- You will do amazingly well. Just keep going!
- You’ve put in the work, now it’s time to use it.
- He is an indomitable person.
- Your effort is what counts, not the distance at the end.
- You have this.
- No matter what happens, I’m proud of you.
- He took a deep breath. You are ready for this.
- Take your time and do your best.
- I know you will try your best.
- You have worked really hard and prepared for this.
- Test scores are a grade, not who you are.
- Winning a game is one game, it’s not what it is.
- You are ready for this.
- You are part of the team. You will work together.
- Get out there and show the other team what hard work looks like.
- Your training pays off.
- You are already a winner for your hard work.
- I admire your determination.
Words of Encouragement for Struggling Students
- It may seem like there is no solution, but every solution was once someone’s problem.
- Only you can decide how this story ends.
- When an opportunity opens up for you, you must decide to take it.
- Making mistakes brings you closer to your goals.
- Don’t let chance determine how you will achieve your goals.
- What you can do right now is more than you can imagine.
- If you made a mistake, it means you tried, and that’s more than most people can say.
- No one can do everything they want to do, but right now, in this moment, you can do whatever you want to do.
- No one is perfect. If you don’t like something you’ve done, delete it and move on.
Words Of Encouragement To Encourage Children
- Keep coming up with those creative ideas of yours.
- I’d love to hear your thoughts.
- You are not afraid to try something new.
- You are really improving at _____. That’s because you didn’t give up when the going got tough.
- You have a great imagination!
- I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
- I would like to see the following [story, artwork].
More Words of Encouragement
- You are an amazing friend.
- _____ is lucky to have you as a friend.
- I can see how kind you are when _____.
- I notice that you always know the right thing to do, and you always follow through.
- Anyone can be like everyone else. It’s brave to be yourself.
- Don’t be shy to stand out. That’s what makes you special.
- I have seen the way you deal with problems. You always think about them. I am sure you will make a good choice.
- You can trust your instincts. He has a good sense of right and wrong.
- You can’t control other people, but you can control how they make you feel.
- Sometimes the most important thing is to be a good friend.
- Celebrate what makes you different—it’s what makes you who you are.
- Don’t follow the crowd, lead it.
- If they were all the same, the world would be very boring.
Get your free printable confirmation cards!
Positive affirmations for children are short, positive statements that instill confidence and optimism. Grab our collection of 100+ printable confirmation cards for your students. Just click the button below and fill out the form to get them.
Also, find this Things to Say Instead of “Good Job” poster.
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