Compliments to the Reader

I grew up with more brothers than I am willing to admit! They loved to tease me because they always said that I was WAY too happy. I was a stereotypical southern girl with big bows, big hair and a big personality and it drove my brothers crazy. Their constant banter felt never ending and they eventually coined the term "joyologist" just for me because my natural pep was never ending. I have learned over the years that when I meet new people they need a little time to learn that my zeal for life is genuine not an act that I perform.

As I have grown as a reading teacher I have recognized a major flaw in my teaching. To admit this flaw felt like confessing a dirty secret...as happy and joyful as I am, I often forget to compliment my readers. I am so eager to try to teach my readers something new that I want to dive right into the work that needs to be done, totally bulldozing over anything positive that they are doing. Like so many teachers I feel the pressure to move my students forward and I fear those dreaded conversations with parents that a child just isn't reading on grade level.

After confessing this concern to a colleague, I set out on a mission to improve my conferring by spending a day being a joyologist. I decided to spend one full day meeting with my readers, observing, giving a compliment, and then watching their reactions. I wanted to make sure that my compliments were honest and unique so that the kids would know that they were genuine. I said things like:

• "Wow! I can tell that you are the kind of reader that is really committed to reading exactly how your sassy character is talking. Great expression!."
• "You are so very careful about backing up to reread when you make a mistake. That really helps you to understand what you are reading doesn't it?"

I quickly learned that my compliments produced joyful smiles. After all, don't we all love to be praised? By taking a full day of conferences and focusing only on paying attention and providing these compliments, I realized the power of being positive and the importance of making these compliments a routine part of my conferring.

Do you struggle to fit in a compliment when you are conferring? If so, you may want to find the joyologist in you and spend a day observing your students and then complimenting their great work. You may find the result to be renewed vigor and enthusiasm for both you and your students.