When a child finishes an assignment, answers a question, or speaks English with confidence, do you find yourself saying, “Good job!”?
“Good job” is a natural and useful way to offer praise. Adding a little detail, however, can help children understand exactly what they did well and encourage them to keep going.
Here are 15 English phrases for teachers and parents to recognize children’s effort, progress, and willingness to try.
1. Recognize Effort and Persistence
Even when children haven’t mastered a skill yet, you can acknowledge the effort they put in practicing, trying different approaches, and working through challenges.
| Encouraging Phrase | When to Use It |
| You kept trying even when it was difficult. | When a child continues working through a challenge. |
| I noticed how carefully you practiced. | When a child takes time to practice thoughtfully. |
| You tried a different way to solve it. | When a child changes their approach. |
| You didn’t give up when you got stuck. | When a child keeps going after encountering a problem. |
| That was a tricky word, but you tried again. | When a child makes another attempt at an unfamiliar word. |
For example, if a child struggles to pronounce a long English word but tries again, you can say: “That was a tricky word, but you tried again!”
2. Point Out Specific Progress
Instead of simply saying, “You’re improving,” describe what has changed. Choose a phrase that reflects what you actually observed.
| Encouraging Phrase | When to Use It |
| You spoke more clearly this time. | When a child’s speech is clearer than before. |
| You used a full sentence this time. | When a child moves from a short answer to a complete sentence. |
| You remembered the word we practiced yesterday. | When a child uses a word from an earlier lesson. |
| You gave more details in your answer today. | When a child expands on an answer. |
| You read that sentence more smoothly this time. | When a child reads with fewer pauses or hesitations. |
For example, a child who previously answered “Dogs” might now say, “I like dogs because they are friendly.” You can respond: “You used a full sentence this time!”
3. Encourage Communication and Cooperation
Sharing ideas, listening carefully, and helping classmates are everyday opportunities to offer encouragement in English.
| Encouraging Phrase | When to Use It |
| Thank you for sharing your idea. | When a child contributes to a discussion. |
| You asked a thoughtful question. | When a child asks a question that shows careful thinking. |
| You found a way to explain what you meant. | When a child finds another way to express an idea. |
| You listened carefully to your partner. | When a child pays attention during pair work. |
| That was kind of you to help your classmate. | When a child offers support to another student. |
If a child forgets a word but explains the idea using simpler English, you can say: “You found a way to explain what you meant.” This recognizes how they worked to communicate.
How to Make Encouragement Sound Natural
You don’t need to memorize every phrase. Start with two or three that fit situations you encounter often. Notice what the child has just done, then choose words that match their actions.
When a child feels frustrated, you can offer support first:
“That part was tricky. Let’s try it again together.”
After they try again, point out something specific they did well.
Try These Phrases After Students Complete Their Sensay Practice
The next time you review your students’ Sensay speaking practice, use these phrases to recognize their effort and progress.
- When a student tries recording again: “You didn’t give up when you got stuck!”
- When a recording is clearer than before: “You spoke more clearly this time!”
- When an answer includes more detail: “You gave more details in your answer today!”
If a student completes all their assigned exercises, you can also say:
“You completed all your speaking exercises!”
A specific word of encouragement shows students that you noticed their attempts. The next time your students finish their Sensay practice, try going beyond “Good job” and tell them exactly what they did well.