Number of words: 260

Advice to students which can be construed as constructive criticism.

“I like that you took on that challenging project for your science class. It will take a lot of work – doing the reaserch, designing the apparatus, buying the parts, and building it. Boy, you are going to learn a lot of great things.

“I know school used to be easy for you and you used to feel like the smart kid all the time. But the truth is that you weren’t using your brain to the fullest. I’m really excited about how you are stretching yourself not and working to learn hard things.”

“That homework was so long and involved. I really admire the work you concentrated and finished it.”

“That picture has so many beautiful colors. Tell me about them.” “You put so much thought into this essay. It really makes me understand Shakespeare in a new way.”

“The passion you put into that piano piece gives me a real feeling or joy. How do you feel when you play it?”

“What about a student who worked hard and didn’t do well?

“I like the effort you put in, but let’s work together some more and figure out what it is you don’t understand.”

“We all have different learning curves. It may take more time for you to catch on to this and be comfortable with this material, but if you keep it like this you will.”

“Everyone learns in a different way. Let’s keep trying to find way that works for you.”

Excerpted from‘Mindset’ by Carol S. Dweck