What is an example of objective praise in a Montessori setting?

Objective praise in a Montessori setting emphasizes specific observations related to the work or behavior of the child rather than general commendations about the child as a whole. When stating, "You added the right colors," the focus is clearly on a particular aspect of the child's work. This type of feedback identifies a specific action the child took and the successful execution of that action, which helps the child understand what they did well. It encourages them to continue making thoughtful choices in their future work.

In contrast, phrases like "You are a great student" or "I like what you did here" do not provide specific feedback connected to a particular action or outcome. They are more general and do not help the child learn about specific behaviors or skills to replicate. Similarly, "You worked hard on this task" praises effort but again lacks specificity regarding what aspect of the work was successful or how that effort manifested in the task performed. This makes objective praise a more effective tool in fostering a child's learning and self-awareness.