08/17/2026
If you’ve been in Montessori for long, you’ve probably heard this: We don’t say “good job.”
But why?
“Good job” is simply our judgment. I think what you did was good. It doesn’t tell the child much about what they actually did.
Instead, we can notice.
“You spent a long time on that painting. I see you used a lot of green.”
“You put your shoes on all by yourself.”
“You hung your coat on that really tall hook.”
“That looked hard, but you kept trying.”
“You mashed the whole banana.”
These words have meaning. They tell the child, I see you. I see your effort. I see what you did.
“Good job” is easy. Taking the time to really notice is so much more meaningful.
What are some ways you give true feedback in your environment?