wow, that's so great!

An interesting change I've noticed in myself as I've progressed in my student teaching - I'm becoming a much more complimentary person. But it's a little twisted.

In kindergarten, we use a lot of positive reinforcement. "I like how you are standing so quietly in line." "Thanks so much for sitting down so quietly." "I love how you are being such a good listener." My voice when saying such things sounds like the host of a preschool TV show - sort of cheery and highly enunciated.

This sort of thing is bleeding over into my personal life. Last night, while setting up the stage for Don't Spit the Water, some of the cast members were helping set things up, I said things like "Thanks so much for being a great helper. I really appreciate it!" "Thank you for doing that for me. You're so great!"

It sounds kind of fake when I say it all chipper and cheery - but the sentiment is real.