Are you looking for ways to encourage pessimistic students? If so, keep reading.

1. Give the learner as many positive interactions as possible (e.g., recognize the learner, greet the learner, compliment their attire, etc.).

2. Require the learner to make at least one positive comment about themselves daily. As the learner shows success, slowly increase the number of positive remarks required.

3. Urge and assist the learner in joining extracurricular learning activities, clubs, etc.

4. Provide the learner additional duties (e.g., chores, errands, etc.) to give them a feeling of success or accomplishment.

5. Help the learner identify how they wish things were in their surroundings and work with the learner toward those goals.

6. Take time to talk with the learner so the learner realizes your interest in them is genuine.

7. Organize a reinforcer survey with the learner to ascertain their reinforcer preferences.

8. Connect with parents to ascertain what the learner finds reinforcing at home.

9. Assist the learner to be happy with personal best effort rather than insisting on perfection.

10. Find the words or phrases the learner uses to indicate their pessimism. Assist the learner in recognizing and, in turn, limiting those statements.

11. Provide the learner a predetermined signal when they begin to be pessimistic.

12. Along with instructions, give an incentive statement (e.g., “On occasions where you finish your math, you may have free time.” “You may play a game when your desk is cleaned up.” etc.).

13. Do not criticize when correcting the learner; be honest yet compassionate. Never cause the learner to feel negatively about themselves.

14. Consider using an adaptive behavior management app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

15. Click here to learn about six bonus strategies for challenging problem behaviors and mastering classroom management.

16. Consider using a socio-emotional learning app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

17. Consider using an emotional intelligence app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

18. Consider using a school counseling app. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.