A strong acknowledgment names what you observed and connects it to a Words to Live By skill. Use these examples as a starting point — then make them your own.

Self-Awareness

“I love and accept who I am on the inside and know my emotions are nothing to hide.”

• When you shared your talent with the group, it showed that you love and accept who you are. (Love and accept who you are · Strengths & Weaknesses)
• Camille, I love that you know exactly what you bring to the team. Recognizing your strengths and being honest about them — that’s what it means to love and accept who you are. (Love and accept who you are · Strengths & Weaknesses)
• I’m proud of you for sharing your emotions when you told me you were too shy to go up on the microphone. Your emotions are nothing to hide. (Know your emotions are nothing to hide · Emotional Alphabet)
• Thank you for telling him that it frustrates you when he yells. Your emotions are nothing to hide. (Know your emotions are nothing to hide · Emotional Alphabet)

Self-Management

“Life’s full of surprises that make me feel different ways. If I can control myself, I’ll have much better days.”

• I saw you take a breath and walk away instead of reacting. That’s controlling yourself when life throws you a surprise — and that takes real strength. (If I can control myself, I’ll have much better days · Control Check)
• I appreciate you showing self-control while waiting for your turn. That’s exactly what controlling yourself looks like. (If I can control myself, I’ll have much better days · Control Check)
• Thank you for calmly asking for another cupcake when yours fell on the floor. Life threw you a surprise and you handled it. (Life’s full of surprises that make me feel different ways · Reset & Relax)
• I love that you didn’t complain when we had to have indoor freeplay today. That’s handling life’s surprises with grace. (Life’s full of surprises that make me feel different ways · Reset & Relax)

Responsible Decision-Making

“The choices I make should be what’s best for me to do, and what happens is on me and not any of you.”

• I noticed you didn’t go running down the hall with the rest of the group. Thank you for making the choice that’s best for you. (The choices I make should be what’s best for me to do · Yes Mess)
• That seat is a perfect choice for you — you won’t be distracted by anyone or anything. That’s making the choice that’s best for you. (The choices I make should be what’s best for me to do · Yes Mess)
• Thank you for owning your mistake and not blaming anyone else. What happens is on you — and you showed that today. (What happens is on me and not any of you · Share Your ID)
• I appreciate you telling me your part in the argument and not focusing on what everyone else did wrong. That’s taking responsibility for your choices. (What happens is on me and not any of you · Share Your ID)

Social Awareness

“I understand others are unique. I want to learn more about everyone I meet. I want to step into their shoes.”

• When you didn’t jump in and tease her, it showed me that you can step into the shoes of other people — and that matters. (Step into their shoes and see what they are going through · SHOES)
• I noticed you went and welcomed the new student. Thank you for thinking about how he might have felt because he was new. (Step into their shoes and see what they are going through · SHOES)
• I like when you ask me questions about myself to try to get to know me better. That’s understanding that others are unique. (I want to learn more about everyone I meet · We’re All Different and That’s OK!)
• I love how this group is always showing off their different and unique moves! That’s celebrating what makes each of us special. (I understand others are unique · We’re All Different and That’s OK!)

Relationship Skills

“I am a friend. I support and trust. Working together is a must. Kind and caring I will be. I listen to you. You listen to me.”

• Travis, I love seeing you share with Sara. Great job being a kind and caring friend. (Kind and caring I will be · Positive Feedback)
• Offering to carry some of her things was so kind and caring of you. That’s what being a good friend looks like. (Kind and caring I will be · Positive Feedback)
• Marcus, cheering for your team even when it’s tough — that’s what it means to support and trust the people around you. (I am a friend. I support and trust. · Positive Feedback)
• You are giving me great body language and showing me that you are a good listener. I listen to you — you listen to me. (I listen to you. You listen to me. · Positive Feedback)