Dr. Suzuki would speak of the most valuable central feature of education as the "Kokoro." Translated from Japanese to English, kokoro can best be understood as "heart-mind," the life force of human beings. He found that the condition of the kokoro greatly affects the manner in which a student applies himself to things in life. In the study of music, a careful attentive and willing practice is going to achieve much higher results than the same amount of time spent practicing carelessness. A student whose kokoro is nurtured and inspired therefore, will be able to joyfully apply themselves to the creation of beautiful music. When we honestly and openly focus on our children's successes, we empower them to create more of whatever they are doing that we are being attentive to.

     The following list is a fun way to remind ourselves of all the ways we can nurture our children's spirits through the things that we say to them. Many of these came from a list I received in pedagogy class and I would love to credit the first to start this list if I knew who they were. Enjoy these and know that if you're taking the time right now to care, you are already succeeding at helping the little people to be tremendous human beings with great and noble hearts.

1. GREAT!

2. You're on the right track now!

3. You are very good at that.

4. STUPENDOUS!

5. WOW, how did you do that!?

6. I'm happy to see you working like that.

7. You're doing a good job.

8. I knew you could do it.

9. Now you've figured it out.

10. Now you have it.

11. Keep working on it - you're getting better

12. You can really work careful now!

13. That's the right way to do it.

14. You're getting better every day.

15. You're really growing up!

16. Nice going.

17. SENSATIONAL!

18. That's the way to do it.

19. That's better.

20. That's my boy/girl!

21. PERFECT!

22. You're really going to town.

23. TERRIFIC!

24. You've just about mastered that!

25. OUTSTANDING!

26. You did that very well.

27. FANTASTIC!

28. You're really improving.

29. SUPERB!

30. Keep it up!

31. You've got that down pat!

32. TREMENDOUS!

33. Good thinking!

34. Keep on trying!

35. I've never seen anyone do it better.

36. I like that.

37. I'm very proud of you.

38. I think you've got it now.

39. You figured that out fast.

40. That's really nice.

41. You're right.

42. CLEVER!

43. Now you have the hang of it!

44. That's it!

45. Congratulations, you got (fill in specific action______ ) right!

46. Way to go.

47. That's the best you've ever done.

48. Much better!

49. That's great!

50. You're beautiful.

51. That's RIGHT!

52. That's GOOD!

53. When I'm with you I feel like singing!

54. Good Work!

55. I'm proud of the way you worked today.

56. You're really working hard today.

57. You've just about got it.

58. THAT'S IT!

59. Congratulations!

60. That's quite an improvement.

61. You are doing that much better today.

62. I sure am happy you're my child.

63. You're learning fast.

64. Good for you!

65. Couldn't have done it better myself.

66. I'm so lucky to be your parent!

67. One more time and you'll have it.

68. You did it that time!

69. That's the way!

70. Now you've figured it out.

71. You haven't missed a thing.

72. Keep up the good work.

73. Nothing can stop you now!

74. EXCELLENT!

75. That's the best ever.

76. Fine work today!

77. WONDERFUL!

78. You have much to be proud of!

79. Nice going.

80. Now that's what we call a fine job!

81. You must have been practicing!

82. You're doing beautifully.

83. Right on!

84. Good remembering!

85. You did a lot of work today!

86. You certainly did well today.

87. You can make some very creative sounds!

88. You are really learning a lot!

89. You outdid yourself today!

90. Good for you!

91. Good going!

92. MARVELOUS!

93. You're doing the best that you can!

94. You remembered!

95. I am happy to see you do that, I hope you are happy too!

96. Well look at you go!

97. Each time you play that you learn more!

98. Dynamite!

99. Thank You!

100. Bravo!

101. I LOVE YOU, Forever and Always!