Teaching Assistant

Building Connection Through Praise: Practical TA Strategies

Have you ever wondered why some pupils light up at praise while others seem unaffected? This course helps TAs discover how to use praise and rewards effectively to recognise effort, strategies and resilience, rather than just outcomes. You will explore practical, research-informed approaches that support intrinsic motivation, build trust and foster a positive classroom culture for all pupils, including those with SEND and neurodiversity. Through easy-to-use tools, examples and routines, you will leave equipped to embed meaningful recognition into your daily practice.
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Yiotina Achilleos-Dania, Jess Hursit & Carly Watkins

2 hours

Online Course

By completing this course, you will:

use motivating, autonomy-supportive praise by recognising the difference between helpful and unhelpful praise and by focusing on effort, strategies, resilience and progress rather than outcomes;
apply consistent, values-aligned praise and reward systems that reinforce learning goals, fit the classroom ethos, and can be sustained by teachers and TAs through quick, low-effort routines;
model warm, authentic interactions that build trust, belonging and positive relationships across the classroom community;
tailor praise and rewards effectively for different ages, cultural backgrounds, SEND profiles and neurodiverse learners to ensure inclusivity and equity;
strengthen whole-class and whole-school coherence by facilitating peer-recognition routines, gathering simple evidence and pupil voice to evaluate impact, and collaborating with teachers to ensure consistent praise language and reward practices schoolwide.

Course Lessons

Written by: Yiotina Achilleos-Dania 

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Yiotina has spent over a decade immersed in the world of primary education. Most of her teaching career, she juggled the roles of Science and Maths subject leader, while working across key stage 1 and 2 (mainly based in years 2 and 6). Armed with degrees in Marketing Communications, Business Analysis and Primary Education (plus a National Qualification of Middle Leadership), she’s been at the forefront of introducing new initiatives, reshaping curricula and championing practical, hands-on learning to ensure every pupil thrives.

From training staff to supporting long-term skill progression, Yiotina has always been passionate about helping both pupils and teachers grow. Now, as a Twinkl CPD Content Writer and Editor, she’s swapped the classroom for the creative space of professional development, using her expertise to craft engaging, impactful courses that continue to support educators and learners.

Presented by: Jess Hursit 

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Jess Hursit is an experienced teacher with a strong background in maths education. As a former maths lead, she worked closely with Maths Hubs and supported the development of her school’s maths curriculum. Jess has worked in a leading training school, where her teaching was regularly observed by visiting educators, and she served as a mentor to trainee teachers and early career teachers.

In collaboration with: Carly Watkins

Carly is the Quality of Education Lead at Twinkl PD, overseeing the development of Teachers' Standards courses. She is an experienced primary school teacher and senior leader with a MA in Education Practice and NPQ in Leading Teacher Development. Carly also facilitates the ECF, delivering training for current mentors and ECTs; she is passionate about accessible and actionable professional development for all educators at all levels.