Just Notice: A Small Shift That Makes a Big Difference

At our centers, we believe in the power of connection, presence, and intentional relationships — not just with the children in care, but with each other. That’s why this month; we’ve launched a special initiative inspired by Conscious Discipline: the “Just Notice” campaign. 

But first — what is noticing? 

In Conscious Discipline, the skill of noticing means observing what a child (or colleague) is doing by simply stating it, without evaluation or judgment. It sounds simple, but it’s deeply powerful. Instead of generic praise like “Good job!” we might say: 

 
“You put the blocks back on the shelf so others can use them — that was helpful.” 

 
This kind of noticing builds awareness, encourages responsibility, and reinforces positive behavior. It also helps others feel seen, understood, and safe. 

Noticing is more than just a teaching technique — it’s a powerful relationship-building tool. It helps us stay present and strengthens our School Family by recognizing helpfulness and kindness in the moment. This simple shift in focus allows us to highlight what’s going well, creating a more positive and connected environment. 

How We’re Encouraging Noticing at Encompass 

To help bring this skill into our daily routines, we’re inviting educators across our centers to take on a simple but meaningful challenge: 

• 5 Moments of Noticing a Day: Teachers are encouraged to intentionally notice five positive child actions each day — using the language of “you ___ so ___, that was ___.” 

• Peer Support: We’re also promoting staff-to-staff encouragement with prompt cards that team members can fill out and post for each other. A little noticing goes a long way in building community! 

Looking to challenge yourself? Give it a try! You might be surprised by how powerful it feels to simply notice. Small shifts in language can lead to big connections — one moment at a time.