How to be more positive and encouraging when grading and commenting

 "Sticks and Stones can break my bones but words can break my heart"

* Start with encouraging positive words and state what you love most about the student and their work

* Give constructive feedback that point them in the direction of improvement rather than dwelling on weaknesses

* Grade how you would want to be graded

* Find reason to reward

* Have a really good reason to fail somebody and let it be your very last resort

* Final follow up comments should be encouraging - "Keep up the good work!" 

Words to avoid and better words to substitute with:

Don't use:

- Bad/poor

- Unacceptable work

- Irrelevant

Instead use:

- Inadequate

- Relevancy should be explained

- Illustrate in more detail

- Show evidence and/or explanation