WASHINGTON — Jill Biden went into teacher mode Wednesday as she honored “hidden heroes” — the children and caregivers of injured U.S. troops.

“My gosh,” she said brightly to the little girl who had introduced her, a 9-year-old named Gabby whose father suffered debilitating injuries during deployment to Iraq as a Marine. “You did such a beautiful job. Such a beautiful job.”

She also thanked Gabby’s little sister Ava, who clutched a security blanket as she stood nearby. Biden told both girls they “make your family so proud.”

“From a young age, hidden helpers learn the cost of our wars up close,” Biden told the audience.