Teaching Expertise

When people complete an assignment or creative project, they often feel attached to it – especially if they have worked hard. Students are no different. This is why it is important to teach them how to both give and receive helpful criticism. We call this constructive criticism. If students never learn how to graciously accept suggestions for improvement, it is unlikely that they can develop their abilities. Keep reading for 20 ways to teach this important skill.

1. Model It

Simply put, modeling what you expect is the number one way to help kids to learn. Asking them honest questions about your performance as a teacher or parent and then modeling how to be non-defensive when they answer sets them up to also graciously receive constructive criticism.

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2. Read Aloud

This adorable story follows RJ as he goes through his day hearing about things he needs to work on. RJ, along with your students, will learn how to respond to these critiques in a respectful way.

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3. Video Explanation

This video would work well for older elementary students. While it is in the context of a business setting, kids will easily be able to apply the concepts described here in their own lives. 

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4. Encourage Reflection in Practice

Have students practice reframing feedback as a growth opportunity. As an example, instead of a student saying, “You forgot to capitalize the beginning of your sentences,” they could instead say, “I think in the future you could focus on capitalization.”

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5. Peer Feedback Choice Board

This choice board is a great intro to communicating with feedback. Students will choose two ideas to complete in order to provide constructive criticism for a classmate.

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6. Role Play

Begin by writing out the scenario included in this activity. Next, have students practice in pairs to write down appropriate ways to respond to each of the scenarios. When finished they can present their scenarios to support class-wide learning.

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7. Student-Led Practice With Appropriate Feedback

Oftentimes, teachers encourage students to offer peer feedback. Using an activity like this allows students to analyze the problem, find the positive and negative aspects, and then appropriately address the issue.

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8. Comprehension Passage

This passage is designed to help older students with the social skills involved in providing useful criticism. Disguised as a comprehension passage, students will read and then answer questions about the text to help them understand and recall the information.

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9. Social Story

Social stories are a great way to help students of all abilities, but especially those with special needs. Read this visual representation with all of your learners to teach them how to receive and implement helpful criticism.

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10. Teach the Hamburger Method

Teach kids the “hamburger method” of feedback: positive information, criticism, positive information. This simple, yet effective way of communicating will help them pose their feedback carefully and see the suggestions in a more positive light.

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11. Accepting Feedback Cut and Paste

Provide students with the steps of accepting feedback for them to cut out. As you go through each one, have them glue them in order onto a separate sheet of paper. They can then keep them for reference when receiving constructive criticism in the future. 

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12. Watch American Idol

Yes. You read that correctly. American Idol is the perfect example of people accepting feedback. Plus, what kid doesn’t like to watch TV? Have students watch clips of the show where the judges offer feedback. Allow them to note how the singers react and their behavior toward the feedback.

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13. Create Posters

After your students learn about constructive criticism, they will be prepared to create these informative posters for a bulletin board or classroom display. This is a great way to spread positive social skills within your school or grade level.

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14. Have Kids Research

Give older students the opportunity to poke around on the internet for about 10-15 minutes prior to teaching about constructive criticism. Do this before diving into any of your lessons to help build background knowledge and hit the ground running.

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15. Empty Praise or Constructive Feedback Game

Teach your children about the difference between positive and negative feedback with this in-depth activity. Start by creating a feedback wall where each of your students has a space. Then, have them write something positive on one post-it note and constructive criticism on another about each of their peers. They’ll then stick their notes under the appropriate name before you invite your class to read their positive and negative notes.

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16. Teach “I” Statements

Young students will benefit from learning “I” statements that remove the blame from their feedback. Teaching this skill will help cut back on arguments and hurt feelings in the younger learners. 

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17. Have Kids Change Hats – Literally

When you are working with children, visual reminders and cues go a long way. When they are tasked with a specific skill, wear a certain color hat (scarf, glove, etc) to remind them of their task. For example, if it is time for positive feedback, a green symbol would be appropriate while constructive feedback might be represented by the color yellow.

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18. Teach the Growth Mindset Constantly

Referring to a growth mindset on a consistent basis will help kids when it is time to give and receive critical feedback. Teaching the differences between feedback and just plain criticism is the perfect way to foster an open-minded approach to learning. 

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19. Practice a No Judgement Zone

While it sounds counter-productive, allowing students to work together to create an art piece in a “no judgment zone” is a great introduction to constructive criticism. Allow them to feel the freedom of simply creating without any agenda. When they’re done, hang the project in the hall for all to see with the rule that they must not talk about the art.

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20. Learn About the Brain

In order to learn why some people take criticism so harshly at times, students should first learn a little about how the brain works! This activity explores the importance of mindset and flexible thinking to help kids develop a positive emotional state that will help them cope with criticism.

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