What kind of feedback has been useful to you? Do you appreciate being gently led in scaffolding your mastery or understanding? Is more specific and directed feedback helpful ? Problem solving is a life skill that begins in infancy. The intention and language of our feedback is meant to enhance children’s understanding of the world around them. Unfortunately, our best intentions can go awry when we offer incessant, unhelpful feedback that disturbs children’s concentration rather than adding to their experience. Carefully consider your feedback and its quality. Notice with children, adding comments about how objects work, helping children to notice the behavior of others and how their behavior affects others. Wonder with them about their own thinking, labeling their actions and perceptions. Listen to your feedback with the children’s ears. Are your words helpful and well-timed, or do they disturb the children’s thought processes?
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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