What IS feedback?

My 7 year old asked me 'What is feedback?'

The conversation started because I am getting into a new book on the topic, and the word feedback is in big letters on the cover, which was sitting on the kitchen table as we were having breakfast. 

My son, who has just turned that amazing corner on reading (and is now reading EVERYTHING he sees (yay!!!), looked at the book, read the title and asked 2 things: 

•‘What is feedback?’ 

and 

• ‘How do you say that word’ (it was ‘receiving’, and I agree, that is a tough one for a new reader). 

To answer his first question, I was able to use an example from his classroom.  His teacher recently introduced the topic of feedback by having the kids offer kind words to each other on their book talks using slips of paper (I love that this activity included considering feedback, and working on their writing skills)

We talked about a few different kinds of feedback, including appreciation, positive and constructive feedback, using 7 year old language and examples.

We went back and forth a little bit on the topic, and when he was satisfied with the conversation, he went back to reading his graphic novel. 

As adults in the workplace (and out of the workplace!), we give and get feedback all of the time.

And, sometimes we don’t know how to do it well - either the giving or the receiving (see what I did there?! 🙂) of the feedback - because we were never taught! I’m thrilled to see that teachers are beginning to plant the seed and begin the practice of feedback so early. 

If you are interested in learning more about the art and science of feedback, connect with me and you’ll see frequent content on the topic.

Happy Weekend!

Photo by Cody Engel on Unsplash