At every step we are watchful about our children’s steps. We seek not to miss any opportunity that comes by. Every child is fashioned with different abilities and behavior because of which every individual reacts differently to feedback. Feedback is the key to constant improvement. It is one of the best ways to teach lessons of life at the early development stages of human life.

The two basic types of feedback that we use in our daily approach towards children are as follows:

a) Formal Feedback – The feedback may be in the form of a remark for an assignment. Formal feedback is often planned and structured. It is generally related to a student’s performance in academics (tests, assessments, and projects). It is recorded as a proof for student, parent, and school reference. It may be conveyed during formal meetings or given in writing.

b) Informal Feedback – Informal feedback is not structured. It is an on-going process. It usually happens during casual talks or daily interactions. You may not require a formal meeting to convey this type of feedback. Here, instant feedback is possible.

What is Feedback? What is its significance in a Student’s life?

‘Feedback is something that we cannot see about ourselves, but others do, and this will help us improve.’ A Child learns from what he/she observes in his/her little world (learning atmosphere). Giving feedback is not always a bad thing to feel negative about. It is rather given for the purpose of improving the child. If feedback is given using the right tone, intention, words, time, environment then the child who receives it will understand your message and take in the feedback positively. Further, the child tries to do better. The child puts in immense efforts to improve in the area lacking for better results. Hence, it becomes an approach of learning and reinforcement. While poor, demanding and harsh feedbacks often lead to harm and negative impact on the innocent child thus, affecting the growth and development at this stage.

Most of the kids and sometimes elders when they get feedback from someone get negative connotations. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea to sip it in merrily. But we can train kids to accept any feedback from anyone for one’s good without getting emotionally hurt. We can always change ourselves but changing others is something beyond our reach. Basically, feedback is a statement or a group of words, used to inform an individual about his or her behavior or an indicator of what went wrong or out of the way and by doing what we can expect improved results. This in turn will increase the self confidence in children and boost their performance in academic activities.

Through constructive feedback one can achieve improved efficiency, productivity, confidence, and teamwork skills. Below are a few suggestions to deliver effective feedback to Preschoolers:

• Be precise while communicating to your child. For instance, the teacher has told the student to write three lines of copywriting everyday. For a preschooler you will have to monitor every letter while writing and after the completion you can correct and instruct about the fault and ask the child to redo the copywriting. You will see an amazing improvement.
• See that you practice what you say: Sometimes actions speak louder than words. Suppose you want your child to put back the toys after use you can directly say to put back, but the child may not listen instantly. In such circumstances, you can accompany your child in putting back things in place. This will motivate your child and teach a lesson.
• Know your child well: Take note of all reactions and respond accordingly. Choose a suitable time to give feedback to your child. When the child’s mood is sad or angry for not getting a chance to do what he/she likes, it may not be a good time to instruct. This may worsen attention and refusal to listen may occur. You can in a way first help him/her to calm down and then take time to instruct in the right manner.
• Give how much a child can take at the moment: Don’t give too many corrections at a time. The child might lose focus and end up doing nothing. Instead let him/her do one thing at a time. This will give you maximum outcome for every action.
• The feedback must be fair and honest: Before giving any feedback, find out what mistake has been resulted and is it actually done/committed by your child. Because once the child is hurt, he/she will remember it life-long. If the pages of the textbook are missing and you assume that your child has torn them then it’s always better to make sure if it were done by him/her and if so why and if it’s the fault of the publisher then you could ignore.
• Feedback must not be the result of your temperaments: Sometimes your child might be asking you to play with him /her and it is your working time. When the child insists, what you can do is, instead of losing temper and blasting the child; you could make him/her understand that you are busy but after work for sure you’ll spend time. For time being you can keep them occupied with their favorite hobbies or games or any interesting activity.
• Intention must always be focused on child development: Time and again we seek to do everything best for our kids’ bright future. Be it daily routine, food, play, study, discipline, value of life, other teachings, more should revolve around the cycle of holistic development of the child.

Feedback is a part of effective communication. Feedback should be kind yet instructive. “We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve”. – Bill Gates

Let our children grow freely in humility seeking feedback, wisely understand and act accordingly. For this is one of the leadership qualities. Let’s collectively motivate the young minds to perform better in life. Let’s prepare our children to face future feedback and take what is good for them. Let’s establish memorable camaraderie in our kind dealings with the child. Thus, through effective feedback target holistic development of the child.

At CGR, our curriculum is focused on holistic development of the child and effective feedback is among several strategies of learning. To know more visit- https://bit.ly/354LdMn