Teaching Kids to Take Feedback on Their Art
Learning to take feedback is a life skill. Drawing offers safe, low-stakes practice. Here's how to give kids feedback on art without hurting confidence.
Drawing is a safe place for kids to practise accepting feedback because the stakes are low and the improvements are easy to see. The key is to ask permission, start with what works, offer one specific suggestion and let the child decide whether to use it.
Taking feedback is hard at any age. Many kids hear any suggestion as "you did it wrong" and shut down. Learning to listen, consider and choose is a skill that will matter in school, sports and work. Drawing is a great place to start.
Ask before giving feedback
"Would you like an idea for your drawing?" gives kids control. If they say no, respect it. Unrequested feedback feels like criticism.
The "glow and grow" method
Many teachers use this simple structure:
- Glow: one thing that works well. "The aliens' eyes are so funny."
- Grow: one thing to try. "What if his arms were longer, so he can reach the spaceship?"
One of each is plenty for young kids.
Let them decide
The child is the artist. After a suggestion, ask "What do you think?" and let them choose. Sometimes they will try it, sometimes not. Either way, they are learning to consider feedback rather than react to it.
Practise with silly subjects
Feedback is easier to take when the subject is funny. How to Draw: Silly Aliens features goofy, many-eyed aliens. Suggestions like "What if he had five eyes instead of three?" feel playful, not critical. Kids get used to hearing ideas and trying them.
Peer feedback
Older kids can practise giving feedback too. In a drawing club or with siblings, teach them to use glow and grow kindly. Giving good feedback makes kids better at receiving it.
Model it
Ask your child for feedback on your own drawing, and respond graciously. "Thanks, I'll try that!" Kids learn by watching how adults handle suggestions. For more, see what to say when your child shows you a drawing.
Questions parents ask
How do I give feedback on my child's drawing?
Ask first, start with something that works well, offer one specific suggestion and let your child decide whether to use it.
What is glow and grow feedback?
A simple method: share one thing that is working (glow) and one thing to try next (grow).
Why does my child get upset when I suggest changes?
Suggestions can feel like criticism. Asking permission, starting with positives and letting them choose can help.
More in confidence and character, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.
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