Feedback Sandwich Partner Talk
Partners who worked together during class give each other feedback using the sandwich method, one strength, one specific suggestion, and one encouraging comment, while walking slowly around the blacktop. Students practice respectful peer assessment and active listening.
How to play
- Each student joins the partner they worked with in the main activity, and the teacher explains the three layers of the sandwich (1 minute).
- Partners walk slowly around the edge of the blacktop; for 1 minute, each one silently plans what to say.
- The first partner speaks for 1 minute: "Something you did well was...", "To get better, try...", "What I liked most was..."
- The listener sums up the suggestion in one sentence to check understanding; then partners switch roles (2 minutes).
- Finish standing in a circle with three deep breaths while a few volunteers share the improvement they will try (2 minutes).
Rules
- The suggestion must be specific and doable, such as "bend your knees more when you catch."
- The listener doesn't argue or make excuses; they just listen and sum up.
- Walk at an easy pace, away from goals and equipment.
- No comments about appearance and no comparing with other classmates.
Variations
Easier
Give each pair a card with the three sentence starters.
Standard
Each partner gives a sandwich and the listener sums up the suggestion.
Harder
The suggestion must come with a specific drill to practice it.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: partners stay seated or walk at the pace of the wheelchair.
- Hearing impairment: partners stop and face each other when speaking to support lip reading.
- Shyness: the student can write their sandwich on a card and hand it over.
Learning goals
- Give a classmate balanced, useful feedback.
- Take suggestions without getting defensive.
- Name one technique improvement to work on next class.
Teacher tip
Model a bad sandwich with a vague suggestion and then a good one; students see the difference right away. Watch that the middle layer doesn't disappear out of politeness.
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