Inside-Outside Circle Peer Feedback
The class forms two circles, one inside the other, and each student spends a minute talking with the person facing them about how they worked during the lesson. After each question the outer circle rotates, so everyone gives and receives feedback from several classmates.
How to play
- Split the class in half: one half forms an inner circle facing out and the other forms an outer circle facing in, so everyone has a partner (with an odd number, you fill the gap).
- Read the first prompt out loud, for example: 'What did your partner do today that helped the team?' Each person gets 30 seconds to answer.
- On the whistle, the outer circle side-steps twice to the right to face a new partner; while moving, everyone slowly reaches both arms overhead.
- Repeat with 5 different prompts about effort, sportsmanship, skill improvement and helping others, allowing about 1 minute per round including the rotation.
- In the last round, partners give each other one specific tip for next class and finish with a gentle high five.
- Wrap up with 1 minute as a whole class: two or three volunteers share the comment they most enjoyed hearing.
Rules
- Listen without interrupting while your partner talks.
- Comments must be specific and about what actually happened in class.
- Rotate by walking two side steps, with no pushing.
- You may say 'pass' once if you can't think of an answer.
Variations
Easier
Use only short-answer prompts, such as one word that describes how your partner played.
Standard
Five rounds of 30 seconds per person with prompts about effort, teamwork and technique.
Harder
Every comment must include a specific example from the lesson and one suggestion to improve.
Adaptations
- Students who use wheelchairs sit in the inner circle, which does not rotate, so they don't need to move.
- For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, show each prompt on a card and use a raised arm as the visual signal to rotate.
- If the group struggles to focus, cut it to 3 rounds and shorten answers to 20 seconds.
Learning goals
- Assess classmates' work using criteria everyone knows.
- Practice active listening and respectful communication.
- Support recovery through slow movement and gentle stretching.
Teacher tip
Write the prompts before class so you don't have to improvise, and walk between pairs to listen in. If you hear hurtful comments, stop the round and restate the rule to everyone without singling anyone out.
PatioLab has "Inside-Outside Circle Peer Feedback" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More cool-downs for Middle School
4-7-8 Guided Breathing
Guided 4-7-8 breathing: breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 7 and breathe out for 8, to calm the class at the end of the lesson.
5-5-5 Breathing with Visualization
A breathing technique where students inhale, hold and exhale for five counts each while picturing a peaceful place.
5-Minute Breathing Mindfulness
A short, teacher-guided mindfulness practice focused on the breath and body sensations.
5-Senses Mindfulness
Using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, students calmly notice 5 things they can see, 4 they can hear, 3 they can touch, 2 they can smell and 1 they can taste.
90/90 Hip Switches
A floor sequence based on the 90/90 position, with one leg in front and the other to the side, both bent at right angles, to stretch the glutes and hip rotators.
Analysis of Rights in Sport (High School)
Group analysis of short scenarios in which rights in sports are violated, such as access, equity, child protection or non-discrimination.