I haven’t used this blog in a long time. With the move back to Denmark, navigating the world as a mom of neurodivergent kids, and just the world (waving hands around me), this blog has been quiet. But with the decision to shut down my Patreon, I also might just come back here more. After all, my mind is still going a million miles a minute and perhaps, somewhere, someone could use a few of the ideas that I have. So hello again. It’s nice to be here.
Ever had a kid read your carefully written comment—something insightful, brilliant even—only to ask, “What does that mean?” Yeah. Me too.
If feedback is just for us, if it’s full of teacher-speak or rubrics no one actually reads, kids will ignore it. Not because they don’t care, but because it doesn’t feel like theirs.
Let’s fix that.
Instead of handing them a rubric, build it with them. Here’s how:
1️⃣ Look at real work – Show them examples (past student work, mentor texts, whatever fits). Ask: What makes this good? What makes it confusing? Let them lead.
2️⃣ List what matters – Write down their words. Not “clear transitions” but “It flows” or “I know what’s happening.” Keep it in their language, not ours.
3️⃣ Make it theirs – Turn their words into a checklist, an anchor chart, or a simple, student-friendly rubric. Let them help decide what matters most.
4️⃣ Use it. Every time. – When they write, when they revise, when they give each other feedback. Ask, “How does your work match what we said makes this strong?”
If we want kids to actually use feedback, it has to belong to them. Because the best feedback isn’t what we tell them—it’s what they understand enough to use.
Pernille Ripp 
Good evening Pernille,Pleased you are back.Regards Yvonne Sent from my iPad
We’ve missed you!!! ♥️
Glad to see this pop up in my Sunday morning gmail, Pernille! I’ve long appreciated your perspective especially on topics that put learners at the center of the work we do. Thank you! 😊🙏
Welcome back. I have missed you! 💕
welcome back! It is like hearing from an old friend, one you can pick up with, right from where you left off.
Great blog post, and very true. We have to make sure our kids can use our feedback.
Great to hear from you again, but like the first aid advice, always look after yourself (and yours first).
take care – John
So glad you’re back. Looking forward to hearing more from you in the future.
Pernille, so thrilled to see your blog today. I loved reading it throughout the years and I always explored your book recommendations as a career special educator, parent and grandparent.
Wishing you breaths of fresh air and sunshine this Spring and Summer.
Hanna
Sunday morning email clean out and i get to the last email from Pernille Rip… hmm i thought – i dont remember getting anything from her in forever BUT i remembered enough to open this email rather than a quick “delete”… I am so glad I did…just the reminder I needed! I’m drowning in “Teacher evaluations” that rely on our instructional expertise…. after completing a self reflection last night stating that I had failed miserably in achieving my instructional goal, your much needed observation is exactly the basis for my next year’s goal!!! I will give up on making my plans and goals fit the admin rubric and do what will work for my students!
Thank You!!!
After 34 years, I am retiring at the end of this school year. However, I would still like to continue to receive your emails. So I need you to change my email to pantherstorm1984@gmail.com as this one will become obsolete after May 30th. Thanks-CarolAnn Eppens
CarolAnn Eppens–Math *Interventionist**–MCEA President* *”Everyone Can Be A Hero..No Cape Required.”*
CURRENTLY READING: * *Professional– Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics Grade K-12 by Peter Liljedahl Personal- Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
Dear Carol, I cannot change your email address, you just resubscribe and it will update it for you. Thank you for wanting to be on this journey with me.
Welcome back!