Craft Prep and Crticism

My students go to Book Buddies every Tuesday. I'm sure you're familiar with the concept: my fourth graders read to their first grade buddies. It benefits both classes, their comprehension, fluency, and confidence soar in this setting. Anyway, in the spirit of Thanksgivivg, we met today to read and make a turkey craft. I read 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey and our buddies' teacher had arranged a craft: build a turkey from a tp tube and construction paper. Was it a bit chaotic? Yes. Were the kids engaged and building relationships with one another? Yes! As far as I was concerned, the last 30 minutes before Thanksgiving break we're going well. Now my buddies' teacher is a newbie. This is her first year teaching. Are there things I would do differently? Absolutely. But as the old adage goes, let your actions speak louder than your words. So I was content to teach by example until a TA commented with a knowing expression, "You might want to give her some advice on craft prep." I nodded and went about cutting out turkey beaks. It occurred to me: I could tell my newbie friend what she was doing wrong or I could tell her what went well and praise her efforts. I could suggest how to do things differently or I could give her words of encouragement. I've learned that people generally don't take criticism, even constructive criticism well. It would be more constructive of me to help plan our next craft and SHOW her how a little preparation can go a long way toward easing chaos. She'll figure out the rest on her own.