As teachers, we rely on each other. We share tips, vent about copy machines, and recommend resources that actually work. TpT reviews are one of the few ways we can help our peersโeven the ones weโll never get to meet face-to-face.
If youโve ever used a TpT resource that made your life easier, helped your students get the concept, or saved you from scrambling at the last minute, leaving a review is one small way to make sure other teachers know itโs worth their time too.
Why Your Review Makes a Difference
They help other teachers make better decisions
When you leave a review that says how and why a resource worked (or didnโt), youโre helping another teacher decide if the resource is right for their students. Think of it like recommending something to the colleague down the hallโexcept that โhallโ is across the country.
Imagine you’re prepping a last-minute sub plan. Youโre juggling a behavior issue, trying to fix the projector, and only have a few minutes to find something solid. A clear, honest review from another teacher can be the reason you click โDownloadโ with confidence. Your words could be the exact guidance another teacher needs when time is short.
They help creators improve resources
Most TpT sellers are teachers, too. Thoughtful feedbackโespecially when itโs specificโhelps creators understand what worked well and what could be adjusted. That kind of insight leads to better resources for everyone.
You donโt have to write an essay. Just mention what your students responded to or what helped you teach the standard more effectively. (see examples below)
It saves you moneyโliterally
Hereโs something not everyone realizes: leaving a review on a paid product earns you TpT credits. You can use those credits just like cash toward future purchases.
If you download a lot of materialsโespecially during back-to-school, testing season, or when youโre filling in curriculum gapsโthose credits add up fast. In fact, if you save enough, you might be able to get your next resource completely free.
Itโs one of the easiest ways to stretch your classroom budget without cutting corners.
TpT adds the credits to your account automatically after you submit your review. Theyโll be ready to apply the next time you check out.
Youโve already done the teachingโnow get a little something back for sharing your experience.
How to Leave a Review
If youโve never done it before, hereโs what to do:
- Log into your TpT account
- Click My Purchases
- Find a resource youโve used
- Click Leave a Review: Next to the resource, youโll see an option to leave a review. Click on it, and a review box will pop up.
5. Rate it (1โ5 stars) and write a sentence or two about using the resource. How easy was it to use? How did your students respond? (see examples below)
6. Once you submit, youโll earn TpT credits you can use on future purchases. You can find your TpT credits when you click Account Balance.
And just like that, youโve helped another teacher and earned a little something for yourself.
What to Say in a TpT Review
You donโt have to write a paragraph or worry about sounding polished. A great TpT review is clear, honest, and based on your actual classroom experience. Think of it like sharing a tip with your teacher bestieโit should be quick, specific, and helpful.
Here are a few things you might include in your review:
- The grade level and subject you used the resource for
- How you used itโduring a lesson, for small groups, sub plans, intervention, etc.
- What stood outโwas it clear, engaging, flexible, time-saving, etc.
- (Optional) A respectful note if something didnโt quite work or could be improved
Want a quick format to follow? Try this:
โUsed this with my [grade level] students to [goal or skill]. It was [easy to use, helpful, engaging, etc.]. I especially liked [specific feature].โ
Example:
I used this with my 6th grade students to review text structure. It was easy to implement and kept students engaged during small group work. I especially liked the variety of examplesโit made it easy to differentiate.
Thatโs all it takes to help another teacher, support a small business, and earn yourself TpT credits for future purchases.
Before You Leave a Review: A Quick Note About Tech Issues
If you had trouble downloading, printing, or accessing a file, please check out the FAQ page or reach out to the TpT support team before leaving a review – they are available to help you! Those technical issues can usually be fixed quickly, and they arenโt always a fair reflection of the resource itself.
A Simple Way to Give Back
You already do so much to support your students. Leaving a quick review is one small way to support your fellow teachers, too. Whether youโre cheering on a resource that saved your dayโor offering a kind suggestion to make it betterโyouโre contributing to a larger community of educators who are all trying to do the same thing: help kids learn.
Your voice matters more than you think. And your feedback? It just might be the thing that helps another teacher breathe a little easier tomorrow.
Have a favorite resource you’ve used recently? Head to your My Purchases tab and leave a quick reviewโyour future self (and your fellow teachers) will thank you.
Looking for more classroom tips and teaching support?
Check out the Middle School Cafรฉ Podcast where I share practical strategies, real talk about teaching, and ideas you can use right away.