Criticism and consequences are a part of everyone's life. Students might hear criticism from others as a result of their behavior, their work habits, or their appearance. Sometimes students behave in ways that result in consequences. Many students have developed inappropriate responses to criticism or consequences. This may include yelling, leaving the situation, throwing things, etc. Students must learn alternate appropriate ways to accept criticism and consequences in order to be successful in school and in life.

Introduce Skill

• Have students brainstorm times they have received criticism or a consequence. Examples may include: when they didn't clean their room, when they didn't follow the rules at home or at school, when they made a mistake on an assignment, etc.
• Read the book If I Were a Lion by Sarah Weeks. Have a discussion about accepting responsibility/consequences for one's actions.

Describe the Appropriate Behavior

1. Look at the person
2. Say Okay
3. Stay calm

Give a Reason

• You will know what you did wrong and be able to correct it.
• You show others you are able to take responsibility for your actions.
• People are more likely to talk with you about compromises.
• You might not make as many mistakes in your work.

Practice

• Have partners practice the skill.

Journaling

• Write about a time you did not accept criticism well. What was the outcome?
• Write about a time you accepted criticism or a consequence. How did it help you in that situation?

Role Play

• The teacher explains that you have worked several math problems on your paper incorrectly and wants you to redo them. Accept the criticism appropriately and ask for help to redo the problems.
• Your teacher sends a note home saying that you have to stay after school for detention because you were pushing someone on the playground. Accept the consequence appropriately. Optional: issue an apology
• The coach says you have to sit out the first five minutes of the basketball game because you missed the team bus to the game. Accept the consequence appropriately.
• The drama teacher tells you that in order for you to earn a role in the school play, you have to learn to speak more clearly and project your voice more. Accept the criticism appropriately.
• Your teacher asks you to rewrite the letters of the alphabet so that they are easier to read. Accept the criticism appropriately and redo the assignment.
• Develop other role play scenarios that are appropriate to your class.

• Watch clips of American Idol to see how others receive feedback. View clips of people receiving positive and negative feedback. Discuss if it was handled appropriately and if not, what would be a better way to accept feedback.
• Use Amazon reviews to decide if you would purchase an item from Amazon.

Academic & Behavior Facilitator

Tech Academy @ Pettit Park

Email: hdarnell@kokomo.k12.in.us
Website: http://leadyourheartout.blogspot.com/
Location: 901 W Havens St, Kokomo, IN, United States
Phone: 765-454-7075
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadyourheartout/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
Twitter: @HetherDarnell