Standard of Learning

6.3 The student will describe the connections between mental and physical development as they relate to adolescence. Key concepts/skills include:

1. the effects of stress;
2. respect for individual differences;
3. positive and negative responses to criticism;
4. the effects of peer pressure;
5. the effects of bullying;
6. issues related to body image and weight management.

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Understanding the Standard

The student will understand the difference between positive and negative criticism and the appropriate response to each.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• define criticism.
• describe why people criticize.
• describe negative ways to respond to criticism.
• describe positive ways to respond to constructive criticism:
  • try to understand the person's point of view;
  • accept making mistakes as a part of a learning process;
  • learn from the mistakes so you don't make those mistakes again;
  • analyze the situation and determine how you can adjust or improve the situation; and
  • offer thanks when constructive criticism is given.
• describe positive ways to respond to hurtful/negative criticism:
  • do not respond in a retaliatory way;
  • using I-messages, explain why the statement was hurtful; and
  • be positive about the results.

Sample Lessons

Conflict Management Techniques
Grade(s) 4-12
The objective of this lesson is to identify personal management style(s), develop an awareness of strategies used in each conflict management style.  It is useful to assess our predominant conflict management style(s) because we tend to get stuck in one or two styles and apply them inappropriately.  The emphasis is not on judging any style right or wrong.  Each person determines their predominant conflict management style.
http://www.youth.net/cec/cecmisc/cecmisc.33.txt
Free

CNNfyi.com: Bullying solutions
Grade(s) 1-8
This lesson focuses on students from elementary level up through middle school level and teaches them about different countries and cultures.  Through the lessons on different cultures and countries the students are able to gain a respect for people's differences.
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSLAOCICountriesandCulturesIdeas18.htm
Free

An Experiment in Unfair Treatment/Prejudice
Grade(s) 3-12
A teacher-submitted lesson that teaches students to experience some of the feelings associated with prejudice/bias and unfair treatment.
http://www.education-world.com/a_tsl/archives/04-1/lesson006.shtml
Free

LifeSkills Training
Grades: 6-8
Model substance abuse prevention and competency enhancement program focusing on the major social and psychological factors causing substance use and abuse. Teaches drug resistance skills, personal management skills, and general social skills. Includes self-image, self-improvement, decision-making, anger management, assertiveness, communication, media, and conflict resolution issues.
Contact: http://www.lifeskillstraining.com
Cost

Project Towards No Tobacco Use (TNT)
Grades 5-10
Model program to prevent or reduce tobacco use in youth. Ten core and 2 booster lessons. Includes effective refusal and coping skills; effects of media and advertisers; methods to build self-esteem; and strategies for advocating no tobacco use.
Sponsor: Department of Preventive Medicine, USC
Contact: http://www.etr.org
Cost

Promoting Alternative THinking Strategies (PATHS)
Grades K-6
Model program to promote emotional & social competencies and reduce aggression and acting out. Includes emotional literacy, self-control, social competence, positive peer relations, and interpersonal problem-solving skills.
Sponsor: Pennsylvania State University and Channing Bete Company
Contact: http://www.preventionscience.com
Cost

Social Emotional Learning Lesson
Grade(s) K-6
In this lesson students will share their ideas of what they believe teasing is.  From the story and their discussion, they will learn about dealing with being left out, fear and embarrassment.
http://www.dist102.k12.il.us/internal/SELWebPg/COP4Chrysanthemum.htm
Free

Responding in Peaceful and Positive Ways (RIPP)
Grades 6-8
Model 3-year violence prevention program. Includes importance of significant friends or adult mentors; relationship between self-image and gang-related behaviors; conflict resolution; and effects of environmental influences on personal health.
Sponsor: Virginia Commonwealth University
Contact: ameyer@saturn.vcu.edu
Cost

Taking a Stand on Bullying
Grade(s) 6-8
In this lesson the students will use the data collected from their surveys in Lesson Four: Bullying and Core Democratic Values on bullying in their school. They will analyze the information and take a position on whether or not bullying violates core democratic values and whether or not students should take an active role in preventing bullying at their school.
http://www.learningtogive.org/lessons/unit132/lesson5.html
Free

Additional Instructional Resources

• Character Education Resources
• Health Text
• Life Skills Training
• Receiving and Responding to Criticism - http://www.mgt-online.com/begin/giving_receiving_feedback/section3/sect3b.phtml
• Responding to Criticism - http://www.coping.org/selfesteem/lifestyle/feed.htm

Assessment Ideas

The student will:

• keep a log of constructive criticism given by parents, teachers, coaches, peers and others.
• role-play positive and negative responses to positive and negative criticism.

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