Handling Criticism: Moving Past Hurt and Toward Growth

How can we respond to criticism in ways that keep us motivated and moving forward?

Mastery Objective

• Students will be able to differentiate different forms of criticism and practice strategies to process complex emotions surrounding criticism.

Day 1 - Students will:

• Watch an Access clip describing how Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy was motivated by criticism
• Define criticism, constructive criticism, and destructive criticism

Day 2 - Students will:

• Listen to “Garageland” by The Clash
• Identify feelings that can arise from criticism, such as hurt and rejection
• Consider how to be resilient in the face of criticism

Day 3 - Students will:

• Listen to “Porqué la envidia” by Yeison Jiménez
• Learn to recognize destructive criticism
• Consider ways to respond to destructive criticism

Day 4 - Students will:

• Listen to “Self Destruction” by Stop the Violence Movement
• Identify and consider ways to respond to constructive criticism
• Practice crafting constructive criticism

Arts-Based Activity - Students will:

• Reflect on their thoughts and feelings around criticism
• Create a neurographic art piece

In this lesson, students will explore what criticism is and how people respond to it. They will identify and discuss the characteristics of two types of criticism, constructive and destructive, as well as consider the criticism’s intent, how it is communicated, how it makes people feel, and how to stay motivated after receiving criticism.

Required for all lessons:

• Student Journals
• Art Supplies

Arts-Based Activity:

• Black marker for each student