Lesson Plan
Scrolling Smarter
Students will define screen addiction, identify personal mindless scrolling habits, and learn practical strategies for intentional and effective screen use.
In an increasingly digital world, teens often find themselves mindlessly scrolling or tab-switching, leading to decreased focus, wasted time, and potential negative impacts on their mental well-being. This lesson provides crucial life skills to navigate the digital landscape with intention, fostering healthier habits and improved productivity.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and practical strategies.
Materials
- Scrolling Smarter Slide Deck, - Discussion Prompts, - Markers or pens, and - Whiteboard or large paper
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
Review the Scrolling Smarter Lesson Plan, Scrolling Smarter Slide Deck, and Discussion Prompts. Ensure projector/screen is set up and working. Prepare markers and a whiteboard/large paper for brainstorming.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Digital Check-In
5 minutes
Display Slide 2 and ask students to quickly jot down (or think about) their answers to the question: "How much time do you spend on screens daily, and what are you usually doing?"
Briefly discuss a few anonymous responses as a class to get a baseline understanding of their screen habits. Emphasize that there's no judgment, just observation.
Step 2
Introduction: Mindless vs. Mindful
5 minutes
Use Slide 3 to introduce the concepts of 'mindless scrolling' and 'intentional screen use.' Explain that mindless scrolling often involves switching between apps/tabs without a specific goal, while intentional use has a purpose.
Ask students for quick examples of both.
Step 3
Understanding the 'Why'
8 minutes
Transition to Slide 4 and facilitate a discussion using the Discussion Prompts. Focus on the 'why' behind mindless scrolling and its potential impacts (e.g., distraction, less focus, feeling drained). Encourage students to share their experiences without pressure.
Step 4
Strategies for Smart Scrolling
7 minutes
Move to Slide 5 and introduce practical strategies for intentional screen use. Present ideas like:
- Set a Timer: Use apps for specific tasks, then switch off.
- One App at a Time: Focus on a single task/app.
- Designated 'No-Scroll' Zones: Meals, homework time.
- Ask 'Why?': Before opening an app, ask yourself: 'What's my purpose here?'
Brainstorm additional strategies with the class, writing them on the board.
Step 5
Cool-Down: One Small Step
5 minutes
Display Slide 6. Ask each student to commit to one small change they can make in their screen habits starting today. Have them briefly share their commitment with a partner or silently reflect. Collect anonymous written commitments as an exit ticket if time permits.
Slide Deck
Scrolling Smarter:
Mastering Your Digital World
Using Screens with Purpose
Welcome students and introduce the topic of screen use and digital habits. Explain that today's lesson is about understanding how we use screens and learning to use them more effectively.
Digital Check-In:
How much time do you spend on screens daily, and what are you usually doing? (e.g., social media, games, homework, videos, communicating, research)
Display this slide. Ask students to take a moment to reflect on the question. They can jot it down, think silently, or share briefly with a partner. Then, open it up for a quick, anonymous class share to get a sense of general habits. Emphasize observation, not judgment.
Mindless vs. Mindful:
What's the Difference?
Mindless Scrolling: Automatic, unfocused, often switching apps/tabs without a clear goal.
Intentional Screen Use: Engaging with screens with a specific purpose or task in mind.
Introduce the two key concepts. Explain 'mindless scrolling' as automatic, often unproductive, jumping between apps/tabs. Define 'intentional screen use' as having a clear purpose for being on a device. Ask students for examples of each from their own lives.
Understanding the 'Why':
Let's Talk About It!
- Why do we sometimes scroll or switch apps without a real purpose?
- What are some feelings or experiences you have after a long period of mindless scrolling?
- How does constant tab-switching affect your focus on homework or other tasks?
This slide sets up the discussion. Direct students to the Discussion Prompts handout (if provided, otherwise lead a verbal discussion). Encourage honest reflection on why they might scroll mindlessly and what the consequences can be (e.g., distraction, less sleep, feeling overwhelmed).
Smart Scrolling Strategies:
Tips for Intentional Screen Use
- Set a Timer: Use apps for specific tasks, then switch off.
- One App at a Time: Focus on a single task or application.
- Designated 'No-Scroll' Zones: Keep screens away during meals, family time, or homework.
- Ask 'Why?': Before opening an app, ask yourself: "What's my purpose here?"
Present these strategies. Explain each one and provide quick examples. Then, open it up to the class for brainstorming other strategies they use or could try. Write these on the board.
Your Digital Pledge:
One Small Step
Think of one strategy from today's lesson (or one of your own!) that you can try to be more intentional with your screen use starting today.
What's your commitment?
For the cool-down, ask students to reflect and choose one strategy they will try. They can share with a partner or write it down as an exit ticket if time allows. Reinforce that even small changes can make a big difference.
Discussion
Scrolling Smarter: Discussion Prompts
Use these questions to guide a thoughtful conversation about screen use and digital habits.
Part 1: Initial Reflection (Warm-Up)
- On average, how many hours do you spend on screens each day? What are the main activities you use your screens for?
Part 2: Understanding Mindless vs. Mindful
- Can you think of a time you picked up your phone or opened your laptop without a clear goal in mind, just to "check things"? What happened?
- What's the difference between using a screen to genuinely connect with friends and endlessly scrolling through social media posts?
- Give an example of "intentional" screen use (e.g., video calling a grandparent, researching for a project). Why is this different from mindless scrolling?
Part 3: The Impact of Mindless Scrolling
- Why do you think people (including yourselves) sometimes fall into the habit of mindless scrolling or constant tab-switching?
- What are some feelings or experiences you have after a long period of mindless scrolling (e.g., tired, unfocused, stressed, bored)?
- How does constantly switching between tabs or apps affect your ability to focus on homework, reading, or even conversations?
- Have you ever noticed that mindless scrolling can make time disappear? How does that feel?
Part 4: Moving Towards Smart Scrolling
- What are some small things we can do to become more aware of our screen habits?
- Beyond the strategies mentioned, what other ways can we use our screens more intentionally and effectively?
- How might practicing "smart scrolling" benefit your schoolwork, your relationships, or your overall well-being?
- What's one challenge you anticipate in trying to change a screen habit, and how might you overcome it?
Warm Up
Digital Check-In: Warm-Up
Take a moment to reflect on your daily screen habits. There are no right or wrong answers, just honest observations.
Question:
How much time do you spend on screens daily, and what are you usually doing?
Consider activities like: social media, games, homework, watching videos, communicating with friends/family, creative projects, research, online shopping, etc.
Cool Down
Your Digital Pledge: Cool-Down
Based on today's discussion and the strategies we talked about, think of one small change you can make to use your screens more intentionally and effectively.
What is your personal commitment to scrolling smarter? Write it down below.