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Social Media Savvy

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Lesson Plan

Social Media Savvy

Students will be able to identify the positive and negative impacts of social media and develop strategies for safe and responsible online interactions.

Understanding social media's impact is crucial for 7th graders as they navigate their digital world, fostering critical thinking and promoting healthy online habits.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and scenario-based learning.

Materials

Social Media Savvy Slide Deck, Digital Footprint Discussion Guide, and Social Media Reflection Journal

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Social Media Snapshot

5 minutes

  • Display the first slide of the Social Media Savvy Slide Deck which asks students to think about their favorite social media platform and one positive thing about it.
    - Ask students to share their thoughts with a partner for 2 minutes.
    - Briefly bring the class together and ask a few students to share out one interesting idea they heard from their partner.

Step 2

Understanding Social Media's Impact

10 minutes

  • Transition to the next slides in the Social Media Savvy Slide Deck focusing on the good and challenging aspects of social media.
    - Facilitate a class discussion using the prompts from the Digital Footprint Discussion Guide, encouraging students to share their experiences and perspectives respectfully.
    - Emphasize key concepts like digital footprint, privacy, and cyberbullying.

Step 3

Responsible Online Choices

10 minutes

  • Move through the remaining slides in the Social Media Savvy Slide Deck that offer strategies for responsible online behavior.
    - Present scenarios related to social media use and ask students to discuss in small groups how they would respond.
    - Encourage students to think critically about the consequences of their online actions and how to protect themselves and others.

Step 4

Cool-Down: Reflection Journal

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Social Media Reflection Journal.
    - Ask students to choose one prompt from the journal to respond to independently.
    - Explain that this journal is a space for them to reflect on their own social media habits and set personal goals for responsible use.
    - Collect journals at the end of class or assign for homework if time is short.
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Slide Deck

Social Media Savvy: What's Your Take?

Think-Pair-Share!

  • What's your favorite social media platform?
  • What's one positive thing about it?

Welcome students and get them thinking about social media. This slide is meant to be a quick, engaging warm-up. Encourage participation but keep it brief to move into the main content.

The Good Side of Social Media

  • Connection: Stay in touch with friends and family.
  • Learning: Discover new information and ideas.
  • Creativity: Share your talents and express yourself.
  • Community: Find groups with shared interests.

What other positive things do you experience on social media?

Transition from the warm-up into the main discussion. Emphasize that social media has both good and challenging aspects. Use the discussion guide to prompt conversation.

Navigating the Challenges

  • Digital Footprint: Everything you post leaves a trace.
  • Privacy: Who sees your information?
  • Cyberbullying: Being unkind online hurts.
  • Screen Time: Balancing online and real life.

What are some challenges you or your friends have faced online?

Now, pivot to the challenges. It's important to acknowledge these without being overly negative. Focus on educating students on how to navigate these challenges. Link to the Digital Footprint Discussion Guide.

Being a Savvy Social Media User

  • Think Before You Post: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?
  • Check Your Privacy Settings: Control who sees your content.
  • Report & Block: Don't tolerate cyberbullying.
  • Balance is Key: Spend time offline too!

How can these tips help you be safer online?

This slide focuses on practical strategies. Encourage students to think about how they can apply these in their own lives. Provide scenarios for small group discussions.

Your Digital Choices Matter!

Remember:

  • Social media can be amazing, but it requires smart choices.
  • You are in control of your digital footprint.
  • Be kind, be safe, be savvy!

Time for some reflection in your Social Media Reflection Journal!

Wrap up the lesson by reinforcing the main idea and introducing the reflection journal. Remind students that responsible social media use is an ongoing skill.

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Discussion

Digital Footprint Discussion Guide

This guide provides prompts for facilitating a class discussion on digital footprints, privacy, and responsible online behavior. Encourage students to share their thoughts respectfully and actively listen to their peers.

Part 1: Your Digital Footprint

  1. What does the term "digital footprint" mean to you? Can you think of examples of things that contribute to your digital footprint?


  2. Why is it important to be aware of your digital footprint? How might it affect your future?



  3. What kind of digital footprint do you want to create for yourself? How can you make sure your online actions align with that?


Part 2: Privacy and Safety Online

  1. What are some ways you can protect your personal information online? What are privacy settings, and why are they important?


  2. How do you decide what information is safe to share online and what isn't?


  3. What should you do if someone asks you for personal information online that makes you uncomfortable?


Part 3: Cyberbullying and Online Respect

  1. What is cyberbullying? How is it similar to or different from in-person bullying?


  2. What should you do if you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying? What resources are available?


  3. How can we create a more positive and respectful environment on social media and other online platforms?


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Journal

Social Media Reflection Journal

Take some time to reflect on your social media use. Choose one of the prompts below and write a thoughtful response. There are no right or wrong answers, just your honest thoughts.

Journal Prompts:

  1. Think about a time you felt really good after using social media. What happened, and why did it make you feel that way?











  2. Think about a time you felt negative emotions (like sadness, frustration, or jealousy) after using social media. What happened, and what did you learn from that experience?











  3. What is one habit you want to change about your social media use? How will you try to make this change, and what benefits do you hope to see?











  4. Imagine you are giving advice to a younger sibling or friend about using social media responsibly. What are the top three tips you would give them, and why?











  5. How do you balance your online life with your offline life? What are some activities you enjoy doing that don't involve screens?











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Social Media Savvy • Lenny Learning