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The Holiday Scroll Stopper

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Lesson Plan

The Holiday Scroll Stopper

Students will be able to identify two ways social media can negatively impact their emotions during the holidays and list one strategy to mitigate these effects.

This lesson is important because it helps students navigate the emotional challenges social media can present during the holiday season, promoting healthier digital habits and mental well-being.

Audience

9th-12th Grade

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, activity, and a tip sheet, students will explore social media's impact.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Social Media Feed Activity, Digital Wellness Tip Sheet, and Holiday Scroll Stopper Cool Down

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Connect & Share

5 minutes

  • Hook: Begin by asking students: "How many of you spend more time on social media during the holidays? What kinds of things do you see?"
    - Think-Pair-Share: Have students turn to a partner and discuss for 2 minutes.
    - Class Share: Invite a few pairs to share their observations with the whole class. Note any recurring themes about holiday content.

Step 2

Analyze Social Media

10 minutes

  • Introduce Key Concepts: Briefly explain 'curated realities vs. real life' and 'the comparison trap.' Use examples relevant to holiday social media posts (e.g., perfect family gatherings, elaborate gifts, exotic vacations).
    - Activity: Distribute the Social Media Feed Activity. Instruct students to analyze the hypothetical posts and reflect on how they might feel seeing them during the holidays.
    - Small Group Discussion: Have students discuss their responses in small groups (3-4 students). What emotions did these posts evoke? Why?

Step 3

Brainstorm Strategies

7 minutes

  • Whole Class Brainstorm: Bring the class back together. Ask: "What are some ways we can protect our emotions and mental well-being when using social media during the holidays?"
    - Record Ideas: Write student suggestions on the board. Guide them to think about 'mindful social media use' and 'digital detoxing.'
    - Introduce Tip Sheet: Distribute the Digital Wellness Tip Sheet. Highlight 1-2 key strategies from the sheet that weren't mentioned by students, or emphasize particularly strong student ideas.

Step 4

Set an Intention

3 minutes

  • Individual Reflection: Ask students to quietly choose one strategy from the brainstormed list or the Digital Wellness Tip Sheet they will try to implement this holiday season.
    - Quick Write/Exit Ticket: Distribute the Holiday Scroll Stopper Cool Down. Have them quickly write down their chosen strategy and why they chose it. Collect these as an exit ticket.
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Activity

Social Media Feed Activity: Holiday Edition

Instructions: Imagine you are scrolling through your social media feed during the holiday season. Below are some hypothetical posts you might see. Read each post and then answer the reflection questions.

Post 1: "Perfect Family Vacation!"

Image: A smiling family of four in matching holiday sweaters, standing in front of a snowy mountain lodge. Caption reads: "Another perfect holiday getaway with my amazing family! So grateful for these moments. #Blessed #FamilyGoals #HolidayMagic"

Reflection Questions:

  1. How does seeing this post make you feel? Why?


  2. Do you think this post shows the entire reality of their holiday? Why or why not?


Post 2: "Unboxing My Dream Gifts!"

Video: A fast-paced video showing someone excitedly unboxing several expensive, brand-name gifts (new phone, designer clothes, gaming console). Caption: "Santa came early this year! Obsessed with all my new goodies. What did you guys get?!"

Reflection Questions:

  1. What thoughts or feelings come up for you after watching this video?


  2. How might this post influence your own feelings about gifts you receive (or don't receive)?


Post 3: "Holiday Feast Goals!"

Image: A beautifully styled dinner table laden with perfectly cooked, gourmet holiday dishes. Caption: "Prepping for our annual holiday feast! So much love (and food!) goes into this. Can't wait to celebrate! #Foodie #HolidayCheer #CookingGoals"

Reflection Questions:

  1. How does this image make you feel about your own holiday meals or gatherings?


  2. What pressures might people feel when trying to create a "perfect" holiday experience, inspired by posts like this?


Overall Reflection:

  1. What are two negative emotions or thoughts that these types of holiday social media posts might trigger?


  2. How do these posts compare to what your actual holiday experience might be like?


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Reading

Digital Wellness During the Holidays: Your Guide to a Happier Season

The holiday season is a wonderful time for connection, joy, and reflection. However, the constant stream of social media posts can sometimes make us feel overwhelmed, inadequate, or left out. This tip sheet offers strategies to help you navigate social media mindfully and protect your well-being.

Understanding the Holiday Scroll Trap

  • Curated Realities: Remember that most social media posts are carefully selected and edited. They showcase the highlights, the
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Slide Deck

The Holiday Scroll Stopper

Navigating Social Media & Your Well-being During the Festive Season

Today's Goal:

Identify how social media impacts emotions during the holidays & learn strategies to cope.

Welcome students to the lesson. Introduce the topic of social media during the holidays and briefly explain what the lesson will cover.

Connect & Share: Holiday Scroll Habits

• How many of you spend more time on social media during the holidays?
• What kinds of things do you typically see on your feed during this time?
• How does seeing those posts generally make you feel?

Ask the opening questions to engage students and activate prior knowledge. Encourage a brief Think-Pair-Share before inviting whole-class responses. Listen for themes related to increased social media use and specific types of holiday content.

Analyze Social Media: The Holiday Filters

• Curated Realities vs. Real Life: What you see online isn't always the whole story.
• The Comparison Trap: How do others' 'perfect' posts make us feel about our own lives?

Activity: Social Media Feed Activity

Introduce the concepts of 'curated realities' and 'the comparison trap.' Explain that what we see online is often a highlight reel, not the full picture. Distribute the Social Media Feed Activity and give clear instructions. Allow time for individual reflection and small group discussion.

Brainstorm Strategies: Guarding Your Joy

• How can we protect our emotions and mental well-being when using social media during the holidays?
• What are some healthy habits we can adopt?

Resource: Digital Wellness Tip Sheet

Facilitate a whole-class brainstorm. Write student ideas on the board. Guide them toward concepts like mindful use and digital detox. Then, distribute the Digital Wellness Tip Sheet and briefly highlight key strategies.

Set an Intention: Your Holiday Pledge

• Think about one strategy you will try to implement this holiday season to protect your well-being.
• Write it down and briefly explain why you chose it.

Digital wellness is a journey, not a destination!

Conclude the lesson by asking students to commit to one strategy. This serves as an exit ticket. Emphasize that digital wellness is an ongoing practice.

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Cool Down

Holiday Scroll Stopper: Cool Down

Name: _________________________

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson and your social media use during the holidays.

  1. What is one specific strategy you learned or discussed today that you will try to use to protect your emotions and mental well-being when using social media this holiday season?


  2. Why did you choose this particular strategy?


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