lenny

The Power of Positive Posts

user image

Lesson Plan

Kindness Clickers Plan

Students will understand the impact of online communication and learn strategies to use digital platforms for positive interaction, ultimately fostering a more empathetic online community.

In today's digital age, students spend a significant amount of time online. This lesson empowers them to be proactive in creating a positive online environment, combating cyberbullying, and spreading kindness, which is crucial for their well-being and the health of their digital communities.

Audience

Middle School Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Through discussion, a slide deck, and an activity, students will explore positive digital citizenship.

Materials

Whiteboard or Projector, Positive Digital Footprint Slide Deck, Markers or Pens, Scratch Paper or Mini Whiteboards (optional), Kindness Campaign Creator Activity, and Positive Post Rubric

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: Digital Impressions (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "What's the first thing you think of when you hear 'digital footprint'?" (Allow for quick sharing or think-pair-share).
    - Introduce the idea that our digital footprint isn't just what we post, but also how we interact.
    - Pose the question: "How can our online interactions make someone feel good? How can they make someone feel bad?"

Step 2

Presentation: Positive Digital Footprint (20 minutes)

20 minutes

  • Present the Positive Digital Footprint Slide Deck.
    - Focus on slides that discuss the impact of words, the power of positivity, and examples of positive online behavior.
    - Facilitate a brief discussion after key slides, using prompts like: "Can you think of a time you saw someone being really kind online? What happened?" or "Why is it important to think before you post?"

Step 3

Activity: Kindness Campaign Creator (25 minutes)

25 minutes

  • Distribute the Kindness Campaign Creator Activity and explain the instructions.
    - Divide students into small groups (2-3 students per group).
    - Each group will design a short social media campaign focused on spreading positivity or support related to a specific issue.
    - Provide time for groups to brainstorm and create their campaign.
    - Circulate to offer guidance and answer questions. Remind them to refer to the Positive Post Rubric while creating their campaign.

Step 4

Share & Reflect (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Have a few groups quickly share their campaign idea (1-2 minutes per group).
    - Conclude with a quick reflection question: "What's one thing you can do today to make a positive impact online?"
    - Collect the Kindness Campaign Creator Activity for assessment using the Positive Post Rubric.
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Your Digital Footprint

What is it and why does it matter?

Welcome students and introduce the concept of a digital footprint. Ask them to think about what they already know or what comes to mind.

Every Click Leaves a Mark

Think of your digital footprint as the trail of information you leave behind online.

  • Photos you share
  • Comments you make
  • Websites you visit
  • Likes and Shares

It's everything you do in the digital world!

Explain that every online interaction leaves a mark. It's not just big posts, but small comments too. Emphasize that these marks can be positive or negative.

Why Does it Matter?

Your digital footprint can impact:

  • How others see you (friends, family, future colleges, employers)
  • Your reputation online and offline
  • Opportunities (scholarships, jobs)
  • How you feel about yourself

Discuss the lasting nature of online content. What seems temporary can be permanent. Give examples of how a digital footprint can impact future opportunities.

The Power of Positive Posts

You have the power to make the internet a better place!

Just like in real life, your words and actions online have an impact.

Let's use our power for good!

Transition to the power of positive interactions. Ask students to brainstorm examples of positive online behavior they've seen.

Be a Kindness Clicker!

What does a positive digital footprint look like?

  • Sharing encouraging words on a friend's achievement
  • Commenting supportively on someone's ideas
  • Spreading awareness about a good cause
  • Offering help or advice when appropriate
  • Celebrating diversity and inclusion

Provide concrete examples of positive online actions. Encourage students to think about how these actions make people feel.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

One positive post can inspire another, and another!

By choosing to be kind, supportive, and respectful online, you contribute to a better, safer, and more welcoming digital community for everyone.

Reinforce the idea that positive actions create a ripple effect. Connect it to building a stronger, more empathetic online community.

Your Mission: Kindness Campaign!

Now it's your turn to put positive posting into practice!

  • You will work in groups to create a social media campaign.
  • Your goal: Spread kindness and support online!
  • Think about who you want to reach and what message you want to send.

Introduce the activity. Explain that they will be creating their own positive campaign.

Be the Change Online!

Your digital footprint is your story. Make it a story of kindness, respect, and positivity.

Summarize the key takeaway and invite questions.

lenny

Activity

Kindness Campaign Creator

Your Mission: Design a social media campaign that promotes kindness, positivity, and support within a digital community. Think about a specific issue or group that could benefit from a boost of positivity online.

Group Members:




Step 1: Brainstorm Your Focus

What kind of kindness or support do you want to spread? (e.g., encouraging words for students studying for exams, celebrating everyday heroes, promoting mental wellness, spreading awareness about online safety with a positive spin)

Our Campaign Focus:






Step 2: Choose Your Platform(s)

Which social media platform(s) would be best for your message? (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, a school forum, etc.) Why?

Our Platform(s) and Why:






Step 3: Develop Your Message

What specific message do you want to convey? Create 2-3 sample posts or ideas for content.

Post Idea 1:











Post Idea 2:











Post Idea 3 (Optional):











Step 4: Include Visuals & Hashtags

Describe what kind of visuals (images, short videos, graphics) you would use for your posts. What hashtags would you create or use to amplify your message?

Visual Ideas:






Hashtags:






Step 5: Consider Engagement

How will your campaign encourage others to participate and spread kindness? (e.g., challenges, questions, prompts for users to share their own positive experiences)

Engagement Ideas:






Reflection

What did you learn about creating positive content online? How might this campaign help others?













lenny
lenny

Rubric

Positive Post Rubric

Campaign Title: __________________________________
Group Members: __________________________________

Criteria4 - Exceeds Expectations3 - Meets Expectations2 - Approaches Expectations1 - Needs Improvement
Positive MessageCampaign clearly and creatively promotes kindness/positivity; inspires genuine empathy.Campaign promotes kindness/positivity; message is clear and appropriate.Campaign attempts to promote positivity, but message could be clearer or more impactful.Campaign lacks a clear positive message or is not entirely appropriate.
Online ImpactCampaign effectively demonstrates how it will create a positive ripple effect online.Campaign shows potential for positive online impact.Campaign has some ideas for online impact, but they are underdeveloped.Campaign does not clearly articulate how it will create positive online impact.
Content & CreativityPosts are highly engaging, original, and use appropriate visuals/hashtags effectively.Posts are engaging and use appropriate visuals/hashtags.Posts are somewhat engaging; visuals/hashtags could be improved.Posts lack creativity or appropriate visuals/hashtags.
Feasibility & GuidelinesCampaign is well-planned, realistic, and adheres to all guidelines for digital citizenship.Campaign is mostly realistic and adheres to most guidelines.Campaign has some realistic elements, but adherence to guidelines is inconsistent.Campaign is unrealistic or does not adhere to key guidelines.
CollaborationGroup worked exceptionally well together; all members contributed meaningfully.Group worked effectively; most members contributed.Group struggled with collaboration; some members contributed more than others.Group collaboration was minimal or ineffective.

Teacher Feedback:













lenny
lenny
The Power of Positive Posts • Lenny Learning