Finding balance in our digital lives Lesson Plan
Level: Grades K to 3
About the Author: This lesson was written for MediaSmarts by Ethan Anderson
Duration: 30-60 minutes
This lesson is part of USE, UNDERSTAND & ENGAGE: A Digital Media Literacy Framework for Canadian Schools.
Overview
In this lesson, students look at the different ways in which we spend our free time and learn to find balance between active, learning and media activities. They begin by distinguishing between Active, Learning and Screen time, learn how activities can fall into more than one category; and reflect on their lives to see how well screen time is balanced by other types of activities. Finally, students consider how they might improve how their time is balanced.
Learning Outcomes
Big ideas/key concepts: Students will understand that…
- Digital media experiences are shaped by the tools we use
- How media tools are made can affect how we use them
Key questions:
- How can we make each day feel good for our bodies and brains?”
- How can we balance the different kinds of activities in our lives?
Essential knowledge: Students will know…
- Media health: The importance of balancing screen time with other activities; how features like autoplay can make us use devices longer than we mean to; strategies for balancing our screen use
Performance tasks: Students will be able to…
- Use: Develop strategies for healthy and mindful media use
- Understand: Analyze how features of digital tools influence how they are used
- Engage: Reflect on how their media habits affect their mental and physical health
Home and School Connection
This lesson and all associated documents (handouts, overheads, backgrounders) are available in an easy-print, pdf kit version.