Technology and You
GRADE LEVEL K-1
Introduction
Themes & Ideas
Technology
Balance
Relationships
Smartphones
Video Games
What Students Will Uncover
Lesson Overview
Lesson Objectives
1) Educate learners on balanced use of technology and encourage reflection on personal tech use
2) Practice active listening by demonstrating attention, eye contact, and respectful and appropriate responses when asked to stop using devices, whether at home or school and
3) Recognize emotions to foster a healthy balance in our use of technology and improve personal interactions.
Lesson Materials:
- The lesson plan below or if you prefer to print it out: Download PDF (English) // Download PDF (Spanish)
Vocabulary
Background
This section is intended for the educator, providing them with information about the film, its themes and topics, as well as tips for how to lead students in an impactful discussion.
About The Film
The Film in Context
Lesson
Lesson Introduction
SAY: Almost everyone uses some form of technology – a phone, a smartwatch, an iPad, a computer, a laptop. We do different things with phones and computers, like talking to friends or playing games. Sometimes, adults use their computers or iPads for work.
It’s important to not just play on technology all day. We should do other things, too, like go outside and play with friends.
ASK: With a show of hands, who sometimes uses a device like a phone, tablet or computer? For a minute, turn and talk to your neighbor about what you do on tech devices. Now, share with the class.
Before The Movie
Lesson Activities
Activity 1
Tech is a tool and a treat!
Theme: Balance
Materials: Me & My Device - Drawing Activity (English) // (Spanish)
Vocabulary: Device, Balance
SAY: A device is a piece of electronic equipment like an iPhone, a tablet, a laptop, or a computer.
Balance is doing a little bit of everything to stay happy and healthy.
For example, I can use my computer to Facetime Grandpa, do homework, read a book, or play educational games, but leave time to play outside, read books, and talk with friends and family.
Explore:
ASK: What do you do on a device?
DO: Me & My Device Drawing Activity
- Handout a copy of the worksheet and Instruct students to draw what they do on a device and write or narrate a sentence.
- Also, they should draw what they do when they do not have a device and write or narrate a sentence.
Reflect: Share student reflections.
Key Learning: Tech is a Tool and a Treat
Activity 2
Active Listening
Theme: Connection
Materials: Active Listening - Drawing Page (English) // (Spanish)
Vocabulary: Active Listening
SAY: Active Listening means paying close attention to someone talking, looking at them, not interrupting, and thinking about what they say. It shows respect for the person talking and helps them feel cared for and understood.
Explore:
ASK: When a teacher, parent, or guardian asks you to stop what you are doing on a device, what do you do? Do you know how to take a break and shut your device off?
When asked to close your computer or turn off your device, do these three things to show active listening:
- Look Up - Look at the person talking
- Breathe - Take deep breaths
- Finish Up - Close or turn off the device.
DO: Let’s practice
SAY:
You will pretend to be on a device, computer, or iPhone. I will pretend to be a parent or caregiver, asking you to come to dinner or to turn it off and get ready for school. I will need a volunteer to be the child!
ASK: What will they do when I call them?
- Look Up - Look at the person talking
- Breathe - Take deep breaths
- Finish Up - Close or turn off the device.
Hand out “Active Listening drawing page.
SAY: Now, draw a picture of yourself shutting down or turning off your device and write a sentence about your picture.
Reflect: Share drawings with the class.
Key Learning: Tech is both a tool and a treat and if it gets in the way of connecting with people in our lives, we need to change how we use it.
Activity 3
Tech Time Poster
Theme: Feelings
Materials: For students: Half or quarter sheets of paper, crayons, pens, or markers. A poster-size paper with the three steps written on it: (leave room for student illustrations)
- Turn it off or walk away,
- Speak up,
- Tell a trusted adult,
Vocabulary: Uncomfortable
SAY: Uncomfortable means feeling unwell or unhappy about something. It's like when your shoes are too tight or when you're too hot or cold.
SAY: Although students often like to stay on and on and on their computer, phone, or tablet, it doesn’t always make them feel good. Pay attention to your feelings while using a device and know what to do when you don’t feel good. This is called self-management.
Explore:
SAY: Today, we will talk about your feelings while you use a computer, tablet, or phone.
First, imagine you are stuck inside with a cold on a sunny day. What feelings might you have?
Pause for responses.
Now, let’s explore feelings we might have when watching a fun show that is supposed to be for kids, but then something mean or scary happens that you don’t like. Or, you are playing a game with friends, and someone says something mean or unkind that you don’t like.
How does that make you feel? What can you do? Self-Management!
Here are three things you should do:
- Turn it off or walk away
- Tell them that you don’t like what they are saying or that they are hurting your feelings.
- Tell a trusted adult
DO: Tech Time Poster
SAY: We will make a class poster to remind us what to do when we have a feeling about something we see or hear online. You will draw or write yourself doing one of the choices.
Reflect:
ASK: Have you ever been told to use the computer or phone less and play outside more?
Key Learning: Devices can be both a tool and a treat, but they can get in the way of connecting to others and balancing online and offline activities. If this happens, we need to change how we use them.
Activity 4
Activity 5
Lesson Conclusion
Further Reading
For Educators
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Emphasis
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For Students
Frameworks
Standards met: AASL, CASEL aligned (See document: Standards SA)
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