Social media Lesson Plan

The VotesforSchools lesson plan for KS2 delves into the timely and relevant topic of whether children under the age of 13 should be allowed to have Instagram accounts. The lesson kicks off with a quick one-minute feedback session where pupils review the results and feedback from the previous term's topic. This is followed by a series of engaging activities designed to stimulate discussion and critical thinking among the students. Initially, they participate in a 'Put a finger down' exercise to reflect on their online behaviours, which then segues into exploring the reasons behind the current relevance of this debate, weighing the pros and cons of social media use by under-13s.

As the lesson progresses, students learn about Instagram, including the steps necessary to create an account, and critically evaluate the platform's sharing aspects through individual exercises. They then read and respond to a range of opinions on the topic, using a physical activity to express their agreement or disagreement. In a creative exercise, pupils are tasked with imagining themselves as employees of Facebook, tasked with designing their own social media platform. The lesson includes opportunities for career exploration and the development of online safety skills, highlighted by a 'Career Launchpad' section where they can learn more about online safety and hear from a professional working in social media. The lesson concludes with a vote where pupils consider the arguments for and against the topic before casting their ballots. The plan also provides challenge tasks and supporting materials for SEND learners, ensuring an inclusive learning environment.