Lesson: Exploring Video Gaming Among Kids

Objective

By the end of the lesson, students will learn about the culture of video gaming among kids, its popularity, its positive and negative effects, and how to develop healthy gaming habits.

“I can” statements

• I can evaluate arguments and specific claims in a text about video gaming and distinguish between claims that are supported by reasons and evidence and those that are not.
• I can draw evidence from informational texts about video gaming to support my own analysis, reflection, and research.
• I can compare and contrast different perspectives on video gaming, such as the positive and negative effects on kids.

Grade Level: 6, Subject: Social Studies

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.2: Determine a central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.6-8.7: Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

DEIA Standards

Diversity

• Recognize and appreciate the diversity of backgrounds and experiences among students in the classroom, including their experiences with video gaming and related culture.
• Encourage students to share their own perspectives and experiences, and provide opportunities for them to learn about different cultures and viewpoints related to video gaming

Equity

• Ensure that all students have equal access to resources and materials, including computers and internet access, needed for the lesson.
• Foster an environment of equal participation and encourage all students to share their opinions and ideas during group discussions.

Inclusion

• Create a safe and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel valued and respected, regardless of their interests or abilities related to video gaming.
• Incorporate a variety of learning activities and materials that appeal to different learning styles and abilities.

Accessibility

• Ensure that all learning materials and activities are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities or special needs.
• Use technology and other resources to make the lesson more accessible and engaging for all students, such as closed captioning for videos or visual aids for students who may have difficulty with written text.

Materials

• Computers with internet access
• Projector or Smart Board
• Paper and pencils
• Articles and videos about video gaming among kids (suggestions listed below)
• Worksheet with discussion questions (see below)

Lesson Hook

Idea #1: Video Game Showcase: Set up a display of various video games for students to explore during class. Encourage students to try out different games and share their experiences with the class. Then, have a discussion on the positive and negative aspects of video gaming and how it can impact kids.

Idea #2: News Article Analysis: Provide students with a news article about video gaming among kids and ask them to analyze and discuss the different perspectives presented in the article. This can also be used to explore the credibility of different sources of information.

Idea #3: Debate: Start a class debate on whether or not video gaming has a positive or negative impact on kids. Divide the class into teams, with each team presenting arguments for one side of the debate. Encourage students to use evidence from research and personal experience to support their arguments.

Procedure

Introduction (15 minutes)

• Begin the lesson by asking the students if they like to play video games and which games they enjoy the most. Ask them how much time they spend playing video games and whether they think it’s a good or bad thing. Write their responses on the board.

Presentation (30 minutes)

• Use the projector or Smart Board to show the class a series of articles and videos about video gaming among kids. Discuss the culture of video gaming among kids, including its popularity, the types of games kids like to play, and the effects it can have on kids’ social and emotional development. Some suggested articles and videos include:
• “Why Kids Love Video Games” by Common Sense Media
• “What Parents Need to Know About Video Game Addiction” by Kids Health
• “Are Video Games Bad for You? Science Weighs In” by The New York Times

Group Discussion (30 minutes)

• Divide the class into small groups and give each group a worksheet with discussion questions related to the presentation. The questions may include:
• What are some of the most popular video games among kids? Why do you think these games are so popular?
• What are some of the positive effects of playing video games? What are some of the negative effects?
• How much time should kids spend playing video games each day? Why is it important to have limits?
• What are some strategies kids can use to develop healthy gaming habits?

Individual Reflection/Conclusion (15 minutes)

• Have the students write a brief reflection on what they learned during the lesson and how they plan to incorporate healthy gaming habits into their own lives.

Extensions

• Invite a guest speaker, such as a child psychologist or a video game designer, to speak to the class about video gaming among kids.
• Have the students create their own video games that promote positive values and healthy habits.
• Organize a debate or discussion on the topic of video game addiction and its effects on kids.