The Dance of TikTok

Overview

This lesson plan explores the impact of social media, specifically TikTok, on the lives of 8th-grade students using the medium of dance. The aim is to help students critically analyze the positive and negative effects of social media and express these impacts through choreographed movements.

Curriculum Area

Arts Education (Dance) Grade: 8

Learning Outcomes

1. Identify and discuss the positive and negative impacts of social media.
2. Express the emotional impacts of social media using elements of dance.
3. Develop critical analysis skills regarding social media usage.

Materials Needed

• Whiteboard and markers
• Music player
• Open space for movement
• Paper and markers for creating diagrams

Key Vocabulary

• Elements of Dance (space, time, force, and body)
• Choreography
• Critical Analysis
• Psychomotor skills
• Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter, etc.)

---

Minds On (15 minutes)

Discussion and Brainstorm

1. Opening Discussion (5 minutes)

   • Ask guiding questions to start the discussion:
     • What types of social media do we use, and why?
     • What social media platforms are available to us?
     • How do these platforms impact our daily lives?

2. Brainstorming Activity (10 minutes)

   • Create a T-chart on the whiteboard and make a diagram with students listing positive and negative impacts of social media.

     • Positive impacts: Connection, entertainment, learning
     • Negative impacts: Loneliness, comparison, low self-esteem

   • Ask: How do the negative impacts make you feel? List terms such as lonely, depressed, anxious.

---

Action (25 minutes)

Body Storm

1. Movement Exploration (10 minutes)

   • Students choose three words from the negative impacts list.
   • In small groups, they brainstorm and create 3 dance movements that correspond to these emotions using elements of dance (movement, space, time, force).

2. Choreography Development (15 minutes)

   • Groups will create a short dance piece with a clear beginning, middle, and end, expressing the journey of emotions connected to social media usage.
   • Focus on elements of dance:
     • Space: Use different levels and directions
     • Time: Vary the speed of movements
     • Force: Change the energy, from soft to strong movements

---

Consolidation (20 minutes)

Reflect and Discuss

1. Performance and Observation (10 minutes)

   • Each group performs their dance piece.
   • Observers provide feedback using success criteria:
     • Clear expression of emotions
     • Use of elements of dance
     • Creativity and coherence of the choreography

2. Discussion and Reflection (10 minutes)

   • Discuss the performances and the emotions conveyed.
   • Ask students critical questions:
     • How can we avoid the negative impacts of social media?
     • What can we do instead of comparing ourselves to others on social media?

Observable Success Criteria

• Students critically analyze and communicate the emotional impacts of social media.
• Students use a variety of dance elements to express their ideas.
• Students reflect on how to handle social media use more healthily.

Transferable Learning (Effective Domain)

• Encourage students to apply critical thinking regarding social media in their future use.
• Foster awareness of the emotional impacts and develop strategies to counteract negative aspects.

---

Closure

End the class by highlighting the importance of self-awareness and mindful use of social media. Remind students that while social media can be fun and informative, it's essential to recognize and address its potential negative effects on mental health.

---

This lesson plan interweaves critical analysis, creativity, and physical expression, providing a holistic approach to understanding the pervasive impact of social media on young lives.