TikTok and Dance

Learning Objectives

By the end of this 60-minute lesson, students will:

1. Understand and convey the impact of TikTok and social media through dance.
2. Utilize dance vocabulary to analyze and express these impacts.
3. Engage in critical analysis of TikTok, focusing on positive and negative aspects.
4. Create a choreography piece representing their reflections on social media impacts.

Curriculum Area

• Visual and Performing Arts Standards, Grade 8
• Focus: Dance (CA Code of Regulations, Title 5, Section 11960)

Materials Needed

• Open space for movement
• Chart paper and markers
• Access to music (optional)
• PE/Dance appropriate attire

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Lesson Outline

Minds On (15 minutes)

1. Discussion (10 minutes):

1. Begin by having students sit in a circle.
2. Pose the guiding questions:
   • "What types of social media do we use and why?"
   • "What are some examples of popular social media platforms?"
   • "What are the positive and negative impacts of social media?"
3. Create a mind map or diagram on chart paper with their responses, categorizing them into "Positive Impacts" and "Negative Impacts."

2. Brainstorm (5 minutes):

1. Encourage students to identify the key terms from the negative impacts discussed (e.g., lonely, isolated, anxious).
2. Write these terms on the board.

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Body Storm (20 minutes)

1. Group Formation (5 minutes):

• Split the class into groups of 5 (total of 5 groups).
• Assign each group to choose three words from the negative impacts identified.

2. Movement Creation (15 minutes):

1. In their groups, students will develop three movements using the elements of dance (time, space, energy) that correspond to the three selected words.
   • Word 1 Movement: Start (Beginning)
   • Word 2 Movement: Middle
   • Word 3 Movement: End
2. Encourage students to think about how these movements can convey emotions and impacts.
3. Ensure each group rehearses their sequence, integrating smooth transitions between movements.

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Demonstration and Critical Analysis (15 minutes)

1. Performance (10 minutes):

• Each group will perform their choreographed sequences for the class.
• After each performance, discuss briefly what stood out and how effectively they conveyed their chosen impact words.

2. Guided Critical Discussion (5 minutes):

• Prompt with questions:
  • "What did you notice about the movements?"
  • "How did the choreography make you feel?"
  • "What might be an alternative to comparing ourselves on social media?”

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Consolidation (10 minutes)

1. Reflection:

• Individually, have students write a short reflection on what they learned about the impact of social media.
• Prompt questions for reflection:
  • "What new insights did I gain?"
  • "How can I apply this understanding to my use of social media in the future?"

2. Group Share:

• Allow a few volunteers to share their reflections.

Closing (1 minute)

• Summarize the key takeaways.
• Encourage students to think about the positive influences they can create through their digital interactions.

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Assessment

Formative:

• Observations during discussions and brainstorming.
• Assessment of group choreography and movement choices.
• Individual written reflections.

Note: Ensure inclusivity and provide support where needed, especially for students who may feel uncomfortable with performing or discussing personal impacts of social media.

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Adaptations

• For Diverse Learners:

  • Offer additional support and examples for movement creation.
  • Provide alternative reflection options (e.g., drawing or verbal sharing).

• Extension:

  • Students can create a TikTok video with positive impact messages and analyze its reach and reception as a follow-up project.

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This lesson plan integrates dance with critical thinking about social media, making learning both engaging and relevant for 8th Grade students, aligned with CA educational standards.