Digital Drama

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Digital Drama
Unplugged

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP | GRADE 6

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How can we de-escalate digital drama so

it doesn't go too far?

Essential Question

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Learning Objectives

Reflect on how easily drama can escalate online.

Identify de-escalation strategies for dealing with
digital drama.

Reflect on how digital drama can affect not only
oneself but also those around us.

l

2

3

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1.

Respect others' viewpoints.

2.

Don't interrupt.

3.

Assume positive intent.

4.

Disagree respectfully.

Group-Discussion Norms

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How does drama—emotional conflict between people—happen
online? Can you think of any examples?

Directions:

1.

Take a moment to think silently about this question.

2.

The teacher will indicate when it's time to share out with a partner.

WARM UP: THINK, PAIR, SHARE

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When people use devices, apps, or websites to start
or further a conflict between people

Digital drama

KEY VOCABULARY

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Discuss:

●

Why does digital drama
happen?

●

What are some ways to
deal with digital drama?

WATCH + DISCUSS

To watch this video on the Common Sense Education site, click here.

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ACTIVITY: TAKING THE LEAD

In your group, each person will take on the viewpoint of a different
person from the scenario. Write down the person you're taking the
perspective of. Then, based on that perspective, complete the
columns in the table. When you're done, each person will share out.

Roles:
1.

Felicia

2.

Jen

3.

Jayden

4.

Mr. Adler

5.

Ally

Directions

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To lessen the intensity or anger in a conflict

De-escalate

KEY VOCABULARY

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1.[Capture student responses here.]

Ways to De-escalate

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Middle
metronews.com

Scenario

ACTIVITY: ACT-IT-OUT

1.An online newspaper wrote
a story about the success of
the local middle school and
used photos of students.

2.A student who wasn't
pictured posted the article
on social media with a
negative comment.

Mike B. @mikeyb25 • 1d
What about the rest
of us? 🤷

Big Gains for
CS Middle
metronews.com

2

3:30 PM • 14 Jan 19

Dee @delilah40 • 3h
Teachers pets smh

Brian C. @shootsnscores1 • 1h
Always jumping in front
of the camera.
#notsayinganynames

3.Other students followed
up with similar negative
comments.

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ACTIVITY: ACT-IT-OUT

1.

Each person chooses a role to act out from the scenario
(Mike B., Dee, Brian C., and a student from the photo).

2.

Take a moment to think about your role and what that
person might be thinking and feeling based on the
scenario.

3.

Decide on what you could say next to be true to your
feelings but also to de-escalate the situation.

4.

Do a whip-around, where each person shares what they
could say.

Directions

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