1
Warm-up: mood and stimulation
4 min · Pairs
Students predict how scrolling, outdoor play, quiet screen-free time and reading affect mood or boredom. Compare which activity feels easiest and hardest.
Teacher note: Treat predictions as personal responses and collect language for degrees of boredom.
2
Build the core explanation
6 min · Individual → pairs
Students match the seven sentence halves to construct the lesson’s explanation of rewards, overstimulation, craving and reset.
Teacher note: Answer key: A–7, B–4, C–5, D–3, E–6, F–1, G–2.
3
Use the vocabulary
6 min · Pairs
Students discuss the textbook, waiting-room, bedtime and nature-walk prompts while using each target item. Partners listen and tick vocabulary they hear.
Teacher note: Ask for complete examples rather than isolated definitions.
4
Watch part 1: why life feels flat
5 min · Individual
Play the first part for students to complete the three statements. Pair-check, then replay the relevant lines if necessary.
Teacher note: Key answers: flat; dopamine; fun.
5
Predict the reset
3 min · Pairs
Pairs write three questions about turning the stimulation “dial” down and predict one piece of advice.
Teacher note: Good prompts may address screen breaks, hobbies or discomfort with boredom.
6
Watch part 2: test predictions
5 min · Individual → pairs
Students watch for answers to their questions and note the advice: take a screen break, allow boredom to return and let cravings pass.
Teacher note: Ask which prediction was closest and what surprised them.
7
Discuss slow rewards
6 min · Groups
Groups discuss why small joys can feel flat, why rest feels restless and whether they could spend one hour without a phone.
Teacher note: Require at least one target word in every response.
8
Read and respond
6 min · Individual → pairs
Students read the “recovering your sense of joy” text and write three supported opinions. Partners identify the sentence that supports each opinion.
Teacher note: Focus on because-clauses and evidence from the reading.
9
Choose and commit
4 min · Pairs → class
Students choose between the four high- and low-stimulation options and justify each choice. Finish with a specific one-hour screen-free plan.
Teacher note: Make the plan concrete: when, where and what they will do instead.
