Everyone in this room has different skills, different experiences, and different needs, but we all have one thing in common: we need connections. But what are connections? Let’s ask some questions to start thinking about what connections might represent.
- What are some ways we stay connected to other people? (Accept all reasonable answers. Students may mention church, school, clubs, extra-curricular activities, etc. If no one mentions phones or social media, be sure to point those out to your preteens.)
- List some of the ways you use devices to stay connected. (Possible answers might include: communicating with friends, getting information, working on projects.)
- How much time do you spend per day using computers or mobile devices? How do you feel if they run out of battery or if you can’t use them? (Answers will vary but might include: isolated, disconnected, in danger if you needed to call 911 but had no way to connect.)
Many of us have come to depend heavily on mobile devices in order to stay connected to the rest of the world. Losing that access can be really upsetting! If you’ve ever needed to charge your phone or other device because you were low on battery, you know how desperate a feeling it can be. That’s what the person in this video was feeling…let’s see what happens.
Play the short video for the students:
SCAMMED BY FAKE POWER SOCKETS PRANK 😫
- How do you think the person being pranked felt when they realized they wouldn’t be able to charge their phones? (Answers will vary.)
Mobile devices are one form of connection, but we need many connections in order to be successful. No one can do connection all on their own. Connections can involve other people, like family or friends, or they can involve access to information or assistance or anything else we might need.
All connections need maintenance. If you let your phone run out of battery, it won’t be of any more use to you than a brick. If you ignore your family and friends, the connection breaks down. But there’s one other connection that’s extremely important, and how we maintain that connection is vital. Let’s find out more.
