Primary Grammar:
- Modal Verbs: Using modal verbs like can, should, must, might and could to discuss the effects of video games on mental health.
Primary Vocabulary:
-
Wellbeing Terms: stress, relax, isolation, anxious, balance, worried, mental health, physical health
- Gaming Terms: escapism, screen time, moderation, console, online, devices
Secondary Vocabulary:
- Additional Terms: multitasking, neglect, helpful, harmful, real-life, life skills, life lessons, responsibilities, community
Speaking & Discussion Outcomes:
-
Individual Speaking:
- Students will practise articulating their own opinions and experiences with video games and mental health.
-
Group Discussion:
-
Students will engage in group discussions and debates by sharing their views and building on or challenging each other's points.
-
They will debate the effects of video games and use modal verbs to express possibilities and recommendations.
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All about you!
Ask another student how often they play video games.
Ask someone what their favourite gaming console is.
Find out which types of video games your classmates like the most.
Pick a student and ask if they prefer playing video games alone or with friends.
Organise a vote! Ask your classmates if video games help them relax or not.
Ask another student if video games make them feel stressed.
isolation
relax
moderation
stress
cut down
screen time
Not doing something too much or too little.
All the time spent using devices like
computers, tablets, smartphones or TVs.
To spend less time doing certain things.
Feeling worried or anxious about things in your life.
Feeling lonely and spending too much time being alone.
To rest and feel calm.
isolation
stress
cut down
moderation
screen time
relax
help you to
worry about
in moderation
play video
games
hang out with
friends
to be healthy
relax
stress
cut down on
lead to
in real-life
isolation
screen time
do different types
of activities
You should ...
Parents often ...
It's important to ...
We must ...
Video games can ...
You should cut down on
your screen time!
It's not good for you.
I've had a bad day today.
I need to play video games and relax!
You _____
I feel isolated and stressed. I haven't seen any of my friends because I only play video games.
I have so much homework today, but I really want to play online with my friends.
must
could
should
might
can
Complete!
Playing video games ______ help you relax.
You ______
take breaks from playing video games.
Playing video games in moderation ______ help you learn other skills.
Too much screen time ______ lead to problems with sleep.
You ______ cut down on screen time in the evening.
You ______
meet new friends in online gaming communities.
1/2
Playing video games ______ be a way to make new friends.
Video games ______ be educational.
You ______
balance gaming with other activities.
Parents ______ worry about the amount of time their kids spend gaming.
Playing video games too much ________ lead to arguments with family and friends.
Video games ______ isolate you from friends in real-life.
Complete!
2/2
But I can't get enough sleep because I'm always up late playing games.
Playing video games is the only way I can get away from the stress of school and homework.
What are some good and bad points about playing video games to relax?
How can you manage your gaming time to keep your mind healthy?
What are some tips for balancing screen time and other activities?
must
could
should
might
can
It's impossible to play too many video games.
Video games could help you learn useful life lessons and new skills.
Video games might help you make friends.
Playing video games helps you feel better when you are worried or stressed.
There are better things to do than play video games.
Playing video games too much might make you forget about important things you need to do.
agree
disagree
not sure
Reading books improves skills more than video games.
Video games can help you think better and faster.
Playing video games can lead to isolation.
For
Against
It can make you better at multitasking in real-life.
What could be negative about playing video games?
It can lead to poor sleep, neglected responsibilities or social isolation.
It can improve your physical health.
It can lead to poor sleep, neglected responsibilities or social isolation.
To buy more video games.
What does "cut down on gaming" mean?
To play more video games every day.
To spend less time playing video games.
To spend less time playing video games.
For fun, relaxation or hanging out with friends.
What is a good reason to play video games?
To avoid doing homework and chores.
To win no matter what, even if it's bad for your health.
For fun, relaxation or hanging out with friends.
You play for reasons that aren't good for you, like feeling you must get away from real-life problems.
Why can playing video games make you feel unhappy?
Because you play games that are too easy and not challenging enough.
Because you spend too much time outdoors.
You play for reasons that aren't good for you, like feeling you must get away from real-life problems.
Not doing anything at all.
What does "moderation" mean?
Doing something as much as possible without any breaks.
Not doing something too much or too little.
Not doing something too much or too little.
Who's the winner?
Did you like this lesson?
No
Yes
Don't forget to check out the activity book!
Playing video games can lead to isolation.
Video games can help you think better and faster.
Playing online games with friends can help you relax.
You can meet new friends while playing games online.
Playing video games can make you stressed.
Reading books improves skills more than video games.
Against Video Games
For Video Games
Hey gamers! Ever wondered how playing video games affects your mind? A recent study found that the time spent playing video games doesn't significantly affect mental health or well-being. Surprised? Read on to find out more!
The study used real data from seven gaming companies. It found that playing for more or less time didn't really make people feel happier or sadder. It's why you play that's important. If you play for fun, to feel good or to socialise, you’ll likely feel happier. But if you play because you feel you have to, it might not help your mood.
Gaming can be a great way to relax and forget about school stress. It can also improve problem-solving skills and help you make friends online. But remember, too much gaming can be a problem. Ignoring homework and missing sleep isn’t good. Balance is key.
Extreme gaming habits, like playing more than 10 hours a day, weren’t common in this study. For most people, gaming isn’t linked to bad mental health. But gaming in moderation is important.
So, what’s the takeaway? Video games can be fun and positive if played for the right reasons and in moderation. Don’t let gaming take over all your free time. Balance gaming with other activities. Game on, but stay balanced!
WKA Teens -- Video Games
By Anna Kostraba
