Social-media registers for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: English Language
Curriculum Theme: Vocabulary Development
Focal competence: Using appropriate registers in speech and writing
Key competencies/values: Communication; ICT and Digital Competencies; Digital Competencies; Collaboration; Information Literacy; Respect
Skills: identify registers of various fields such as the social media
Previous Lesson: Exemplification of monophthongs in word-initial, medial and final positions
Topic: Registers: Social-Media Registers (I)
Subject Matter: Social-media registers

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify registers of various fields such as the social media.
• Explain the meaning of common social media terms like likes, shares, comments, hashtags, algorithms, and memes.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of using appropriate language in different contexts, including social media.
• Participate respectfully in discussions about digital communication.

Social Domain

• Collaborate with peers to discuss and understand social media terminologies.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable English Language textbook for SS 1
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Internet-enabled phones (for demonstration, if available and appropriate)
• Online resources (social media platforms for examples)
• Course books
• Whiteboard and markers
• Charts displaying social media icons and terms

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important because social media has become an integral part of modern communication, especially for young people. Understanding social media registers helps students navigate digital spaces effectively, communicate clearly, and develop their vocabulary in a contemporary context. It also fosters digital literacy and awareness of language use in different social settings.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of what registers are (language variations for different contexts) and some familiarity with common social media platforms and their general functions.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Registers: Social-Media Registers (I)

Introduction to Social-Media Registers

Social media registers refer to the specific vocabulary, jargon, and expressions commonly used within various social media platforms. This specialized language helps users communicate efficiently and understand the context of interactions in the digital space.

Common Social-Media Registers

Here are some key terms frequently used on social media platforms:

1. Likes: These are reactions, often represented by a heart or a thumbs-up icon, used to show approval, appreciation, or enjoyment of a post, photo, or comment. Liking something indicates that a user finds the content agreeable or interesting.
2. Shares: To “share” content means to repost or distribute it from one user’s profile or page to another’s, or to a wider audience. Sharing helps spread information, news, or interesting content across a network.
3. Comments: These are written responses or feedback that users post directly underneath a piece of content (like a photo, video, or article). Comments allow for discussion, expression of opinions, and interaction with the original poster and other users.
4. Hashtags: A hashtag is a word or phrase preceded by a hash symbol (#) (e.g., #EnglishLanguage). It is used on social media to categorize content and make it easily discoverable. Clicking on a hashtag typically shows all posts containing that same hashtag, connecting users with similar interests.
5. Algorithms: In the context of social media, algorithms are complex sets of rules or calculations that platforms use to determine which content users see in their feeds, in what order, and how often. They analyze user behavior, interests, and interactions to personalize the content experience.
6. Memes: A meme (pronounced “meem”) is an image, video, piece of text, or idea that is typically humorous in nature and is copied and spread rapidly by internet users, often with slight variations. Memes are a form of cultural expression and can convey complex ideas or jokes concisely.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Guided Practice, Group Work

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Activating Prior Knowledge

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they learned about registers in previous lessons. The teacher then introduces the topic of social media registers, asking students if they use social media and what words they commonly encounter there.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and share their experiences with social media.

Learning Point: Introduction to social media

Step 2: Exploring “Likes” and “Shares”

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the terms “likes” and “shares” in the context of social media, providing examples of how they are used and their purpose. The teacher guides students to discuss their understanding.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and discuss the meaning and use of “likes” and “shares.”

Learning Point: Understanding ‘likes’ and ‘shares’

Step 3: Understanding “Comments”

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what “comments” are on social media and their role in interaction. The teacher encourages students to give examples of comments they have seen or made.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, contribute examples, and discuss the function of comments.

Learning Point: Role of ‘comments’

Step 4: Defining “Hashtags”

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation with Examples

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces “hashtags,” explaining their structure and purpose in categorizing content and increasing visibility. The teacher writes various hashtags on the board and asks students to identify their purpose.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify hashtags, and explain their understanding of their function.

Learning Point: Function of ‘hashtags’

Step 5: Explaining “Algorithms”

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Conceptual Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of “algorithms” in simple terms, relating it to how social media platforms decide what content users see. The teacher can use an analogy to make the concept concrete.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask clarifying questions, and try to grasp the concept of algorithms.

Learning Point: Concept of ‘algorithms’

Step 6: Discussing “Memes”

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Illustrative Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines “memes” and provides examples (either verbally or visually if resources permit) to illustrate their humorous and viral nature. The teacher discusses how memes are created and shared.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify examples of memes, and discuss their understanding of this form of digital content.

Learning Point: Definition of ‘memes’

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. What do you understand by “social media registers”?
2. Give two examples of social media registers and explain them.
3. How do “likes” differ from “comments”?
4. What is the purpose of a “hashtag”?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Assessment of understanding

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on social media registers into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson content

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Consolidation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly recaps the main social media registers discussed and reminds students of the importance of understanding specific language in different contexts. The teacher encourages students to observe these terms in their daily social media interactions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and reflect on the lesson’s main points.

Learning Point: Reinforcement of concepts

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:

1. Identify three different social media platforms and list two unique registers used on each.
2. Write a short paragraph explaining how “algorithms” influence what you see on your social media feed.
3. Find an example of a popular “meme” online and describe what makes it humorous or relatable.

Lesson Keywords

• Registers – specific language used in a particular social or professional context.
• Social Media – interactive digital platforms that facilitate the creation and sharing of information, ideas, interests, and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks.
• Likes – expressions of approval or appreciation for content.
• Shares – reposting or distributing content to a wider audience.
• Comments – written feedback or responses to content.
• Hashtags – words or phrases preceded by ‘#’ used to categorize content.
• Algorithms – rules that determine content visibility on social media.
• Memes – humorous images, videos, or text spread rapidly online.

Differentiation

For students who may struggle, the teacher can provide visual aids with icons representing each term and offer simpler definitions. For advanced learners, the teacher can encourage them to research and present on additional social media registers or discuss the ethical implications of algorithms.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, students can search on YouTube for: social media registers for students