Rumor Rescue Guide Rumor Rescue
Teacher Guide • Tier 1 Social-Emotional Learning
30 Minutes
7th Grade Girls
Objective
Students will identify the motivations behind rumors, analyze their impact on reputation and well-being, and commit to specific strategies for verifying information.
Materials
Truth Tracers Slides
Rumor Radar Worksheet
Video: "How False News Can Spread"
Approach
Collaborative Learning, Active Learning, Trauma-Informed Teaching
Lesson Flow
1
Introduction
5 mins
Open with a hook: "Information travels faster than light, but the truth often takes the stairs."
Define rumors as information or stories that are passed around without proof of truth.
Ask: "Have you ever heard something about someone that later turned out to be totally wrong? How did that change your view of the situation?"
2
Video: The Spread
5 mins
Show the video How False News Can Spread .
Look-for prompts:
"Pay attention to how easily a story changes as it moves from person to person. Notice the consequences mentioned for those involved."
3
Guided Discussion
15 mins
Distribute the Rumor Radar Worksheet and facilitate a group conversation.
Motivations: Why spread them? Seeking attention, misunderstandings, or wanting to harm.
Impact: Emotional toll (anxiety/isolation) and social toll (reputation damage).
4
Closure
5 mins
Challenge students to be the "rumor ender." Ask: "What will you do next time you hear a spicy bit of news that hasn't been verified?" Summarize that our community is only as strong as the trust we build.
Truth Tracers Slides Truth Tracers
Stopping the spread and building a community of respect.
Stay Real • Stay Kind
What is a Rumor?
"Information or stories passed around without proof that they are true."
Travels Fast
Changes Over Time
Can Cause Harm
Video Case Study
How False News Can Spread
Embedded media
Watch the path of the story
Notice the impact
The "Why" Behind the Lie
Attention
Wanting to be the first to know or share "news."
Belonging
Feeling like part of a group by sharing "inside" info.
Hurt
Intentionally trying to damage someone's reputation.
The Ripple Effect
1
Emotional Toll
Isolation, anxiety, sadness, and loss of safety in school.
2
Social Damage
Broken friendships and long-term damage to a person's reputation.
"Once a rumor is out, you can't put it back in the bottle."
The Rumor Filter
Check the Source
Who told you? Is it firsthand or "I heard from someone who..."
Ask the Hard Questions
"Why are you telling me this?" and "How do you know it's true?"
The 24-Hour Rule
Wait before sharing. If it's not verified, it stops with you.
Be the Ender
Commit to stopping the spread today. Your community—and your friends—depend on it.
Trust starts with YOU.
Rumor Radar Worksheet Rumor Radar
Detecting Truth • Protecting Reputation
Name
Date
Think back to the "How False News Can Spread" video. Use these questions to reflect on how information moves in our own community.
1
What are some reasons people spread rumors?
Consider motivations like attention-seeking, misunderstandings, or peer pressure.
2
How can spreading rumors affect someone emotionally and socially?
Think about feelings like isolation and anxiety, as well as the impact on their reputation.
3
What steps can you take to verify information before sharing it?
How do you check a source? What questions should you ask?
4
How can you support someone who is affected by a rumor?
What could you say to them? How could you help clarify the truth without making it worse?
The "Rumor-Free" Pledge
I commit to stopping the spread by checking the facts and protecting my classmates from misinformation.
Signature