Image of a teen filming themselves making a variety of baked goods

Art by Carolyn Ridsdale

CCSS

R.1, R.2, R.6, R.8, R.9, W.1, SL.1

Should Sasha Be a Social Media Star?

Hey, big sis! 

    You know I love baking. Remember that triple-chocolate cake I made for Mom’s birthday? And how my bake sale cookies sold out  in minutes? Well, I think it’s time to take my talents out into the world. Starting my own YouTube channel seems like the best way to do it. 

    Thanks to social media, anyone can become a star. Why not me? I even have a name for my channel: Sasha’s Sweets. I know I won’t find fame overnight—making videos takes a lot of time and effort. But I’m willing to put in the hard work. My favorite food YouTuber makes $20,000 per video. With that kind of money, I could start saving for college or open my own bakery someday!

    But it’s not just about the fame and money. I know I’ll learn a lot too. I’ll be writing scripts and editing videos. Those skills will help me in the future, no matter what career I choose.

    Plus, if I get really famous, I might get to write a cookbook! Don’t worry, I’ll still do my homework and walk the dog. So what do you say: Will you be my very first follower? 

Love, Sasha

Dear Sasha, 

    You are super talented, and your cookies are delicious. But I don’t think chasing YouTube stardom is the best idea. Please hear me out.

    First of all, online fame can be stressful. Many social media stars have to deal with mean comments and bullying. Are you ready to cope with that? Do you want to?

    Yes, some YouTubers make a ton of money for a single video. But very few do. And you’re right: Making videos is a lot of work. A 10-minute video can take hours to film and edit. Are you sure you’ll still have time for school and walking Fluffy? 

    But my biggest worry is that you’ll overwork yourself. I’d hate to see the stress of online fame take the joy out of your favorite hobby. There are so many other ways to put yourself out there as a baker. If you want to get better, take a class. If you want to share your sweets, plan a bake-off at the community center.

    For now, just keep baking . . . for fun. I’ll always be your biggest fan!

Love, Jasmine

ACTIVITY: 
Should Sasha Be a Social Media Star?

What to do: Use evidence from the article to support each side of this debate. Write the information on a separate sheet of paper.

Yes.
Go for it!

1.

2.

3.

No. 
It’s a bad idea.

1.

2.

3.

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Lesson Plan: Should Sasha Be a Social Media Star?

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SKILL: Writing and Editing

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Higher Level: Should Sasha Be a Social Media Star?

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