📞 Video Calling Family: Free Lesson Plan
Make and answer a free video call with FaceTime, WhatsApp, or Google Meet.
Time: 60 minutes
Supplies
- Members bring phones or tablets
- Free Wi-Fi password written on a board
- Helpers who can call members during practice
- Copies of the handout
Goals
- Answer a video call
- Start a video call to a contact
- Fix the 3 most common problems (mute, camera, sound)
Step-by-step leader script
Step 1: Welcome (5 min)
Say: "Video calls let you see the grandkids, not just hear them, and they are free over Wi-Fi." Help everyone connect to the Wi-Fi.
Step 2: Which app? (10 min)
Say: "iPhone to iPhone, use FaceTime. If your family uses Android, WhatsApp or Google Meet work on every phone. Use the one your family already uses." Help members find or open that app.
Step 3: Answer a call (10 min)
Helpers call members one by one. Show the green button to answer and the red button to hang up. Practice until everyone has answered once.
Step 4: Make a call (15 min)
Show how to open a contact and tap the video camera picture. Members call a helper or a partner in the room. Remind them to hold the phone at eye level, a little away from the face.
Step 5: Fixing problems (10 min)
Show the microphone button (if it has a line through it, you are muted, tap it). Show the camera button (turns your video on and off). Show the volume buttons on the side of the phone.
Step 6: Wrap up (10 min)
Hand out the handout. Suggest members plan a call with family this week. Answer questions.
Leader tip: Pair members by phone type. Have helpers practice calling ahead of time so the class flows.
More free classes: all lesson plans for senior centers and libraries.