Major Project Update!!
Since my last update, I have managed to make some more headway into developing my resource. It is by no means going to be a polished and complete document by the end of this semester, but I recognize that it SHOULD actually be a living document, so it can be updated and evolve as the needs arise.
As I continued to create the lesson plans, I began to struggle with primarily using already made content (mostly from Common Sense Education). I looked up from my computer one day in the school library, when it occurred to me that the answer was right there!
I frequently use (or suggest colleagues use) mentor texts to teach reading and writing strategies. So why not use mentor texts to teach Digital Literacy? I began my search for children’s literature that had a focus on the use of technology to fit the lessons I had already been developing. I quickly discovered that my own school library had many children’s books about technology. I also discovered many more books when I completed a simple Google search. I reviewed the books by looking at sample pages on Amazon and viewed some Youtube video recordings of the books. There are actually a lot of books that teach young children about using technology and the hazards of using technology inappropriately or without caution. Here are a few of my favourites:
#Goldilocks: A Cautionary Tale by Jeanne Willis
Webster’s Email by HannahWhaley
Troll Stinks by Jeanne Willis
On the Internet:Our First Talk About Online Safety by Jillian Roberts
The Fabulous Friend Machine by Nick Bland
Tek:The Modern Cave Boy by Patrick McDonnell
Nerdy Birdy Tweets by Aaron Reynolds
Goodnight iPad by Ann Droyd
The Couch Potato by Jory John and Pete Oswald
So now I have been working on finding and making activities to go with the books. It is somewhat challenging to find really good “hands-on” activities to compliment and apply to the concepts. The idea of the students taking “digital leadership” in their learning is something I am also trying to keep in mind. I am open to, and welcome, any suggestions!!
Last week, I was also able to meet (virtually) with Alec to provide some input into my project. His advice was to add a rationale at the beginning, some additional resources for educators (background on teaching digital citizenship), tips for parents, and annotating the resources used for the document to ensure teachers can focus on the important parts and not be overwhelmed with the details. I really valued Alec’s input, to make sure I was on the right track with the resource document.
My next steps are to continue to create the lesson plans with an activity and reflection of learning. I will also practice some of the lessons with students at my school to consider the efficacy and have my Grade 2 educator colleagues take a look at the document for feedback.
Here’s a sneak peek at the first lesson:
Lesson 1: Be a Good (Digital) Citizen!
Key Understandings (DC Continuum):
- I understand we must treat others the way we wish to be treated, both in real life and when using technology
Curricular Connection:
- Social Studies IN 2.1 Determine characteristics of a community.
Essential Questions: What is a Digital Citizen?
Key Words: digital, citizen, community
Materials/ Resources: Book: #Goldilocks: A Cautionary Tale by Jeanne Willis
| Introduction: “Let’s Learn About…” | What does digital mean?What does it mean to be a citizen? |
| Lesson: | Google slides. Breaking down what each word means. “Digital” and “Citizen”. Discuss how we can be good citizens in our community (school, home, neighbourhood, city, province, country – and online). Read: #Goldilocks: A Cautionary Tale by Jeanne WillisDiscuss Goldilocks as a citizen. Was she a good digital citizen? What lesson did she learn? |
| Activity: “Let’s Practice” | Show Common Sense Education Slide Show and discuss. |
| Reflection: “Let’s Talk About It” | Draw a picture and write about how you can be a good digital citizen. Pause and Think Activity |
About The Author
Brenda Frederiksen
Greetings! My name is Brenda Frederiksen. I am a Teacher-Librarian/Literacy Specialist by day and a parent, wife, and grad student by night. I am passionate about reading and passing along that love of reading to students!
Wow! This is looking so great! It looks like you have put a ton of work into it. I can’t wait to see everything.
Brenda this looks fantastic! I think that this will be a very valuable resource for primary teachers, especially at your school. It is great to be able to read a children’s book, and a lesson and activity to go with it, all while teaching about digital citizenship at the same time. I find that I lean towards using stories when teaching important lessons that are less curricular-based and more life skill-based. I look forward to seeing your working document in action!
This looks excellent, Brenda! I have chosen several of the same books from your list as resources in my curriculum connection document as well! I love your attitude of the final product as a living document that can change and evolve over time. Many of the students in this class chose very big projects that require an undertaking that might stretch more than one semester and I admire that, especially because they are then relevant to our jobs and students in ‘real life’ rather than just being a course assignment that is never looked at again.