In today’s increasingly digital world, it is essential for students to understand how to be responsible digital citizens. Recognizing this need, Coles Elementary School has taken proactive steps to ensure students receive comprehensive digital citizenship education.

Meaghan Martin, instructional technology coach, Lisa Story, librarian, and school counselors Heather Mainwaring and Eric Simenauer, have collaborated to provide engaging and informative lessons at every grade level.

“By providing students with the skills necessary to navigate an online world, we can help foster digital citizenship. Students can become creators and knowledge constructors. They can use the internet to support their learning. We want students to be able to self-advocate for staying safe online,” explained Martin.

In kindergarten and first grade, Martin, Mainwaring, and Simenauer introduced the concept of digital citizenship by reading “Hello! Hello!” by Matthew Cordell and discussed the importance of disconnecting from technology and reconnecting with the natural world and each other. Using Nearpod, they delivered lessons on how technology affects feelings and how to be a digital superhero by acting responsibly online.

In second grade, Story conducted an interactive read-aloud of “Once Upon a Time Online” by David Bedford, a fictional story where fairy tale characters learn to make responsible choices about using the internet. Martin even dressed up as the Fairy Godmother to share internet safety tips with the students.

Third graders read “Chicken Clicking” by Jeanne Willis, a story about a chicken who shares personal information online and faces the consequences. This story sparked discussions among students about the importance of keeping personal information safe and only befriending people they know in real life. Students also shared that staying safe online involves informing an adult if someone is mean in a game or if they encounter something scary in a video.

In fourth grade, students learned about their digital footprint through “The Technology Tail” by Julia Cooke. The story illustrates how online actions can leave a lasting impact. Story and Martin emphasized the importance of using school devices responsibly and being respectful online. They introduced the THINK strategy: Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, Kind?

Fifth graders explored the topic of cyberbullying using Nearpod and Common Sense Media resources. They discussed why cyberbullying occurs, how to respond if they are cyberbullied, and ways to be an upstander against it. Students also brainstormed positive uses of the internet, such as online research, educational apps, and virtual communication with family and friends.

Throughout Digital Citizenship Week on October 14-18, Martin will share daily internet safety tips, dressed as the Fairy Godmother of Online Safety. Students will take home family tip sheets from Common Sense Media, and families will be invited to complete a survey about digital citizenship at home. This information will help Martin better support families in keeping their students safe online by sharing resources and utilizing Bark, a parental control tool designed to protect children online.

“It is crucial that parents are aware of what their children are watching and doing online. We encourage our students to let their parents know what apps they are using and what videos they are watching. As we know, a large part of growing up is exploring their environment. We would never take our six-year-old and drop them in the middle of a city block all alone. But leaving our students alone on the world wide web is the same thing,” shared Mainwaring.

Coles Elementary School is dedicated to fostering a safe and responsible online environment for all students, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the digital world. By setting the foundation, students are empowered to use online resources to positively impact their world and support their learning.