Digital Citizen Story: The Adventures of Screen Saver Sam

(Teacher): Good morning, Super Screen Citizens! Today, we're going on an adventure with our friend, Screen Saver Sam! Sam loves to use screens, just like you! But Sam is learning how to be a super digital citizen. Let's see what that means!

(Teacher): (Show Slide 3: What is a Citizen?) First, let's remember what a citizen is. A citizen is like a good neighbor in our town or a good friend in our classroom. They follow rules and help each other. Can you think of a rule we follow in our classroom to be good citizens?

(Teacher): Great ideas! Now, let's think about screens. We use tablets, computers, and TVs, right? (Show Slide 4: What is a Digital Citizen?) When we use screens, we're in a special place called the "digital world." And guess what? We need to be good citizens there too! We call it being a Digital Citizen! It means being kind, safe, and responsible when we use screens.

(Teacher): Let's start with being KIND online. (Show Slide 5: Being Kind Online) One sunny afternoon, Sam was playing a fun online game. Another player sent a message that said, "You're not good at this game!" Sam felt a little sad. What do you think Sam should do? Should Sam send a mean message back? Or should Sam remember to be kind and just keep playing, or maybe ask a grown-up for help if the message made him feel really bad?

(Teacher): That's right! Sam remembered to be kind. He didn't send a mean message back. Instead, he focused on having fun and told his grown-up about the message later. Being kind means using nice words, sharing politely, and making others feel happy, even when we're online!

(Teacher): Next, let's talk about being SAFE online. (Show Slide 6: Being Safe Online) Sam saw a pop-up on his tablet with a picture of a sparkly toy. It said, "Click me to win a prize!" Sam was so excited! He almost clicked it. But then he remembered his grown-up always says, "Always ask before you click!" What do you think Sam did? Did he click it super fast? Or did he ask his grown-up first?

(Teacher): You got it! Sam asked his grown-up. His grown-up said, "That looks like a tricky button, Sam! It's always best to ask first so we can make sure it's safe." Being safe means asking a grown-up before you click on anything new, and never, ever talking to strangers you meet online.

(Teacher): Finally, let's learn about being RESPONSIBLE online. (Show Slide 7: Being Responsible Online) One day, Sam found his grown-up's phone. He knew how to open his favorite game! He started playing without asking. When his grown-up came back, they were a little surprised. What do you think Sam should have done? Should he have just played? Or should he have asked, "May I please use your phone to play my game?"

(Teacher): Exactly! Sam should have asked first. Being responsible means asking permission before using screens, and also not sharing important private information like our full name, address, or phone number with people we don't know online. Our grown-ups help us keep that information safe.

(Teacher): Wow, Sam learned so much about being a Super Digital Citizen! He learned to be kind, safe, and responsible. Now it's our turn to show what we've learned!

Warm Up: What's a Screen?

(Teacher): Good morning, everyone! Let's get our brains warmed up. I want you to think about all the different kinds of screens you see in your life. What's a screen?

(Teacher): That's right! We see screens on TVs, phones, tablets, and computers! What do you like to do when you use a screen?

(Teacher): Those are fun things to do! Today, we're going to learn about how to be super good citizens when we use those screens! We're going to learn how to be a Super Screen Citizen!

Good vs. Goof Online Sort Activity

Instructions for Students:

(Teacher): Now that we know how to be a Super Screen Citizen, we're going to do a fun sorting activity! You have some cards with pictures and words. Some of these cards show what a Good Screen Citizen does, and some show what a Goof Screen Citizen does (or should NOT do!).

1. Look at each card carefully.
2. Decide if the action on the card is something a Good Screen Citizen would do, or a Goof Screen Citizen.
3. Glue the card under the correct heading on your piece of construction paper. You will have two columns: "Good Screen Citizen" and "Goof Screen Citizen".

Printable Cards (Teacher: Please print and cut these out for each student or small group):

Good Screen Citizen Cards:

• Asking a grown-up before using a tablet.
• Watching a video with a parent.
• Using kind words in a game chat.
• Sharing a drawing you made online with family.
• Asking a grown-up before clicking a new button.

Goof Screen Citizen Cards:

• Clicking on everything without asking.
• Talking to someone online you don't know.
• Watching shows without asking a grown-up.
• Typing mean words to a friend online.
• Sharing your home address with someone online.

Screen Star Cool Down

(Teacher): You all did an amazing job learning how to be Super Screen Citizens today! To show what a great job you did, we're going to make a "Screen Star Promise."

1. Take out a crayon and your paper.
2. Draw a big star on your paper.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. Inside your star, draw one way you promise to be a Super Screen Citizen. Maybe you'll draw yourself asking a grown-up before you click, or drawing yourself sharing something nice online!
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

(Teacher): Once you're done, we'll share our Screen Star Promises with the class! What a wonderful way to remember to be kind, safe, and responsible when we use screens!