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Digital Etiquette: Mind Your Manners

Lesson Plan

Online Etiquette Essentials

Students will learn key principles of digital etiquette and respectful online communication. They will identify proper behavior in digital spaces and practice reflective skills for maintaining harmonious interactions.

In our digital age, understanding online etiquette is essential for safe, responsible, and empathetic communication. This lesson equips 4th graders with vital social skills for the digital environment.

Audience

4th Grade Class

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Interactive and reflective activities with discussions and role-playing.

Materials

Online Etiquette Essentials, Minding Your Digital Manners, Role-Playing Respect, and Etiquette Reflection

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Discussion

10 minutes

  • Introduce digital etiquette and its importance.
  • Lead a discussion by asking students what respectful behavior online looks like.
  • Use examples from Online Etiquette Essentials to illustrate key points.

Step 2

Interactive Slide-Deck Activity

15 minutes

Step 3

Role-Playing Activity

10 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and distribute the Role-Playing Respect activity guide.
  • Have each group act out a scenario demonstrating digital etiquette.
  • Discuss each role-play and provide constructive feedback.

Step 4

Reflection Cool-Down

10 minutes

  • Guide students through the Etiquette Reflection cool-down activity.
  • Ask students to reflect on what they learned and share ways to improve their online interactions.
  • Summarize the key takeaways.
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Slide Deck

Digital Etiquette: Mind Your Manners

Welcome! Let's learn how to interact respectfully online.

Introduce the digital etiquette topic and welcome students. Emphasize the importance of respectful online communication and set the stage for interactive learning.

What is Digital Etiquette?

Digital etiquette is about being polite and respectful when you communicate online. It means using kind words and thinking before you post.

Explain what digital etiquette means in terms that are understandable for a 4th grade class. Use simple language and relatable examples.

Why Does It Matter?

Respectful online behavior helps everyone feel safe and included. It prevents misunderstandings and hurt feelings.

Discuss why digital etiquette is important. Link to real world situations they may have encountered, reinforcing the idea and connecting with their daily experiences.

Do's and Don'ts

Do: Think before you type, be kind, listen to others.
Don't: Use mean words, share unverified information.

List clear do's and don'ts for digital interactions. Encourage discussion by asking if students have any examples to add.

Time to Practice!

Get into small groups and act out a scenario showing good digital manners. Remember: Respect online is just like respect in person!

Describe the upcoming role-playing activity. Explain the instructions clearly and ensure students understand what they are expected to do.

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Activity

Activity: Role-Playing Respect

This activity is designed to help students practice digital etiquette by role-playing different online scenarios. Students will work in small groups and act out situations that require respectful digital communication. After each role-play, the class will come together to discuss what was learned and how the characters handled the scenario.

Guidelines:

  1. Form Small Groups: Divide into groups of 3-4 students. Each group will receive a scenario card that describes a situation involving digital interactions.
  2. Assign Roles: Within your group, assign roles such as the sender, the receiver, and an observer. Rotate the roles if there’s time.
  3. Act Out the Scenario: Use clear and respectful language. Demonstrate both an example of poor digital etiquette and then a revised version showing the right approach.
  4. Discussion Time: After the role-play, each group will discuss what went well and what could be improved. Think about the use of kind words, empathy, and clarity in digital communication.

**Scenario Prompts:** - Imagine a situation where someone sends a harsh message online. How could the sender have communicated their feelings in a respectful and clear way? - Consider a scenario where a student receives a confusing message. How can they ask for clarification politely? - Role-play a situation where there is a misunderstanding due to a misinterpreted emoji or tone. What steps can be taken to clear the misunderstanding?







Follow-Up Questions:

  • What did you find most challenging about role-playing these scenarios?
  • How did it feel to both give and receive feedback on your communication style?
  • Can you think of other real-life digital scenarios where respectful communication could have helped?
  • What strategies can you use in your online interactions to ensure your digital manners are always on point?












Remember, respectful digital communication is as important as face-to-face interactions. Use this activity as a stepping stone to grow your skills in kindness, empathy, and mindfulness online.

For more details on preparing for this activity and additional context, please review the Online Etiquette Essentials lesson plan and the Minding Your Digital Manners slide-deck.

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Cool Down

Etiquette Reflection Cool-Down

As we wrap up today’s lesson on digital etiquette, let’s take a few moments to reflect on what we learned and how we can apply it in our daily lives online.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are two things you learned about being respectful in digital communication?


  2. Think of a time when you saw someone using good digital manners. How did it make you feel?


  3. How can you use what you've learned today to help create a friendlier online environment?


Personal Reflection

Take a few minutes to write or draw a response about how you plan to use digital etiquette in your online interactions. Consider one specific action you will take to be kinder and more respectful online.


Sharing

If you feel comfortable, share your reflection with a partner or with the class. Listen to what others have to say and think about different ways to improve our digital community.

Great job today everyone! Let's carry these principles with us, both online and offline.

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Digital Etiquette: Mind Your Manners • Lenny Learning