• lenny-learning-logoLenny Learning
  • Home
    Home
    • Lessons
    Lessons
  • Curriculum
    Curriculum
  • Surveys
    Surveys
  • Videos
    Videos
  • Support
    Support
  • Log In
lenny

Your Digital Compass

user image

Tracy Morris

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Your Digital Compass

Students will be able to identify safe and unsafe online behaviors, understand the importance of protecting personal information, and know appropriate actions to take if they encounter uncomfortable situations online.

In today's connected world, it's crucial for students to learn how to stay safe online. This lesson provides essential knowledge and practical strategies to help them navigate digital spaces responsibly and confidently.

Audience

4th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, visual aids, and practical application.

Materials

  • Online Safety Slide Deck, - Online Safety Worksheet, and - Online Safety Quiz

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

  • Review the Online Safety Slide Deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
    - Print copies of the Online Safety Worksheet for each student.
    - Familiarize yourself with the questions on the Online Safety Quiz.
    - Ensure access to a projector or interactive whiteboard for the slide deck.

Step 1

Warm-Up: Digital World Brainstorm (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "What are some things you like to do online?"
    - Facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging students to share their experiences.
    - Introduce the lesson by explaining that just like in the real world, there are rules and ways to stay safe online.

Step 2

Introduction to Online Safety (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Present the Online Safety Slide Deck.
    - Go through slides 1-5, discussing what personal information is and why it's important to keep it private.
    - Engage students with questions like: "What kind of information should we never share online?" and "Why is it important to ask a trusted adult before doing something new online?"

Step 3

Safe vs. Unsafe Online Behaviors (8 minutes)

8 minutes

  • Continue with the Online Safety Slide Deck, slides 6-9.
    - Discuss examples of safe online behaviors (e.g., using strong passwords, being kind) and unsafe behaviors (e.g., talking to strangers, clicking suspicious links).
    - Distribute the Online Safety Worksheet and have students complete the first section individually or in pairs. Discuss answers as a class after they've had a chance to work.

Step 4

What To Do If Something Feels Wrong (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Using the Online Safety Slide Deck, slides 10-12, explain the 'Tell a Trusted Adult' rule.
    - Emphasize that it's never their fault if something online makes them uncomfortable and that reporting it is the best step.
    - Provide scenarios for students to discuss how they would react.

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Quick Check (2 minutes)

2 minutes

  • Briefly review the key takeaways: keep personal info private, be kind, tell an adult if something feels wrong.
    - Administer the Online Safety Quiz as a quick exit ticket to assess understanding.
lenny

Slide Deck

Welcome to Your Digital World!

What do you love to do online?
How do you stay safe when you're playing or learning?

Greet students and introduce the topic of online safety. Ask them what they enjoy doing online to activate prior knowledge.

Your Digital Compass

Just like a real compass helps you find your way, your 'Digital Compass' helps you make smart choices online.

Our goal today: Learn how to be safe, smart, and kind online!

Explain that just like in the real world, there are rules to follow online to stay safe. Introduce the idea of a 'Digital Compass' to guide them.

What's Personal Information?

This is information that helps identify you!

Examples:

  • Your full name
  • Your address
  • Your phone number
  • Your school name
  • Your age
  • Pictures of you or your family

Why is this important to keep private?

Define personal information and give examples. Emphasize why it's important to keep this private.

Keep it Private!

Always think before you share:

  • Never give out your personal information to people you don't know online.
  • Always ask a trusted adult (parent, guardian, teacher) before sharing any information or pictures of yourself.
  • Strangers online might not be who they say they are.

Discuss why sharing personal information with strangers is risky. Connect it to real-world safety rules (e.g., don't talk to strangers).

Ask a Trusted Adult

Your trusted adults are there to help you stay safe!

  • Before you download a new game.
  • Before you sign up for a new website.
  • Before you share anything about yourself online.

When in doubt, ask it out!

Introduce the concept of trusted adults and the importance of asking for permission and guidance.

Safe Online Choices

What does it mean to be safe online?

  • Use strong passwords: Mix letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • Be kind and respectful: Treat others online how you want to be treated.
  • Think before you click or share: Once it's online, it's hard to take back.
  • Keep your location private: Don't share where you are.

Discuss specific examples of safe online behaviors. Engage students with questions about why these are good practices.

Unsafe Online Choices

What should you avoid doing online?

  • Talking to strangers: Don't chat with people you don't know in real life.
  • Clicking on strange links: They might lead to bad websites or download viruses.
  • Giving out personal details: Remember our private info rules!
  • Being mean or bullying others: This is never okay, online or offline.

Discuss examples of unsafe online behaviors. Ask students why these actions might be risky.

Be a Good Digital Citizen

A digital citizen is someone who uses the internet responsibly and respectfully.

  • Your words and actions online matter.
  • Make choices that keep yourself and others safe and happy.

Reinforce the idea that online actions have consequences, just like real-life actions. Emphasize being a good digital citizen.

Uh Oh! Something Feels Wrong?

Sometimes, things online can make you feel:

  • Scared
  • Confused
  • Uncomfortable
  • Worried

It's NOT your fault! It can happen to anyone.

Explain the importance of reporting uncomfortable situations. Reassure students that it's okay to feel uncomfortable and that they should always tell an adult.

The 'Tell a Trusted Adult' Rule

If something online makes you feel uncomfortable, here's what to do:

  1. STOP! Don't respond or click further.
  2. LEAVE the website or game.
  3. TELL a trusted adult immediately! (Parent, guardian, teacher, librarian)

They can help you fix it and keep you safe.

Provide clear steps on what to do. Role-play scenarios if time permits.

Key Takeaways for Online Safety

  • Keep Personal Information Private: Don't share your name, address, or school.
  • Ask a Trusted Adult: Before new games or websites.
  • Be Kind Online: Treat others with respect.
  • Tell an Adult if Something Feels Wrong: It's okay to ask for help!

Quickly summarize the main points of the lesson.

Time for Your Online Safety Quiz!

Show what you've learned about being a super safe digital citizen!

Transition to the quiz as an exit ticket.

lenny

Worksheet

Online Safety Worksheet

Name: _________________________
Date: _________________________

Part 1: Personal Information Protection

Circle the information that is personal information and should generally NOT be shared online without a trusted adult's permission:

  1. Your favorite color
  2. Your full name
  3. The name of your pet
  4. Your home address
  5. Your school name
  6. Your favorite game
  7. A picture of your face
  8. Your phone number


    ## Part 2: Safe or Unsafe?

Read each scenario. Write "SAFE" or "UNSAFE" in the space provided.

  1. Joining a video game with your friends who you know in real life.

  2. Giving your full name and address to a new online friend.

  3. Asking your mom if you can download a new game.

  4. Clicking on a pop-up ad that says, "You've won a million dollars!"

  5. Using a password like "12345" for your game account.

  6. Telling your teacher that someone said something mean to you in an online chat.

  7. Posting a picture of your family vacation house while you are still there.

  8. Creating a strong password with letters, numbers, and symbols.
    _________________________


    ## Part 3: What would you do?

Read the situations below and explain what you would do. Remember the "STOP, LEAVE, TELL" rule!

  1. You are playing an online game, and another player starts asking you what school you go to.











  2. You accidentally click on a link, and a scary picture pops up on your screen.











  3. Someone you don't know online sends you a message asking to be your friend and wants you to send them a picture of yourself.











lenny
lenny

Quiz

Online Safety Quiz

lenny