Option 1: Think of a lesson idea for “sharing information online safely” or “behaving online appropriately”. Write your idea as a brief description with any links to websites, videos or books that you might use in your lesson. If you are a trainer or leader, you might describe an activity for teachers in a professional development session.

 Lesson idea

In the younger years, children’s literature can and should be used to simply and effectively introduce topics in an engaging and understandable manner. In order for children to explore the broad concept of using the internet safely, an educator could read The Internet is like a Puddle by Shona Innes. An interactive read-aloud of the book can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59zia4DVPIg. This adorable book demonstrates the good and the bad of the Internet, just like puddles. Using the imagery in this book, educators can explain to children that similarly to some puddles- the internet can be much too deep and not safe, and it is important to stay in the right part of the internet, with a safe adult checking for them first before they ‘jump in’. After reading this book, a classroom discussion can be facilitated by the teacher- including assisting children with coming up with their own ‘limits’ and ‘expectations’ for using the Internet safely- both at school and at home. The class can agree upon guidelines for using the internet safely- that everyone- including the teacher- will agree to follow when using the internet. An extension to this activity can be making a class mind map/brainstorm of all of the safe and fun activities that the Internet can be used for, and how our specific class guidelines will help keep these online activities safe.