What Does it Mean to Be a Good Digital Citizen? First Grade Explanation

📚 What is a Digital Citizen?

Being a good digital citizen means being a good person when you're using computers, tablets, phones, and the internet. It's like being a good citizen in your classroom or neighborhood, but online!

🍎 Objectives

• 💻 Students will define "digital citizen."
• 👍 Students will identify examples of positive online behavior.
• 🛑 Students will recognize examples of negative online behavior.

🖍️ Materials

• 🖥️ Computer or tablet with internet access
• 📃 Whiteboard or projector
• ✏️ Markers or pens
• 🧩 Worksheet (provided below)

☀️ Warm-up (5 mins)

Ask students: "What are some rules we have in our classroom to be good citizens?" (e.g., be kind, share, listen). Explain that being a good digital citizen is similar, but it applies when using technology.

💡 Main Instruction

• 🗣️ Explain Digital Citizenship: Use simple terms. A digital citizen is someone who uses technology (like computers and phones) in a good and responsible way.
• ✅ Being Kind Online: Just like in the classroom, we need to be kind online. This means not saying mean things, not posting hurtful pictures, and being respectful of others' feelings.
• 🔒 Keeping Information Safe: Explain that some information is private, like their address or phone number. They shouldn't share this information online without asking a grown-up.
• 📢 Asking for Help: If they see something online that makes them uncomfortable or scared, they should tell a trusted adult right away.
• 🤝 Respecting Others: Everyone is different, and we should respect those differences online, just like we do in person.

📝 Assessment

Use the worksheet below to assess student understanding. The worksheet includes scenarios where students identify good and bad examples of digital citizenship.

🧩 Digital Citizen Worksheet

Instructions: Read each situation and circle whether it's an example of good digital citizenship or not.

1. Scenario: Alex posts a mean comment on his friend's photo.

   Good Digital Citizenship: No / Yes

2. Scenario: Maria asks her mom before sharing her address online.

   Good Digital Citizenship: Yes / No

3. Scenario: David tells an adult when someone online is being mean to him.

   Good Digital Citizenship: Yes / No

4. Scenario: Sarah shares her password with her best friend.

   Good Digital Citizenship: No / Yes

5. Scenario: Michael is respectful when disagreeing with someone online.

   Good Digital Citizenship: Yes / No

6. Scenario: Emily copies and pastes an image from the internet into her school project without giving credit.

   Good Digital Citizenship: No / Yes

7. Scenario: Kevin helps his younger brother understand how to stay safe while playing online games.

   Good Digital Citizenship: Yes / No