The Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen’s James A. Dever Elementary School recently brought the fifth graders and kindergarteners together to partner up on an internet safety lesson. Using content from Common Sense Education, a non-profit organization that provides high-quality digital literacy programs to educators and schools, the Dever students recognized Digital Citizenship Week by exploring content and learning how to act in different digital situations. The fifth graders helped the kindergarteners use their Chromebooks, and prepared them for situations they may be faced with when they begin to regularly use the computers and the internet.
In addition to the direct lessons learned from this activity, the experience provided the older students with an opportunity to act as mentors, providing a valuable lesson in collaboration and leadership. The Digital Citizenship Week activities support the district’s initiative to prepare students for situations that may occur both inside and outside of the classroom. As technology becomes more and more prevalent in the classroom, it is imperative that students know how to safely use and operate the internet to keep themselves and their friends safe.