Citizenship in the Modern Era

Citizenship in the Modern Era 

All schools are always on the lookout for discounts and funding. So all schools recognize the amazing deal and benefit that is "E-Rate" funding. The Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund (commonly called E-Rate) provides major discounts on telecommunications and internet access to schools and libraries nationwide. In order to be eligible for these discounts, schools must meet several requirements. One such requirement is providing programs that teach children how to properly behave online. This is called Digital Citizenship. 

The schools are free to create their own curriculum or use some of the many ready-made curriculums available online. There are several incredible resources that provide ready-made lesson plans on digital citizenship, including:

1. Digizen

2. iKeepSafe

3. Common Sense Media

4. Cyberwise

5. Brainpop

These lessons cover safety, privacy, appropriate online behavior, and cyberbullying. Here is a sample layout of digital citizenship lessons from Common Sense Media:

Kindergarten - Going Places Safely

1st Grade - Sending Email

2nd Grade - Show Respect Online

3rd Grade - Talking Safely Online

4th Grade - The Power of Words 

5th Grade - Digital Citizenship Pledge

6th Grade - Safe Online Talk

                 -Scams and Schemes

7th Grade - Cyberbullying: Crossing the Line

                 - Trillion Dollar Footprint

8th Grade - Which Me Should I Be?

                 - Cyberbullying: Be Upstanding

9th Grade - Private Today, Public Tomorrow

10th Grade - Risky Online Relationships

11th Grade - College Bound

12th Grade - Taking Perspectives on Cyberbullying

These lessons will help shape a generation of informed and responsible digital citizens.

3 Ways Pinterest Can Help Elementary Teachers

Pinterest is generally thought to be used by crafty women showing off their creative projects and girls planning their dream wedding. 

What many people don't know, is that Pinterest can be used as an incredible resource for teachers.

1. Pinterest allows teachers to get ideas from others

    Pinterest has easy search tools that allow you to search one or many words to find pictures, posts,       or blogs that use those keywords. It can be a quick and simple way to find ideas for classroom             decorations, group projects, lesson plans, or more!  

2. Pinterest allows teachers to compile the resources they have found

    When a teacher finds a resource they like, they can "pin" it to a board so they can refer to it later. For example, if I was looking for classroom decoration ideas I could make a board titled "Classroom Decorations" and every time I find a picture or idea that I like I could "pin" it to that board.

3. Pinterest allows teachers to share their ideas with others

     We all know what it's like to have a brilliant idea...right? Well if you do know what it's like then you know you want to share it. Pinterest is a great way to share your brilliant ideas with the world. If you had a breakthrough in classroom organization or desk clump ideas, Pinterest can be a great way to share that idea with other teachers who may enjoy it too!