This quote has captured me. Many of us educators desire to change the world one student at a time. As they walk through our doors, many with smiles excited to hug the teacher or principal, others tired, and some hurting, we desire to be a light and impact them for good. No matter their age, everyone desires to belong, be loved, and be cared for. As educators, we have the huge gift of doing just that. Give every student a place to belong, and be loved, and cared for.

We have the ability to create many ripples. What a privilege we have to be a part of the positive ripple. A ripple beginning can be teaching your students how to be healthy digital citizens.

In today’s world, children are online with digital devices in their hands at a very young age. Many students yearn to game with their friends or talk to others around the world. Helping our students navigate digital safety is part of teaching them how to be healthy digital citizens. Let’s give our students a list of what to do online:

1. Have your parent’s permission to get online. Use common sense media for tips and suggestions.

1. Find friends you know who you can play games with online. Here are some safety guidelines.

1. Play quality games that are engaging, collaborate, and grow your critical thinking skills. Games that engage the brain have been shown to develop the brain where scrolling through social media actually diminishes. Go to pages such as:
2. Code.org
3. https://pbskids.org/games/
4. https://www.minecraft.net/en-us
5. https://scratch.mit.edu/
6. Deep Sead Duel

1. Protect your privacy. Create avatars that are an alter ego or the opposite of you. Avatars have been used for years as a way to keep people safe while online. This simple tool opens up a way to incorporate the ‘C’s’ in technology: collaboration, computational thinking, communication, and creativity. The hope is that when students look at their avatars they are having fun with an alternate version of themselves and remembering to be intentional about protecting their privacy and digital safety.
2. Follow your digital footprint. Here is a technology project for 3rd graders on leaving a healthy digital footprint. 

For more technology curriculum go to beyondk12.com