Overview

Subject: Technology
Year Level: 6 (ages 10–11)
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 30 students
Unit: Navigating Digital Trust
Lesson 1 of 11
Lesson Title: Introduction to Digital Literacy

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Curriculum Alignment

New Zealand Curriculum Refresh – Technology Learning Area

• Strand: Nature of Technology
• Achievement Objective:
  • Technological Practice: Use planning tools and management techniques to help work to a design brief (Year 6 expectation)
  • Technological Knowledge: Understand how technological products and systems evolve and impact society and environments (linked to digital literacy concepts)
• Key Competencies:
  • Managing Self: Organise and plan activities independently and with others — especially regarding digital safety and responsible use.
  • Participating and Contributing: Engage responsibly in digital environments.
  • Thinking: Critically evaluate information and digital content.

Digital Technologies & Hangarau Matihiko (NZC Refresh)

• Emphasises understanding and using digital systems and safe, effective digital communication.
• Developing awareness of digital literacy as a set of skills to navigate, evaluate, and create digital content confidently and safely.

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Learning Intentions

WALT (We Are Learning To):

• Understand what digital literacy means.
• Recognise why digital literacy is important in today's world.

Success Criteria:

• I can define digital literacy in my own words.
• I can list key components of digital literacy (e.g., finding, evaluating, creating, and communicating digital content safely).

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Resources

• Whiteboard or digital presentation tool
• Printed worksheets: Digital Literacy Definitions (includes vocabulary and comprehension activities)
• Chart paper and markers for group brainstorming
• Devices for extension research activity (tablets, laptops, or library access)

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Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details	Teaching Notes
5 min	Introduction & Activate Prior Knowledge	Start with a discussion: "What do you think digital literacy means?"	Use think-pair-share. Note ideas on whiteboard. Encourage curiosity and link to students’ own experiences with technology.
10 min	Explicit Teaching – Define Digital Literacy	Present a clear, student-friendly definition of digital literacy. Break it into components: access, understand, evaluate, create, communicate, and be safe.	Use visuals and examples relevant to Year 6 students (e.g., understanding fake news, using passwords). Highlight importance in everyday life and learning.
15 min	Group Activity – Components Brainstorm	In small groups (4-5 students), students list what skills they think are part of digital literacy on chart paper. Groups share back with class. Teacher lists components and clarifies misunderstandings.	Differentiation: Provide sentence starters for students needing support. Encourage leaders to facilitate group work.
10 min	Worksheet Activity – Digital Literacy Definitions	Individually, students complete worksheet that has matching, fill-in-the-blanks, and short response questions about digital literacy terms and concepts covered.	Circulate to support and assess understanding. Reinforce vocabulary.
5 min	Plenary & Reflective Discussion	Recap learning with questions: "Why is being digitally literate important?" "How will you use these skills?"	Promote personal connection and relevance.

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Assessment

• Observe group discussions and participation during brainstorming.
• Review completed worksheets for correct definitions and understanding.
• Check for use of key vocabulary and concepts in verbal feedback and work.

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Extension Activity (For Advanced Learners)

• Research one digital literacy skill (e.g., identifying trustworthy websites, creating multimedia content, digital citizenship) using selected devices or library resources.
• Prepare a 2-minute presentation or digital poster to share with the class in upcoming lessons.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Use a mix of verbal, visual, and kinesthetic activities to engage all learning styles.
• Provide vocabulary sheets with visuals for English Language Learners or those needing support.
• Flexible grouping to support peer collaboration and leadership opportunities.
• Encourage self-pacing and provide scaffolds on worksheet activities.

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Reflection and Next Steps

End lesson by linking to future lessons where students will explore Navigating Digital Trust, which will build on recognizing safe and responsible online behaviour.

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Worksheet: Digital Literacy Definitions

Instructions: Complete the following tasks based on today's lesson.

1. Match the digital literacy words with their meanings:

   • Access
   • Evaluate
   • Create
   • Communicate
   • Safe Use

2. Fill in the blanks:
   Digital literacy means having the skills to ______________ and _______________ information online.

3. List three ways you can be safe online:
   1.
   2.
   3.

4. Write your own definition of digital literacy in one or two sentences.

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Notes for Teachers

• The explanations and definitions should use accessible language appropriate for Year 6 learners (10–11 years).
• Keep the lesson interactive, using students' digital experiences as starting points.
• The lesson connects with the key competencies promoting student agency and critical thinking in digital environments consistent with the NZ Curriculum Refresh.
• While digital literacy is foundational, this lesson also threads in the nature of technology strand to show relevance to Technology learning.

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This lesson plan aims to 'wow' teachers by blending traditional teaching with collaborative and inquiry-based learning that is thoughtful, connection-based, and aligned explicitly with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh and the teaching principles highlighted for year 6 students in Technology.

If you wish, I can also help create digital or printable versions of the worksheet and slide outlines for presentation.