Creating a Digital World

Lesson Overview

Duration: 120 minutes
Age Group: Year 5 (ages 9-10)
Subject Integration: PSHE and ICT
UK Curriculum Focus:

• PSHE: Health and Wellbeing - Emotional Wellbeing and Healthy Relationships
• ICT: Computing - Digital Literacy

Learning Objectives

1. Understand Digital Citizenship: Pupils will learn how to be responsible, informed, and respectful users of technology.
2. Recognize Online Risks: Identify common online behaviours and risks, including cyberbullying and the importance of privacy.
3. Develop Emotional Awareness: Enhance self-awareness of emotions and promote healthy online interactions.
4. Collaborate Using Creative Tools: Use online tools to work collaboratively on a creative digital project.

Materials Needed

• Interactive whiteboard or projector
• Tablets or computers (1 per student)
• Blank paper and coloured pencils
• Access to a basic coding platform or digital art tool (such as Scratch or Tinkercad)

Lesson Structure

Introduction (20 Minutes)

Activity 1: Warm-Up Discussion

• Start with an open discussion on how students interact with technology and social media.
  • Questions: "What apps or websites do you frequently use?" "How do you feel when you're online?"
  • Discuss the importance of balance and emotional awareness in both offline and online worlds.
  • Introduce the concept of digital citizenship, highlighting the idea of being respectful and safe online.

Main Activities (80 Minutes)

Activity 2: Digital Scenarios Role-Play (40 Minutes)

• Divide the class into two pairs and assign each pair a digital scenario related to online risks and interactions.
  • Examples: A case of cyberbullying, someone receiving a suspicious friend request, and sharing personal information.
• Each pair creates a short role-play sketch highlighting the potential risks and how to respond appropriately using empathy and critical thinking.
• Encourage students to reflect on emotions felt during role-play and discuss healthy responses.

Activity 3: Digital Citizenship Poster (40 Minutes)

• Transition to creative work by having students design a "Digital Citizenship" poster using digital art tools.
• Prompt: "Create a poster that illustrates what it means to be a good digital citizen and illustrates healthy online behaviours."
• Skills Focus: Use digital literacy skills to create art and text, exploring various online tools and creative techniques.
• Opportunity for peer collaboration: Encourage students to share ideas and assist each other with tool navigation.

Conclusion (20 Minutes)

Activity 4: Reflect and Share

• Gather students to share their posters with the class. Each student presents their ideas and explains their design choices.
• Discuss any surprises or new learnings they encountered during the lesson.
• Final Reflection: Have each student mention one digital citizenship tip they promise to follow.

Assessment

• Observation: Teachers can assess students' understanding and behaviour during role-play activities and group discussions.
• Creative Output: Evaluate digital posters for comprehension of digital citizenship concepts, creativity, and use of digital tools.
• Participation: Observe students' engagement and contribution to group activities and discussions.

Differentiation

• Support: Provide additional guidance on using digital tools, offering written instructions or one-on-one assistance.
• Challenge: Involve more advanced students in assisting peers or expanding their poster to a short animation or interactive presentation.

By integrating PSHE and ICT, this lesson develops critical skills related to both digital literacy and emotional wellbeing, equipping Year 5 students with essential 21st-century skills while ensuring they enjoy the learning process.