Keep It Private

Standards

Common Core State Standards:

• 2-3.CY.1: Compare reasons why an individual should keep information private or make information public.
• NYS K-12 Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards (focused on privacy and respect for personal information)

Danielson Framework:

• 1a: Demonstrating Knowledge of Content and Pedagogy
• 1e: Designing Coherent Instruction
• 3b: Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques
• 3c: Engaging Students in Learning
• 3d: Using Assessment in Instruction

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Learning Objective

I can compare reasons why some information should be kept private and other information can be shared.
Students will be able to explain why we keep certain information private and why sometimes we share information with others.

Success Criteria

• I can name examples of private information and public information.
• I can explain why it is important to keep some information private.
• I can share reasons why some information is okay to share.
• I can use “because” to explain my thinking.

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Materials

• Images and icons representing personal information (e.g., name, address, favorite color, pet’s name)
• Whiteboard/chart paper or SMARTboard
• Printed cards with scenarios
• "Private or Public?" sorting mats
• Exit ticket slips or whiteboards for response
• Visual timer

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Lesson Flow & Timing

1. Do Now/Hook (3 minutes)

• Display pictures of different pieces of information (e.g., a house, a photo of a child, a name tag, a school name).
• Ask: “What do you notice about these pictures?” and “Are these things we share with everyone or keep private?”
• Use Think-Pair-Share: Students turn to a partner and share their ideas.

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2. Vocabulary Routine (5 minutes)

Words:

• Private – Something we keep to ourselves or only share with people we trust.
• Public – Something we share with lots of people.
• Information – Facts or details about someone or something.

Routine:

• Pronounce each word clearly and have students repeat.
• Write the words and say them aloud.
• Provide simple definitions with examples and pictures.
• Use sentences: “My phone number is private because only my family should know it.”
• Have students use the words orally: “Tell your partner one thing that is private.”

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3. Mini Lesson (5 minutes)

• Teacher models by thinking aloud:
  “I see the word ‘address.’ I think this is private because if everyone knew where I lived, it might not be safe.”
• Show an image of a house and a name tag. Ask students: “Why would I want to keep my address private but share my name?”
• Use a quick video or animation showing characters deciding what to share online.

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4. Guided Practice (5 minutes)

• Distribute “Private or Public?” sorting mats and scenario cards with things like: favorite color, phone number, pet’s name, school name, birthday, family picture.
• In pairs, students discuss and sort the cards into “Keep Private” or “Share Public.”
• Teacher circulates, asks: “What made you put this here?” “Can you explain why this is private?”
• Remind: Use “because” to explain.

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5. Independent/Group Work (15-20 minutes)

• Activity: Privacy Poster Creation
  • Students work in small groups (3-4 students) to create a poster showing two things to keep private and two things that can be shared.
  • Use pictures and short sentences like “My birthday is private because…” or “I can share my favorite color because…”
  • Encourage students to use vocabulary words and explain their reasoning orally or written.
• For students needing support: Provide sentence frames ("___ is private because ___."), picture cues, or one-on-one assistance.
• For students needing challenging extension: Write a short story about a character deciding what to share and what to keep private, explaining the reasons.

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6. Assessments & Checks for Understanding (Throughout)

• Observation during Think-Pair-Share, sorting activity, and poster creation.
• Use discussion prompts to hear students explain with “because.”
• Exit Ticket: On a whiteboard or slip, write one reason why you keep some information private and one reason why you share some information.

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7. Close & Share (3 minutes)

• Teacher recaps:
  “Today we learned about why some information is private and some information can be shared. Remember, keeping private information safe helps protect us.”
• Students share one thing they learned or a reason to keep information private or share it.
• Preview next lesson: “Next time, we will learn how to keep our information safe when we use computers and the internet.”

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Differentiation Strategies

• Visual supports: Pictures, icons, and color-coded mats assist understanding for diverse learners.
• Sentence frames and oral sentence stems: Help ELL students and those with language processing needs communicate ideas.
• Hands-on group work: Supports kinesthetic learners and students who benefit from social interaction.
• Small group or 1:1 pull-out support: For students who need extra guidance on concepts or fine-motor tasks like writing.

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Extension Activities

• Use a classroom digital tool (such as a simple kid-friendly drawing app or presentation software) to create their privacy poster digitally.
• Role-play scenarios: Students practice asking “Is this okay to share?” and responding with reasons.
• Create a “Privacy Pledge” with the class where each student states one rule they will follow online or offline about private information.

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This lesson plan integrates technology fluency with foundational digital citizenship concepts, aligned with Common Core and New York State standards. It uses a highly interactive, visual, and student-centered approach suited for 2nd-3rd grade special education bridge classes, fostering both understanding and confidence in protecting personal information.