Core Skills Analysis
Computing & Digital Literacy
- Romi learned how to use a search engine (Google) to find specific information, developing basic digital research skills.
- He practiced focused searching, which helps develop critical thinking about keywords and how to formulate questions online.
- By discussing internet safety and boundaries, Romi began to understand the importance of safe and responsible use of technology.
- Exploring how to judge sources of information introduced Romi to early concepts of media literacy, including evaluating credibility and trustworthiness.
Tips
To deepen Romi's understanding of digital literacy and critical thinking, encourage projects that involve researching a particular topic of interest, then assessing the reliability of various sources. Role-playing or creating a checklist of 'trusted vs. untrusted' websites can solidify these concepts. Additionally, introducing Romi to how advertisements and sponsored results appear can help him recognize commercial content online. Reinforce internet safety by exploring scenarios about privacy, personal information sharing, and how to deal with uncomfortable online situations. Using guided discussions and creative storytelling around these themes can make learning engaging and memorable.
Book Recommendations
- Webster's Email by Lori DeMonia: A humorous story that introduces young readers to the basics of digital communication and online etiquette.
- Chicken Clicking by Jeanne Willis: A fun picture book about a young chicken who explores the internet, learning about safe and unsafe online behavior.
- How to Be a Lion by Ed Vere: While not directly about the internet, this book helps build confidence and independence, skills that support safe self-directed learning.
Learning Standards
- Computing – KS1: Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate, and retrieve digital content (National Curriculum for England, Year 2)
- PSHE – KS1: Recognising what is safe and unsafe; understanding personal boundaries and managing risks online (PSHE Association Year 2 objectives)
- English – KS1: Develop ability to ask relevant questions and use non-fiction texts and digital resources to find answers (National Curriculum for England, Year 2 English Reading)
Try This Next
- Create a simple worksheet where Romi can list websites he finds and rate their reliability based on criteria you provide.
- Role-play an internet safety scenario where Romi decides if he should share information or click links, discussing each decision afterward.
Growth Beyond Academics
This activity reflects Romi’s growing independence and curiosity as he navigates information searching on his own. Discussing internet safety indicates developing awareness and self-regulation regarding boundaries, which contributes to his confidence and responsible behavior. Guidance and positive reinforcement help build trust in his decision-making.