Surfing Safely Lesson Plan
Surfing Safely
Navigating the Internet & Dodging Cyberbullies
Time 45 MIN
Learning Objective
Students will learn basic internet safety concepts and identify strategies to handle cyberbullying, focusing on protecting personal information and responding to uncomfortable online interactions.
Audience
Grades K-2
Tier 1 Classroom Lesson
Why This Matters
This lesson equips young learners with essential digital skills, ensuring they understand safe online behaviors and become responsible digital citizens from an early age.
Preparation (10 min)
- Review the Sammy the Seal Storybook
- Prepare the Safe Surfer Activity materials
- Review key internet safety talking points
Lesson Delivery
10m
Introduction & Discussion
- Hook: Ask "What is the internet?" and "What do you like to do online?"
- Personal Info: Discuss why we keep our address, phone number, and real names private (like keeping a house key safe).
- Cyberbullying: Explain it simply: "Being mean to someone using a computer or tablet."
15m
Story Time: Sammy the Seal
Read the story aloud, using character voices to engage students.
- "What do you think Sammy should do next?"
- "Who is a grown-up Sammy can trust?"
- "How did the grumpy crab make Sammy feel?"
15m
Interactive Activity
Conduct the "Safe Surfer, Unsafe Surfer" game.
- Students use signs (or thumbs up/down) to categorize scenarios.
- Reinforce the "3 Rules" after each round.
5m
Wrap-Up & Review
- Review the 3 Big Rules: Keep secrets safe, Ask a grown-up, Be kind.
- Closing Question: "What is one thing you will do to stay safe the next time you use a tablet or computer?"
Surfing Safely Lesson Plan • Digital Citizenship for K-2
Sammy the Seal Storybook
The Adventures of Sammy the Seal
Surfing Safely!
Once upon a time, in a big blue ocean, lived a curious little seal named Sammy. Sammy loved to explore!
One day, his friend, Olivia the Otter, showed him something amazing: a magical shell that could connect them to the whole ocean...
Turn the page to see the "Internet"!
"It's called the Internet," Olivia whispered. Sammy was so excited! But Olivia, who was a bit older and wiser, said, "Sammy, the Internet is wonderful, but we need to be smart and safe, just like we are in the ocean!"
Rule #1: Keep Your Secret Stuff Safe!
"Imagine our home address, our favorite toy, or even our full name. We wouldn't tell that to a stranger on the beach, would we? It's the same online! Never tell anyone your real name, where you live, or your phone number to people you don't know in real life."
"So, no telling my full name, Sammy Seal P.O. Box 123, Coral Reef Lane? Got it!" said Sammy.
Rule #2: Always Ask a Grown-Up!
"Before you click on a new link, or play a new game, always, always ask a grown-up," Olivia said. "If something looks funny or makes you feel squishy in your tummy, show it to a grown-up!"
The Grumpy Crab
One day, Sammy was building a sandcastle game online. A grumpy crab started sending mean messages like, "Your sandcastle is ugly!" and "Go away!" Sammy felt a little tear in his eye.
Rule #3: Be Kind Online!
"That's called Cyberbullying," Olivia said. "If someone is not being kind, remember:"
- Don't talk back: Don't send mean messages back.
- Tell a grown-up: They can help you!
- Block them: Stop the crab from sending messages.
Sammy felt much better. He knew how to surf the Internet safely now!
"Ready for adventure!"
Safe Surfer Activity Guide
Safe Surfer, Unsafe Surfer!
Classroom Activity Guide
Time 15 MIN
Objective
Students will identify safe and unsafe online behaviors through interactive scenarios.
Materials Needed
- "Safe Surfer" & "Unsafe Surfer" Signs
- Scenario Cards (included below)
How to Play
1
Hold up the Safe Surfer (Happy) and Unsafe Surfer (Worried) signs. Explain that "Safe" means following Sammy's rules.
2
Read a scenario card aloud. Students respond by pointing to the correct sign or giving a Thumbs Up for Safe / Thumbs Down for Unsafe.
3
After each response, briefly discuss why using the "Rule #" from Sammy's story.
Scenario Cards
Sammy is playing a game. A new online friend asks for his full name and where he lives.
UNSAFE SURFER Rule #1: Keep Secrets Safe!
Olivia wants to watch a new cartoon online. She asks her mom seal first.
SAFE SURFER Rule #2: Always Ask a Grown-Up!
A grumpy crab sends Sammy a mean message. Sammy doesn't answer and tells his teacher.
SAFE SURFER Rule #3: Be Kind / Tell a Grown-Up
A pop-up says "Click here to win a million fish!" Sammy clicks it right away without asking.
UNSAFE SURFER Rule #2: Always Ask a Grown-Up!
SAFE SURFER
UNSAFE SURFER
