Do you HAVE to use digital activities in your classroom? The truth? Yes.
We know that in a world that is filled with social media, YouTube, and Google – it can feel like the last thing you need in your classroom is MORE time in the digital world! However, this is the world of today’s students.
Our students live in a digital world. Therefore, it is important that as educators we have a digital classroom. Using technology in the classroom through digital literacy centers is a MUST at all grade levels. Especially in elementary school!
Of course, digital activities don’t have to be the ONLY materials you use in your classroom.
Since you probably already have several favorite printable materials, today we are going to focus on sharing our favorite digital ones! Specifically, how to incorporate digital learning into your classrooms through digital literacy centers.
Digital Literacy Centers for 1st Grade
Addressing digital literacy is important for all grades. Although, we feel it is especially important in first grade. During first grade the students increase their focus on reading and writing. These are the primary foundational skills that are supported by digital literacy centers. However, centers that focus on digital literacy go far beyond reading and writing.
What is Digital Literacy?
The word literacy is almost always associated with reading and writing. Even so, it also has a broader meaning. Literacy means “competence or knowledge in a specified area.”
While digital literacy includes reading and writing, this broader meaning is important to understand when thinking about your first and second graders. Through digital literacy, students develop the skills they need to navigate a digital world. Whether it be through reading and writing, or math, science and beyond.
Ultimately, the goal of digital literacy is to teach kids how to use technology for learning. Here are some examples of what digital literacy might look like:
- Teaching kids computer skills needed to conduct research (our Learning Quests are a good example of this)
- Using Google Docs for typing
- Utilizing Word for typing
- Showing students different tools to assist their learning
- Inputting numerical data on the computer calculator
- Creating a portfolio online to show student work
- Using Seesaw for learning
- Accessing and using a variety of digital media platforms
Why is Digital Literacy Important?
As we mentioned earlier, our students live in a digital world. Whether fortunately or unfortunately, it is the focus of how they consume information. And, also how they share information.
It is important to note, one reason teaching digital skills is relevant is because many students will participate in distance learning at one point in their lives. This may be by choice or necessity. Therefore, even if you are not running your class on a digital platform like Google Classroom, giving your kindergarten, 1st grade, or 2nd grade students the skills they need to be successful in distance learning is important.
Beyond distance learning, digital literacy is important to help students develop the skills needed to appropriately communicate through technology. In older grades, this may look like having students type an email to a teacher.
However, before kids start typing emails to their teachers, they need to understand the basics- the basics of language and the basics of technology. These literacy skills are the basic building blocks taught in first and second grade.
Now that you have an understanding of what digital literacy is and why it’s important – let’s look at the fun you can have with digital literacy in your classroom!
How are Literacy Centers Set Up?
You now know why digital literacy is important. So let’s take a look at some examples of digital literacy centers to give you some ideas on how to get started in your classroom!
As an elementary teacher, you are probably already familiar with centers. Digital literacy centers are not much different than other centers. The difference is simply how students engage with the content at each center. Rather than using paper, pencils, or other traditional materials, they are using digital resources.
Activities at digital centers can be completed with tablets (iPads, Kindles, etc.), laptops, or desktop computers. Center work is great when you have a lesson that you want to deliver as small group instruction. Your dedicated time for centers is also great for independent learning!
There are many options when it comes to digital center activities. In addition to using them for small groups or independent learning, there is also flexibility in where students can work!
With the use of portable devices (like laptops and tablets) you can have moveable centers. Students have the freedom to choose if they want to work at their desks, at a table, or even on the floor.
This flexibility is a great way to incorporate student choice into learning. It can also greatly help with classroom management.
As you can see, with so many ways to use digital centers in your classroom it becomes more fun to create new activities. Here are some examples of literacy centers we have created. These centers support students in developing reading, writing, and digital literacy skills.
What are Examples of Digital Literacy Centers?
We think digital literacy is SO important that we created 100 digital literacy activities for you!
In our Digital Literacy Centers Bundle for first and second graders, we focus on reading and writing activities.
Each of these activity packs includes 20 easy-to-implement digital activities. They can be used with either Google Slides or Seesaw. All you need to do is upload them!
Take a quick peek to see some of the activities included with each of these digital centers.
Paperless Literacy Centers for 2nd Grade
- What’s the Word?
- Say It, Spell It
- Highlight Write It
- Rainbow Write It
- Glowpen Write It
- Say Your Words
- Rainbow Words (x2)
- Build and Write Words
- Dot Words
- Backward Words
- Story Map (x2)
- Problem/Solution
- Character Feelings (x2)
- Retelling Story map
- Summarize (x2)
- Asking Questions (x2)
- Photograph Showed/ I learned
- 4 Box Graphic Organizer
- Ask and Answer Questions (x2)
- 3 Box Graphic Organizer
- Facts About (x2)
- My Opinion Is…
- Recipe Card
- My List
- My Poem
While we want to provide teachers with as much information as possible, we also want you as the teacher to have the flexibility to make it fit your classroom! Therefore, each of these resource packs can be used in part or whole. Moreover, you can buy each one separately (if you don’t feel you need the whole bundle).
Digital Learning Resources for First & Second Grade
Remember, literacy doesn’t have to be only about reading and writing! Especially when it comes to creating digitally skilled and responsible students.
In addition to our literary centers above, we have several other digital learning resources that can be included in digital centers. When combined with the reading and writing activities above, these help students gain digital skills in all subject areas!
