1. US Curriculums
  2. TEKS
  3. Grade 4
  4. Health Education
  5. Differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate ways to communicate in digital and online environments

Grade 4 · Health Education

Differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate ways to communicate in digital and online environments

Quarter 3 · Week 6 · TEKS

Standards Alignment

  • TEKS.HEALTH.4.13A primary
    differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate ways to communicate in digital and online environments;
  • TEKS.HEALTH.4.13B primary
    explain what information is appropriate to share and who it is appropriate to share information with in digital and online environments; and

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Lesson Overview

This Grade 4 health education lesson helps students learn how to communicate appropriately and responsibly in digital and online environments. Students will explore examples of appropriate and inappropriate communication, understand what personal information is safe to share and with whom, and practice making safe choices online. The lesson supports students in becoming safe and responsible digital citizens, aligned with TEKS standards for injury and violence prevention and safety.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and explain the difference between appropriate and inappropriate ways to communicate in digital and online environments.
  • Describe what types of information are appropriate to share online and identify who it is safe to share information with in digital and online environments.

Success Criteria

  • Students can give examples of appropriate and inappropriate digital communication.
  • Students can explain why some information should not be shared online and identify safe recipients for sharing information.
  • Students demonstrate understanding by participating in role-play or discussion about safe online communication.
  • Students reflect on how safe communication online helps protect themselves and others.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Students should understand basic concepts of communication and have some experience using digital devices or online platforms, such as games or messaging apps, in supervised settings.

Key Vocabulary

  • Digital communication
  • Online environment
  • Appropriate communication
  • Inappropriate communication
  • Personal information
  • Privacy
  • Safe sharing
  • Digital citizenship

Materials and Resources

  • Chart paper or whiteboard
  • Markers
  • Scenario cards with examples of digital communication
  • Role-play prompt cards
  • Student notebooks or journals

Teacher Preparation

  • Prepare scenario cards illustrating appropriate and inappropriate digital communication examples.
  • Prepare role-play prompt cards for guided practice.
  • Review TEKS.HEALTH.4.13A and TEKS.HEALTH.4.13B standards to align lesson activities.
  • Set up a safe space for discussion and role-play activities.

Detailed Lesson Notes

Understanding Digital and Online Communication

Digital communication refers to how people send messages or share information using electronic devices like computers, tablets, or smartphones. Online environments include websites, social media, games, and messaging apps where people interact. Communication can be appropriate when it is respectful, truthful, and safe. Inappropriate communication includes rude, harmful, or unsafe messages that can hurt others or put someone at risk.

Characteristics of Appropriate Communication

Appropriate communication online is polite, respectful, and truthful. It avoids bullying, teasing, or sharing false information. It respects others' feelings and privacy. For example, saying "Please" and "Thank you" in messages, asking permission before sharing photos, and using kind words are appropriate behaviors.

Characteristics of Inappropriate Communication

Inappropriate communication includes sending mean or hurtful messages, sharing private information without permission, or pretending to be someone else. It can cause harm to others and may lead to cyberbullying. Examples include name-calling, threats, or sharing secrets that should be kept private.

What Information is Safe to Share Online

Students should understand that some information is private and should not be shared online. Safe information to share might include general interests or hobbies, but personal details like full name, address, phone number, school name, passwords, or family information should be kept private. Sharing private information can be dangerous because strangers might misuse it.

Who is Safe to Share Information With

It is important to share personal information only with trusted people, such as parents, teachers, or close family members. Sharing information with strangers or people met online can be unsafe. Students should learn to ask an adult before sharing any personal information online.

Role of Digital Citizenship in Safety

Digital citizenship means being responsible and respectful when using technology and the internet. It includes understanding how to communicate safely, protect privacy, and treat others kindly online. Being a good digital citizen helps prevent harm and creates a positive online community.

Worked Examples

Worked Example 1

Scenario

Here is a message: "Hey! Can I have your phone number so we can chat more?" Is this an appropriate message to send online? Why or why not?

Explanation

Asking for a phone number online can be unsafe if the person is not a trusted adult or close family member. Sharing personal contact information should only be done with people you know well and trust. Therefore, this message is inappropriate if sent to strangers or acquaintances online.

Answer Guide

This message is inappropriate because it asks for personal information that should only be shared with trusted people, not strangers online.

Worked Example 2

Scenario

You receive a message from a friend saying, "Great job on your project!" Is this an example of appropriate or inappropriate communication? Explain.

Explanation

This message is positive, respectful, and encouraging. It supports a friendly and safe online environment. Therefore, it is an example of appropriate communication.

Answer Guide

This is appropriate communication because it is kind and respectful.

Engage

Teacher Activity

Begin by asking students if they have ever sent a message or talked to someone online or through a device. Invite a few to share their experiences briefly.

Student Activity

Students share their experiences communicating online or using digital devices with the class.

Explanation

This activity connects students’ prior experiences with the lesson topic, activating their interest and background knowledge about digital communication.

Examples

  • Students recall examples of online communication.
  • Students recognize that people use devices to talk or share information.
  • Students express some awareness that online communication can be different from talking face-to-face.

Explore

Teacher Activity

Present scenario cards showing examples of digital communication. Read each scenario aloud and ask students to decide if the communication is appropriate or inappropriate and why.

Student Activity

In small groups or pairs, students discuss each scenario and classify it as appropriate or inappropriate communication, explaining their reasoning.

Explanation

This activity helps students identify characteristics of safe and unsafe communication by analyzing concrete examples, promoting critical thinking about digital behavior.

Examples

  • Students distinguish between respectful and disrespectful messages.
  • Students recognize the impact of words on others.
  • Students suggest alternative, positive communication methods.

Explain

Teacher Activity

Explain the difference between appropriate and inappropriate communication in digital environments. Discuss what personal information is safe to share and who it is safe to share with, emphasizing privacy and safety.

Student Activity

Students listen and take notes or draw a graphic organizer showing appropriate vs. inappropriate communication and safe vs. unsafe information sharing.

Explanation

Direct instruction clarifies key concepts and vocabulary, ensuring students understand the standards TEKS.HEALTH.4.13A and 4.13B.

Examples

  • Students can explain appropriate communication behaviors.
  • Students identify types of information that should remain private.
  • Students understand the importance of trusted adults in online safety.

Elaborate

Teacher Activity

Lead students in role-play activities using prompt cards where they practice responding to different digital communication situations, choosing appropriate ways to communicate and deciding what information to share.

Student Activity

Students act out scenarios in pairs or small groups, demonstrating safe and respectful communication and safe information sharing.

Explanation

Role-play allows students to apply knowledge in realistic contexts, reinforcing safe digital communication skills through practice.

Examples

  • Students demonstrate respectful communication.
  • Students show understanding of privacy by refusing to share unsafe information.
  • Students practice seeking help from adults when unsure.

Evaluate

Teacher Activity

Ask students to write or share verbally one example of appropriate communication and one example of inappropriate communication. Also, have them explain what information is safe to share and who they would share it with.

Student Activity

Students complete an exit ticket or short reflection answering prompts about safe communication and information sharing online.

Explanation

This assessment checks students’ understanding of lesson objectives and their ability to apply concepts independently.

Examples

  • Students provide accurate examples of appropriate and inappropriate communication.
  • Students correctly identify private information that should not be shared.
  • Students recognize trusted adults as resources for help.

Classroom Activity

In small groups or pairs, students discuss each scenario and classify it as appropriate or inappropriate communication, explaining their reasoning.

Guided Practice

Guided Practice 1

Prompt

What does it mean to communicate appropriately online?

Teacher Answer Guide

It means sending messages that are respectful, kind, and safe.

Guided Practice 2

Prompt

Give one example of information that should NOT be shared online and explain why.

Teacher Answer Guide

Your home address should not be shared because it can be unsafe.

Guided Practice 3

Prompt

If someone you don’t know asks for your phone number online, what should you do?

Teacher Answer Guide

Do not share it and tell a trusted adult.

Guided Practice 4

Prompt

Why is the message "You’re so dumb!" inappropriate?

Teacher Answer Guide

Because it is hurtful and disrespectful and can make someone feel bad.

Guided Practice 5

Prompt

Why share personal information only with trusted people?

Teacher Answer Guide

To protect privacy and safety; strangers might misuse the information and cause harm.

Independent Practice

  1. Foundational: What does it mean to communicate appropriately online?
  2. Developing: Give one example of information that should NOT be shared online and explain why.
  3. Application: If someone you don’t know asks for your phone number online, what should you do?
  4. Analysis: Look at this message: "You’re so dumb! I don’t want to be friends with you anymore." Why is this an inappropriate way to communicate online?
  5. Challenge: Explain why it is important to only share personal information with trusted people online, and describe what could happen if you share it with strangers.

Independent Practice Teacher Answer Key

  1. 1. Communicating appropriately online means sending messages that are respectful, kind, and safe.
  2. 2. An example is your home address because sharing it can be unsafe and put you at risk.
  3. 3. You should not share your phone number and tell a trusted adult about the request.
  4. 4. This message is hurtful and disrespectful. It can make the person feel sad or unsafe, so it is inappropriate communication.
  5. 5. Sharing personal information only with trusted people helps protect your privacy and safety. If you share it with strangers, they might use it to harm you or trick you, which can be dangerous.

Guiding Questions

  • What does it mean to communicate appropriately online?
  • Why is it important to keep some information private?
  • Who can you trust to share personal information with?
  • How can you be respectful when talking to others online?
  • What should you do if someone is mean to you online?

Common Misconceptions

  • All communication online is safe because it is just words.
  • It is okay to share any information online because no one can see it.
  • If someone is mean online, it’s best to ignore it and not tell anyone.
  • Only strangers can cause problems online, not friends or classmates.
  • Sharing a photo online is always safe and private.

Differentiation

Support and Intervention

Provide sentence starters for students to explain appropriate and inappropriate communication. Use visual aids like charts or pictures to show examples of safe and unsafe sharing. Allow students to work in pairs for role-play to build confidence.

English-Language Learner Support

Use simple language and repeat key vocabulary with pictures. Provide bilingual glossaries for key terms like 'appropriate' and 'privacy'. Use gestures and demonstrations during role-play to support understanding.

Advanced and Extension

Challenge students to create their own scenarios of appropriate and inappropriate communication. Encourage students to explain how digital citizenship helps prevent cyberbullying. Have students research and present on online safety tips for their age group.

Assessment

  • Observe student participation in scenario discussions and role-plays to check understanding.
  • Ask guiding questions during activities to assess comprehension.
  • Review students’ notes or graphic organizers for accuracy.
  • Write one example of appropriate communication and explain why it is appropriate.
  • Name one type of personal information that should not be shared online and who you would tell if someone asked for it.
  • Describe what you would do if you saw someone being mean online.
  • Create a poster or digital presentation about safe communication and information sharing online.
  • Write a short story showing a character making safe choices in digital communication.

Answer Guide

  • What does it mean to communicate appropriately online?
    Answer: It means sending messages that are respectful, kind, and safe.
  • Give one example of information that should NOT be shared online and explain why.
    Answer: Your home address should not be shared because it can be unsafe.
  • If someone you don’t know asks for your phone number online, what should you do?
    Answer: Do not share it and tell a trusted adult.
  • Why is the message "You’re so dumb!" inappropriate?
    Answer: Because it is hurtful and disrespectful and can make someone feel bad.
  • Why share personal information only with trusted people?
    Answer: To protect privacy and safety; strangers might misuse the information and cause harm.

Real-Life Application

Encourage students to talk with their family about online safety rules and share what they learned about safe communication and privacy.

Homework or Home Connection

  • Encourage students to talk with their family about online safety rules and share what they learned about safe communication and privacy.

Lesson Summary

Students learned to recognize appropriate and inappropriate ways to communicate in digital and online environments. They explored what personal information is safe to share and with whom, and practiced making safe, respectful choices online. These skills help students become responsible digital citizens who protect themselves and others from harm.

Teacher Notes

Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.

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