In our last post we talked about some tips for keeping our kids safe while they are on the internet. This week we would like to talk about how to help our kids search the internet safely when they are curious and want to learn more about a topic.
The first thing to do is to ensure that “Safe Search” is on our computers. While this can’t prevent every single bad thing from reaching our children, it can make it harder for those results to populate in any given search.
Secondly is choosing the best places to search. At a library, a librarian goes through a set of questions to determine where to look for information. This is called a “reference interview.” This is a great way to narrow down exactly what our children are curious about and it helps us to find the best resource for them to use. What topic are we searching? Is there something specific about this topic that we want to find out? Do we need general information to sate our curiosity or are we wanting in-depth information for a research project or paper?
Once we have narrowed down what our children are curious about, we can then find the best resource to search. Try to avoid using Google right off the bat. There are several online encyclopedias or dictionaries that can be of use for general information, such as Britannica Online, Wikipedia or Dictionary.com. For in depth or very specific questions, Google may be our best bet.
Searching for information that our children are interested in or need for school, can also be a bonding moment and a tool to increase literacy! While searching, have them read aloud what they have found. Ask questions about what is being searched, what they found, their expectations, and what they imagine their searching will yield. This gives us a great opportunity to start a conversation. It is important to be present with our children, whether it is starting a conversation about what they are interested in or joining in the search!
Finally, understanding what our children are interested in or curious about creates awareness. Being aware of what our children are doing is, arguably, the most important step because it makes it easier to prevent unsafe searching from occurring in the first place. Taking the time to be actively a part of our children’s curiosity and finding answers for that curiosity is just as important as teaching them safe search habits or what to avoid on the internet.
Next Week…
I am happy to introduce a product designed to encourage our children to explore the world around them! The Curious Learner is a book designed for parents to assist their children in developing their school skills, as well as their creative skills! This resource provides information on using the Library, making history come alive, and how to learn math and science at home! I look forward to reading your comments!
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