A Reminder: Social Media Best Practices

As summer begins and students have more free time to explore the vast treasures of the internet it's always good to remind them that they are essentially in a global public place. What they do, what they say or write, what they post or comment upon is visible to not just their family and friends, but the entire world and it will be around for a very long time.

Students' creations, comments, videos, and photos represent them and their personality, culture, and most importantly their reputations. Kimmel Farm created best practices for social media and made it part of the School Improvement Plan when it opened four years ago with the goal of making the entire school community educated and aware of the right ways to represent yourself digitally.

As a resource for parents, students, teachers, and administrators we have created a thinking map that summarizes basic "rules of the digital road" and that lives beside our full document on our school website. Click on the interactive Best Practices for Social Media and take time to remind your students and their friends that the world is watching when they participate online. Wishing you a fun-filled summer and safe surfing.

  

Summer Adventures - Physical and Digital

Summer break is just around the corner! Students have worked hard and get a break, but they still need to keep their minds and bodies active over the break. Outdoor games, swimming, playing in the park, and spending time with children are all important and summer offers those opportunities. Spoonful has a great list of ideas that are free, low cost, fun, and things you might not think of right off the bat. The Winston-Salem Parks and Recreation website also has ideas for summer fun activities that are scheduled and supported by the city.
During those cool down times, or times when the weather won't allow you to get outside and move there's no doubt students will want to use technology, and play on their gaming systems. Common Sense Media has a list of games and technology sites that includes everything from art, to music, to building, to computer programming. These apps, games, and websites are rated for safety and appropriateness, and are categorized by age level so you can find safe digital activities for children that will help them problem solve, and be creative. Keeping our students moving and thinking will help nurture them and develop healthy habits and a well-rounded knowledge base. You never know what talents children may discover!
photo credit: Lighttruth via photopin cc