Raising children who possess empathy, understanding and respect for all is a powerful goal. Part of this journey involves addressing ableism, a concept that might seem complex but is essential to comprehend to create a more inclusive society.

Ableism refers to discrimination, prejudice or bias against individuals with disabilities. Just as we teach our children about kindness, sharing and fairness, teaching them about ableism is equally important. By equipping our young ones with the tools to understand and challenge ableism, we foster a generation that embraces differences and stands up for those who face challenges.

1. Encourage Open Conversations

We know that raising compassionate and understanding kids is at the top of your parenting list. One fantastic way to achieve that is through open and honest conversations about ableism and disability.

Start by creating an environment where your child feels comfortable asking questions without fearing judgment. Let them know it’s OK to be curious and you’re here to provide them with the information they seek. Showing you’re open to discussing these topics sends a powerful message that these conversations are important and valued.

Remember, discussions about ableism don’t need to be formal sit-downs. Use everyday moments as teaching opportunities. For instance, if you’re watching a TV show or reading a book together and a character encounters a disability, ask your child what they think. This can lead to natural discussions about inclusion and diversity.

2. Share Your Own Learning Journey

Let your child know you’re also learning about ableism and disability alongside them. Share moments when you’ve gained new insights or changed your perspective. This shows humility and reinforces the idea that learning is a lifelong process.

Express to your child that admitting if you’re unsure about something is OK. If your child asks a question you don’t have an answer to, tell them you’ll find out together. This teaches them that seeking knowledge is positive and that it’s fine not to have all the answers right away.

3. Teach Empathy and Respect

Have discussions with your child about how important it is to imagine how other people might feel, especially if they face disability-related challenges. Encourage your child to dig deeper into the topic with questions like “How would I feel in this situation?” This will help foster a sense of compassion.

Help your child understand that they are equipped with an amazing gift — the ability to give time and attention. When they pause to listen to others’ feelings and experiences, it expresses that they care. It sends out empathetic vibes that make the world a better place with each conversation.

Here are a few tips to instill empathy in your child:

• Respect all abilities: Have conversations with your child that help them understand each individual’s own unique abilities and how our differences make us awesome. Whether someone can handle a task on their own or need assistance, it’s essential to respect that person’s way of navigating the world.

• Words have power: Words have power. Explain how some words and phrases can hurt another’s feelings or perpetuate stereotypes about specific conditions or abilities. Give your child the person-first language they need to focus on an individual’s abilities instead of their disabilities.

• Be a friend, not a fixer: Let your child know that, sometimes, people just need a kind ear to listen — not someone to fix their problems. Being there to listen and support is a great way to practice empathy.

4. Introduce Everyday Inclusivity

Remind your child that something as simple as saying hello or smiling at a stranger can improve that person’s day. Encourage them to greet everyone they meet, whether that person has a disability or not. Work together with your child to help them learn the value of helping others, whether that’s holding the door open, picking up something that was dropped or offering assistance. Acts of kindness can help your child express that they care.

5. Invite Everyone to Play

Encourage your child to be a leader in inclusivity during playtime. When organizing games or activities, make sure everyone is invited to join. This way, they’re not just having fun, but also spreading a message of acceptance.

If they’re having a conversation with someone who communicates differently, like using sign language or assistive technology, remind your child to be patient and attentive. Encourage them to ask questions if they’re curious about someone’s abilities, always respectfully and sensitively.

Everyday inclusivity is like planting little seeds of kindness that grow into a more inclusive world. By teaching your child these simple actions, you’re helping them create a positive ripple effect far beyond their immediate circle.

6. Lead by Example

Your child is watching your interactions closely. Treating everyone with kindness, respect and empathy demonstrates the behavior you want them to adopt. Whether you’re talking to a neighbor, a coworker or a stranger, be that shining example of inclusivity.

Surround yourself with a diverse group of friends and acquaintances. Your child will see that you value people from all walks of life. This exposure helps them realize the richness of human diversity.

Other ways you can show the way are:

• Use inclusive language: Make it a habit to use inclusive language at home. If you’re discussing someone with a disability, emphasize that person’s abilities and achievements alongside their challenges. This showcases that you focus on the person as a whole.

• Advocate for accessibility: If you encounter situations that lack accessibility for people with disabilities, speak up. Explain to your child why accessibility matters and show them that advocating for equal rights is essential.

7. Keep Learning Together

Make a habit of discovering books, movies, TV shows and documentaries that feature characters with disabilities. These stories provide wonderful opportunities to discuss ableism, empathy and inclusion.

Remember, this journey isn’t about reaching a destination — it’s about the adventure of continuous growth and learning. By embracing this attitude of ongoing exploration, you’re teaching your child that there’s always more to discover, understand and appreciate about the world around them.

About the Author
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for her children or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen!

Ensuring the children we watch over have the best education in grade school is essential for their future, and adding a rooftop garden will help our efforts. Read on to learn more about the benefits of adding rooftop gardens to elementary schools and how they will sprout opportunities for growth among our children.

Convenient Outdoor Activities

Children need outdoor activities to help them stay active and burn energy to prevent them from feeling antsy in the classroom. However, recess may be a ways away, and having a place to visit outside but close to the building’s interior will make it a convenient place for outdoor activities.

Consider adding a rooftop garden to the school for kids to have an outdoor space that’s interactive and interesting. The garden will become a favorite spot for children to visit since it’s outside anhttps://www.safesearchkids.com/benefits-to-adding-rooftop-gardens-to-elementary-schools/d has greenery that adds life to the space. The children will also have an activity that allows them to use their energy constructively if they tend to the garden.

Use as much of the roof’s space as possible for a wider area where students may walk around and see numerous plants. Make sure protective barriers are in place around the perimeter to keep children away from the roof’s edges. You could activate the fifth façade by designing the rooftop with high-performance materials, providing a more visually appealing yet sturdy barrier that surrounds the garden and keeps the kids safe.

Natural Learning Opportunities

The life science behind growing plants is valuable for children to learn. Biology, botany, ecology, environmental sciences, and Earth studies are some possible subjects kids could learn from interacting with the garden.

Planting a garden together is a fun way to teach kids about nature; tending to it teaches them how plants and vegetation grow and inspire them to develop an interest in our environment. Consider learning opportunities focused on rooftop plants to teach children about certain science chapters.

Visual examples that kids may learn from, such as growing violets, will help them learn new lessons easier. You could add the lessons to your teaching plan for an interesting portion of your Spring curriculum.

A Positive Impact on Children

Exposing young students to positive influences will help them develop a positive mindset. A benefit of adding a rooftop garden to elementary schools is its positive effect on children. Kids will have a better time focusing on feeling calm among the plants.

Children who feel stressed in the classroom will enjoy a break in the garden—they’ll see the stillness of the plants and hear the quiet sounds outside and mirror them. Once they return inside, they’ll feel more attentive and willing to listen and learn, especially in lessons related to the garden.

Gardens are wonderful installations and make an excellent addition to elementary schools. Advocate for a rooftop garden for your kids and help them benefit from some extra greenery on their school grounds if you’re an educator, parent, or someone involved in children’s education. Their time in the garden will last for years to come.

Smart watches aren’t just for adults anymore. They’ve scaled down in size but scaled up in functionality to fit comfortably on your child’s wrist. These tech gadgets are more than just cool accessories.

These tech-savvy accessories are designed to be fun and functional, making them kid-friendly while offering peace of mind to parents.  This is why we have developed this comprehensive guide to inform you more about these amazing wearables!

More Than Just a Timepiece: The Innovative Design Features of Kids’ Smart Watches

Have you ever wondered what makes your child’s smartwatch unique and engaging? It’s more than a timepiece. It’s a carefully engineered gadget designed with your child’s interests, safety, and learning in mind.

Remember when watches were for telling time? Well, those days are far behind us. Today’s kids’ smart watches are packed with innovative features. From GPS tracking to educational games, all wrapped in a fun, kid-friendly design.

These high-tech devices can offer real-time location tracking, allowing you peace of mind knowing your child’s whereabouts. They also provide interactive learning tools, helping your little ones develop essential cognitive skills while having fun. For a more refined look, some models even offer leather watch straps, combining durability with style. What’s more, these watches are built tough and designed to withstand the rough and tumble of everyday child’s play.

But that’s not all. Many smart watches are also designed to encourage physical activity with built-in step counters and fitness challenges. They’re like a mini personal trainer, promoting a healthy lifestyle from a young age.

Isn’t it time we looked at our children’s watches as more than timepieces? As parents, we can harness the power of technology to enrich our children’s lives. And with so many innovative design features, smart watches for kids are a great place to start.

Bridging the Gap Between Fun and Functionality: The Interactive Elements in Kids’ Smart Watches

These high-tech timepieces are designed to bridge the gap between fun and functionality, offering a host of interactive elements your child will love.

1. Educational Games: Who said learning can’t be fun? Today’s smart watches have educational games that help your child learn while playing. From puzzles to calculators, these watches offer an engaging way to boost cognitive skills.

2. Fitness Challenges: We all know how vital physical activity is for our children’s health, right? So, wouldn’t it be great if their watch could encourage them to move? Well, many smart watches do exactly that. They feature fitness challenges and step counters to motivate kids to stay active.

3. Social Connectivity: With a smartwatch, your child can stay connected with friends and family. Kids’ smart watches often have messaging features that allow them to exchange messages and photos with approved contacts. All while providing parents with peace of mind.

4. Customization: Your child can express themselves as they wish. Thanks to the many customization features available – from interchangeable straps and watch faces to personalized wallpapers – kids can make their watch their own.

As you can see, kids’ smart watches are far from simple time-telling devices. They’re interactive, educational, and fun gadgets that cater to your child’s needs and interests. So next time you’re looking for a gift that combines fun and functionality, consider a smartwatch. It is the perfect blend of learning and play your child needs.

Parental Controls and Privacy: How Smart Watches Are Designed with Parents in Mind

As a parent, one is always thinking about their child’s safety and privacy. These concerns extend to the tech gadgets your little ones use. But here’s some good news: Kids’ smart watches are designed with you – the parent – in mind. Let’s explore how:

1. Parental Control Features: Ever wished you could oversee what your child accesses on their device? With kids’ smart watches, you can. Many models offer parental control settings, allowing you to judge the usage of the device. Such features are quite beneficial, and a smartwatch isn’t really a smartwatch without it.

2. Real-Time Location Tracking: As a parent, there’s nothing more reassuring than knowing where your child is, right? That’s why many kids’ smart watches come equipped with GPS tracking. You can monitor your child’s location and even set up ‘safe zones’ – areas where your child can go. If they step outside these zones, you get alerted. Now, isn’t that peace of mind at its best?

3. Data Privacy: Are you concerned about who might access your child’s data? You’re definitely not alone in this worry. Fortunately, manufacturers of such smart watches understand the importance of data privacy and take it very seriously. They go the extra mile to ensure your child’s information remains safe and private. With advanced encryption techniques and secure networks, these smart watches provide additional protection, giving you peace of mind. Rest assured that your child’s data is in good hands!

4. Emergency SOS Feature: Imagine your child being able to alert you instantly in an emergency. With the SOS feature on a smart watch, they can. One press of a button, and you’ll receive an alert on your phone.

5. Communication Controls: Want to control who your child can call or text from their watch? You got it. Most smart watches allow parents to pre-approve contacts, ensuring your child only communicates with people they trust.

So, as a parent, you’re not just a bystander in your child’s digital experience – you’re an active participant.

Final Thoughts

Kids are our future, and what better way to empower them than by giving them access to the latest technology while keeping them safe and secure? Investing in a kids’ smartwatch equips your children with skills to help them thrive in this ever-evolving technology filled world. Plus, there’s a great selection of such watches on the market, so you can find something that meets your needs and budget.

From educational games to real-time location tracking, kids’ smart watches are helping to bridge the gap between fun and safety. So why not consider gifting one to your child? Not only will they have a blast using it – they’ll also get to experience the immense benefits of technology. It’s a win-win!

As the world continues to evolve into a more digital society, the idea of what it means to be a responsible digital citizen has come to the forefront. Many people agree that some of the same laws and societal norms that we use to regulate how we interact with one another in the material world should somehow be shaped to be applied to the digital landscape.

It is important to have a standard code of conduct for how we behave when we are online to ensure the safety of everyone participating in the digital world, whether it be for education, work, or social purposes.

But what does it mean to be a digital citizen, and when exactly should we introduce and teach its ideals?

What would a middle school curriculum look like that taught digital citizenship, cyber security, and social media safety?

Let’s take a closer look at what digital citizenship means as well as the many ways educators have been tackling this topic to better prepare students for online life.

What is Digital Citizenship?

Digital citizenship is the ability of individuals to recognize the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of living in a digital world, while at the same time, acknowledging that the words they say, and the actions they take online, are recorded into a permanent record that will follow them for the rest of their lives. It is because of this permanence that children and adolescents need to be taught what it means to be a responsible digital citizen from an early age.

The Foundations of Good Digital Citizenship

In short, being a good digital citizen requires individuals to conduct themselves in the digital space in a way that is safe, legal, and ethical, while at the same time, operating within a basic level of morality. Although morality is somewhat subjective, there are still basic norms that people follow in the material world that should apply to the digital world.

The Consequences of Poor Digital Citizenship

Far too many times when we see instances of cyberbullying or online harassment, the perpetrator feels that because they are hiding behind a screen, they are free to act and say things that they may not do or say when in the real world and face-to-face with the victim. A large part of being a good digital citizen is understanding that there really is no difference between your online persona and who you are in the material world.

The Role of Parents and Educators in Promoting Digital Citizenship

So, although parents and educators can take steps to educate our youth and help them to become responsible digital citizens, what about other people? What about bad actors who may not adhere to responsible digital citizenship, and instead, use the digital world to victimize people?

By far, the largest space that our youth occupy in the digital world is social media. As an educator or parent, it is critical to understand that social media safety is a fundamental part of teaching digital citizenship. Many of the best private schools have recognized this and are leading the way by incorporating comprehensive digital citizenship programs into their curricula.

Adolescents and teenagers who use social media on a regular basis are at a higher risk of online threats such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and online predation. Not only that, but most younger internet users may also lack basic cybersecurity knowledge which can leave them more vulnerable to phishing, ransomware, and other more general cyber threats.

Integrating Digital Citizenship into Education

Fortunately, more school districts across the country are starting to add digital citizenship curriculum in middle school classrooms across the country. Middle school seems to be the ideal time in an adolescent’s life to prepare them for the digital landscape as this is the time in their life when internet use begins to increase greatly for everything from online classes and homework support to messaging peers and social media use.

So, now that educators have had some practice and experience implementing these new types of digital citizen curriculum into the classroom, what seems to be working and what are the most critical components to include?

Let’s take a closer look at what educators are finding to be some of the most critical components of a well-rounded digital citizenship curriculum.

Key Components of a Digital Citizenship Curriculum

In addition to some basic cybersecurity education, because teenagers spend a good amount of their time in the digital world using social media platforms, developing a well-rounded digital citizenship curriculum requires a strong focus on the risks associated with social media use to ensure social media safety for kids.

Also, keep in mind that when broaching the topics of cybersecurity and digital citizenship with younger learners, it is important to make sure you are finding and using engaging methods to teach these topics. There are a number of incredible resources available online to help educators and parents find materials to teach about cybersecurity and social media safety.

Here are some of the most critical components that should be included in a well-rounded digital citizenship curriculum.

Privacy and Security

Privacy and security are by far the most important topics to cover when discussing cybersecurity basics. The first thing that students should know is how to set their social media accounts private and the importance of disabling location sharing and the risks of geo-tagging photos. Online predators and scammers can use location data to stalk or learn more about the people they are targeting.

Another important aspect of privacy to discuss with students is the importance of not oversharing personal information on social media or to unsolicited messages. Information like addresses, legal names, online passwords, birthdays, social security numbers, and more, if posted online or sent in a message, can be used for a number of malicious purposes including identity theft.

When it comes to security, a basic overview of cybersecurity fundamentals is essential. Topics like how to avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading harmful software, how to install and use antivirus programs, and what to do in the event of a cyber attack, are good places to start. The depth and technicality of the subjects you cover will depend on the age group, however, everyone should have a solid foundation of the basics of being safe online.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious problem that many teens do not think about because they do not yet participate in the credit economy. However, students should have a basic understanding of how cybercriminals can use personal information that is shared online to open accounts in their name and destroy their credit or financial life before it even begins. Additionally, the advantage of a digital signature over an e-signature for signing important legal and financial documents is another basic understanding to have to help prevent identity theft and other types of fraud.

Relationships and Communication

Another focus of a digital citizenship curriculum should be relationships and communication. How we communicate online with one another is important to developing and maintaining relationships through digital communication. Assuring tone, inflection, and meaning are not misconstrued through email, texts, and other forms of digital communication will be an ongoing skill that students will work on and develop throughout their education and beyond.

Cyberbullying and Digital drama

It’s well known that Cyberbullying has become a serious problem that many schools are dealing with on a regular basis. It’s not only an abundant issue with more than 37% of young people between the ages of 12 and 17 reporting being bullied online, but the consequences can be destructive.

Young people who experience cyberbullying are at a much higher risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors than those who don’t. Teaching students how to recognize cyberbullying and what to do if they experience or observe it is a fundamental part of an impactful digital citizenship curriculum in combination with strict zero-tolerance policies.

Digital Footprints and Reputation

Another key aspect of digital citizenship is understanding that everything posted online is permanent. Even if you delete messages or posts, there is still a digital record of all communications. Also, your digital footprint is directly correlated with your reputation. Anything you post online about yourself and what you are doing or anything you post about others including comments, pictures, and other forms of content, can resurface years later and harm your reputation.

All students should understand that their digital footprint can have consequences down the road that they could never have imagined, especially if they participate in cyberbullying and other forms of online harassment.

Creative Credit, Copyright, and Plagiarism

Creative credit, copyright, and plagiarism are topics that have come into focus in recent years, especially with the development of AI programs like ChatGPT. Students should understand the basics of why it is important to give creative credit to originators, what copyright is and how it works, as well as how plagiarism is fundamentally wrong, even as society is introducing the use of AI into more arenas.

Conclusion

As more and more young people are getting online at earlier ages, many would argue that from as early as kindergarten, we should at least be introduced to some ideas of digital citizenship. Then, once students start reaching the age of middle school and they are preparing to be more active online, schools should introduce curricula to help students navigate the digital world in a way that is safe and constructive.

About the Author:
Ryan Harris is a copywriter focused on eLearning and the digital transitions going on in the education realm. Before turning to writing full time, Ryan worked for five years as a teacher in Tulsa and then spent six years overseeing product development at many successful Edtech companies, including 2U, EPAM, and NovoEd.