Graphic Design

The Heart and Soul of Body Systems: A Canva Collaboration

In today's digital age, technology plays a vital role in education, making learning more interactive and engaging for students. Canva, a user-friendly graphic design tool, offers sixth-grade students a creative way to understand complex topics like the human body systems.

  

Here's how Canva benefits students and encourages their expression:Why Visual Learning Matters - Visual aids, like infographics, help students better grasp challenging concepts, making learning more engaging and effective.
Canva: Unleashing Creativity Accessible Templates: Canva provides ready-made templates designed for educational use, making it easy for students to organize information.
Customization Options: Students can personalize their infographics by adding text, images, and shapes, allowing them to express themselves creatively.
Collaborative Features: Canva allows students to work together on projects, promoting teamwork and communication skills.
Empowering StudentsPersonalized Expression: Students can choose colors, fonts, and layouts that reflect their preferences, giving them a sense of ownership over their work.
Diverse Representation: With Canva's library of images, students can represent diverse perspectives and experiences related to body systems.
Amplifying Student Voice: Creating infographics enables students to share their insights with peers and beyond, fostering confidence and engagement.
By integrating Canva into the curriculum, educators empower students to become active participants in their learning journey. Through creativity and collaboration, Canva helps sixth graders understand complex topics while expressing their unique perspectives. With platforms like Canva, learning becomes more enjoyable and meaningful for students, preparing them for success in the digital world.

Technology Essential QuestionsHow can students leverage Canva's customizable templates to visually portray their comprehension of the human body systems?In what manners does collaborative work on Canva enhance teamwork and communication skills among sixth-grade students?How does the use of Canva empower students to express their individuality and personal perspectives while crafting infographics about body systems?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

6-8.CAS.b.9; 6-8.DTC.a; 6-8.DTC.b; 6-8.DTC.c

DC Ambassadors

6th Graders BecomeDigital Citizenship Ambassadors

Recently, all grade six students completed their work in Spofford Pond School's Digital Citizenship Ambassador program.  Throughout the school year, sixth graders embarked on a transformative journey covering essential topics such as:
Media Balance & Well-Being: Students learned to maintain a healthy balance between online and offline activities, prioritizing well-being amidst digital immersion.Privacy & Security: Understanding the importance of safeguarding personal information and implementing strategies for online security.Digital Footprint & Identity: Exploring the concept of digital footprint and cultivating a positive online identity aligned with personal values.Relationships & Communication: Developing empathy-driven communication skills to foster healthy relationships in both digital and real-world settings.Cyberbullying, Digital Drama: Recognizing the signs of cyberbullying and promoting a culture of kindness and empathy to combat digital conflicts.News & Media Literacy: Enhancing critical thinking skills to evaluate online information, distinguishing credible sources from misinformation.
Upon completing the course, these sixth graders didn't just acquire knowledge—they became champions of digital citizenship. As a testament to their dedication and commitment, each student was honored with the title of Digital Citizenship Ambassador. To commemorate their achievement, each class received a digital badge to be printed and displayed in their classrooms.

These badges not only symbolize their newfound expertise but also serve as a reminder of their responsibility to uphold the principles of digital citizenship in their online interactions. As they embark on their digital journeys, these ambassadors will continue to lead by example, promoting a culture of digital respect and responsibility within their communities.
In a world where the digital landscape is ever-evolving, nurturing responsible digital citizens is more important than ever. Through initiatives like this digital citizenship course, we're not just preparing students for the future—we're empowering them to shape it for the better.

Technology Essential Questions

What are our rights and responsibilities as digital citizens, and how do they influence our online behavior?

How can we use digital platforms to contribute positively to our communities while avoiding harmful behaviors such as cyberbullying or spreading misinformation?

How do we distinguish between credible and unreliable sources of information in the digital age?

What steps can we take to safeguard our personal information and privacy online?

What are the long-term consequences of our digital actions, and how can we make informed decisions to shape our digital identities positively?

What strategies can we employ to navigate digital platforms effectively while maintaining positive online relationships?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

6-8.CAS

Digital Citizenship

Grades 3, 4 & 5Is Seeing Believing?

As a digital learning specialist, one of my favorite roles is helping students peel back the layers of what they see online. In today’s world, images and videos flood their feeds daily—and often, those visuals aren’t quite what they seem.
Recently, I worked with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade classes to explore the big idea behind the lesson "Is Seeing Believing?" from Common Sense Media. The goal? To help students think critically about how and why photos and videos are sometimes altered—and how those changes can affect the way we see ourselves, others, and the world around us.
What We ExploredWe kicked off with a simple but powerful question: Can you always trust what you see online? Students viewed real-world examples of digitally altered images—some subtle, like adjusted lighting and filters, and others more extreme, like edited body shapes or misleading video clips.
We discussed:Why people and companies might alter media (e.g., advertising, social media likes, entertainment)How altered images can shape our perceptions of beauty, success, or realityHow to develop a critical eye and ask questions before believing or sharing visual content
One moment that really stood out was when a student said, “Wait, so they don’t actually look like that in real life?”—a perfect reminder of why this lesson is so necessary, especially at an age when kids are just beginning to build their digital identities.
Final ThoughtsTeaching media literacy isn't about making students cynical—it's about empowering them with curiosity, awareness, and critical thinking skills. After this lesson, students left with a new set of “digital glasses”—ready to look twice at the images they scroll past and think deeply about what’s real, what’s not, and why it matters.
It’s a skill they'll carry with them long after they log off. 


Technology Essential QuestionsCan you always trust what you see in photos and videos online?Why do people or companies change the way things look in media?How can I recognize when a photo or video might not show the full truth?

MA Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Standards:Use digital tools (e.g., graphic design, image editing) to explore the use of media and recognize when media has been changed or manipulated.Describe how media messages are constructed for specific purposes and target audiences, and how those messages can influence thoughts and feelings.Understand how digital content can be altered and shared, and how that impacts communication, perception, and credibility.