School Event

Unmasking the Joy of Reading:Our School’s Masked Reader Event

This year, our school community came together to celebrate a month-long reading promotion in a way that was both creative and unforgettable—through our very own Masked Reader event!

Inspired by the excitement of The Masked Singer, teachers stepped into the spotlight… or rather, behind the mask. Each participating teacher dressed up in costume and recorded themselves reading aloud from one of their favorite books. The twist? Their identities were completely hidden, and it was up to students to listen carefully, analyze clues, and guess: Who is the Masked Reader?

Throughout the month, students eagerly watched each video, paying close attention to voice, reading style, and the carefully crafted clues. Guesses spread quickly through classrooms and hallways, sparking conversations not only about the mystery readers, but also about books, genres, and favorite stories.

Behind the scenes, I had the opportunity to support this event in my role as Digital Learning Specialist. I worked with teachers to record and produce their Masked Reader videos using our school’s technology tools. Together, we created engaging videos that maintained the mystery while highlighting each teacher’s enthusiasm for reading.

The experience culminated in an exciting all-school assembly, where the final masked readers were revealed. The energy in the room was incredible as students reacted to each unmasking—cheering, laughing, and celebrating together.

This event was more than just a fun activity—it was a powerful way to build a culture of reading across our school. Students saw their teachers as readers, role models, and participants in a shared challenge. It also demonstrated how technology can enhance engagement, storytelling, and community connection.

The Masked Reader event truly brought our school together. Laughter, curiosity, and a love of reading filled our classrooms, reminding us all that sometimes, a little mystery can make stories even more magical.

Technology Essential QuestionsHow can technology be used to create engaging and interactive learning experiences for a whole school community?
How does digital media (video, audio, and editing) influence how we communicate ideas and tell stories?
What role does technology play in enhancing student engagement and participation in literacy activities?

Digital Literacy

Sixth Graders on the Case!

Is that website telling the truth… or pulling a trick?

Our sixth graders recently stepped into the role of digital detectives during a lesson called Truth or Trick: Investigating Online Media. Armed with critical thinking skills and a healthy dose of skepticism, students set out to uncover whether online sources were credible—or cleverly disguised misinformation.

The Case File: Online Media

In today’s world, information travels fast. With just one click, students can access news articles, blogs, videos, and social media posts from around the globe. But not everything online is accurate, reliable, or created with good intentions.

During this lesson, students were presented with a variety of websites and online articles. Their mission?
Examine each one closely and determine:
Who created this content?
What is the purpose?
Is there evidence to support the claims?
Can the information be verified elsewhere?

Using a digital detective checklist, students analyzed author credentials, publication dates, domain names, bias, tone, and supporting evidence. They looked for red flags—sensational headlines, lack of sources, exaggerated claims—and searched for clues that signaled credibility.

Following the Digital Footprints

Like true investigators, students learned that credible sources often:
Clearly identify an author or organizationProvide evidence and cite reliable referencesPresent balanced informationAre current and updated

Meanwhile, questionable sources sometimes:
Use emotional or extreme language
Lack author information
Include suspicious links or ads
Provide no evidence to support big claims

Students quickly realized that being a responsible digital citizen means more than just consuming information—it means questioning it.

Building Smart, Skeptical Thinkers

This lesson wasn’t just about spotting fake websites. It was about empowering students to slow down, think critically, and avoid being misled. In a world filled with viral posts and persuasive media, the ability to investigate before believing is a powerful skill.

By the end of the lesson, our sixth-grade detectives confidently cracked the case—knowing that not everything online is what it seems.

Case closed… for now. 🕵️‍♀️💻

Technology Essential Questions
How can we determine whether an online source is credible or misleading?
What clues help us identify bias or purpose in digital media?
Why is it important to verify information before sharing or believing it?

Massachusetts DLCS Standards (Grades 6–8)

Digital Literacy and Citizenship
6-8.DL.1: Demonstrate appropriate and responsible use of digital tools and resources.
6-8.DL.2: Evaluate the credibility of information found online and explain why sources are or are not trustworthy.
6-8.DL.3: Analyze digital media for bias, purpose, and perspective.
6-8.DL.4: Use effective research strategies to locate reliable information online.

Digital Literacy

“Copy That?”Sixth Graders Learn About Plagiarism and Citing Sources

Our 6th graders recently explored what it means to be responsible digital citizens. In a hands-on lesson, students learned about plagiarism, citing sources, and the importance of giving credit to the creators of content they use.

Through engaging activities, students practiced paraphrasing information, adding citations, and discussing how online actions can impact themselves and others. They also reflected on how to use technology ethically, including respecting others’ work and creating their own original projects.

By the end of the lesson, students could confidently answer questions like:

What is plagiarism, and why is it wrong?

How do I give credit for information or images I use?

How can I be an honest, responsible digital citizen online?

This lesson helps students build a foundation for academic integrity and ethical digital behavior as they continue to create and explore in an online world.

Technology Essential QuestionsHow can I use information from sources in a way that is honest and shows my own thinking?What is the difference between plagiarism, paraphrasing, and summarizing—and why does it matter?How do giving credit and using citations help me become a responsible digital learner?

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

6-8.CAS; 6-8.DTC.a