"If Digital Citizenship were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten."

As a history teacher, I can assure you that there is truth in the quote from Ruyard Kipling that reads, “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” Storytelling does something to our brains, making us more likely to remember and make meaning of what we read and hear.

I am convinced that one of our second grade teachers must believe this, too. In fact,  she might change Kipling's quote to read, "If  Digital Citizenship were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten." Over the past few weeks, she has been on a book buying frenzy! Below are some of the books she has been reading with her class to provoke meaningful discussions and reinforce what it means to be a good digital citizen.

The Technology Tail: A Digital Footprint Story by Julia Cook Don't be mean! That's the sage, straight-to-the-point advice "Screen" has for young readers who are active on social media. Whether tapping out messages on their computers, tablets or phones, Screen wants kids to know their words the kind and the cruel will follow them for life, or at least a very, very long time. Every post creates a digital trail that can't be erased. So any snarky putdown or unkind comment can come back to bite them, bury their relationships and batter their reputations! Written for children in grades 1-6, this storybook uses rhymes and colorful illustrations to grab their attention.
But It’s Just a Game by Julia Cook Meet Jasper! A young boy who is totally absorbed with playing video games… "With my game controller in my hands, I'm the boss of my whole world! I can be who I want and do as I please. I can get the highest score. I get all the chances that I need. If I make a mistake it's ok. Everyone thinks I'm 'it on a stick!' And the bad stuff all goes away." Video game addiction is on the rise, but it can be prevented. This creative story book teaches both kids and adults how to switch out their game controller for a "life controller." Video gaming is becoming a part of our culture, and we must be strategic in creating a healthy gaming balance.(Recommended grades 2-6)
Cell Phoney by Julia Cook After much anticipation, Joanie Maloney finally gets her very own cell phone! Knowing that owning a cell phone requires responsibility and sound judgment, Joanie's mom requires her to complete a Cell Phone Safety Course. Mom, it s a phone... its not a weapon! Joanie exclaims. Along with Joanie, children will learn the six rules of cell phone usage which are designed not only to keep them safe, but also to keep them from being tempted to hurt others. By knowing the rules, children can become masters of their cell phones and avoid becoming a Cell Phoney!
Once Upon a Time Online by David Bedford Once upon a time, a laptop arrived in Fairy-tale land... A happily ever after is only a click away! Find out what happens when our favorite fairy-tale characters receive a laptop and learn a lesson in online safety.
When Charlie McButton Lost Power by Suzanne Collins Charlie McButton likes computer games so much, he never plays with anything else. When a thunderstorm knocks out the electricity, his tech empire comes tumbling down, and his whole world loses power. Charlie needs batteries?FAST! But the only triple- A?s he can find are in his little sister?s talking doll. Will he resort to desperate measures and cause his sister to have a meltdown of her own? Or will he snap out of his computer craze long enough to realize his sister might be fun, even if she doesn’t  come with batteries? Collins and Lester team up for a hilarious and timely tale that will crack up young computer addicts and those who love them!
Goodnight iPad by Ann Droyd In a bright buzzing room, in the glow of the moon-and iPhones and Androids and Blackberries too-it is time to say goodnight... Modern life is abuzz. There are huge LCD WiFi HD TVs and Facebook requests and thumbs tapping texts and new viral clips of cats doing flips. Wouldn't it be nice to say goodnight to all that? Like the rest of us who cannot resist just a few more scrolls and clicks, you may find yourself ready for bed while still clinging to your electronics long after dark. This book, which is made of paper, is a reminder for the child in all of us to power down at the end of the day. This hilarious parody not only pokes loving fun at the bygone quiet of the original classic, but also at our modern plugged-in lives. It will make you laugh, and it will also help you put yourself and your machines to sleep. Don't worry, though. Your gadgets will be waiting for you, fully charged, in the morning.
If you Give a Mouse an iPhone by Ann Droyd If you give in to temptation and give a bored little mouse your iPhone, even for ten minutes, he’s probably going to beam to some faraway place beyond time, space, and the sound of your pleading voice. And if he’s that far gone, he won’t have any idea what’s going on around him, and he might end up missing out on all the real fun.
Webster’s Em@il by Hannah Whaley One click, and Webster's email is on its way... but where will it stop? Webster's Email is a wonderfully witty rhyming story that gathers pace as the little spider begins to regret emailing a funny picture of his sister. Count with Webster in this number book as his email reaches more and more people, while gently introducing young readers to the vocabulary and etiquette of email technology. One of a collection of picture books about technology for children which introduce topics about online safety, over sharing, email, meeting strangers online and using computers responsibly. Appropriate for a young audience (ages 3-8) they are a perfect tool for parents, teachers and librarians to teach children about digital issues or for new readers to explore themselves.