Storybooks About Technology You Need In Your Classroom
Dr. Shelton's BIG list of story and picture books for Prek-8th graders to learn about AI, digital citizenship, coding, and more
Great teachers know that students need opportunities to play with new technologies in the classroom. But, even greater teachers know that students need to learn about technologies too.
Below, I offer a big list of children’s picture books that teach students about technology, how it works, its history, how to use it safely, and how to think critically about tech. I conclude with suggestions for how to integrate these books into your classroom teaching.
The books listed below link to Amazon because its so convenient (and I get a small affiliate commission if you purchase). But I recommend checking them out from your local library. You might also ask your school librarian to purchase them!
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is such a hot topic now. Your students are surely curious. I haven’t found too many picture books on AI out there yet, but here’s a few to get started with.
Media Balance
Want to teach your students about the value of unplugging? Or maybe your students need strategies for healthy media habits? The books below offer cute, simple stories to help children think about media balance (and they align with ISTE Student Standard 1.2.b Online Behavior). Let’s be honest, these books have great messages for adults seeking media balance too.
Online Safety
It’s a jungle out there online. Kids need to understand how to create and manage safe passwords, avoid getting hacked, stay away from clickbait, and stay safe when using social media and online gaming. These books offer charming and often funny stories, cautionary tales, and advice for online safety (aligning with ISTE student standard 1.2.a Digital Footprint and 1.2.d Digital Privacy).
Computer Science
They say that teachers are preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow. Well, many of those jobs of tomorrow will in some way involve computer science, programming, coding, and robotics.
The following books will help students understand what exactly coding is, while learning about key figures paving the way in the field of computer science (and they align with ISTE Student Standard 1.5.d Algorithmic Thinking).
The Value of Making Mistakes
You might be thinking, what does this topic have to do with technology?
My former NAU students can tell you mistake making has everything to do with effective technology use. Often in school, kids are expected to efficiently get a single end result. But when learning with tech, many results are possible. And it may take some time.
“Progress, not perfection” and “Process over product” are two important mantras for successful tech use. Here are a few of my favorite books that convey the value of making mistakes:
Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg
Ish by Peter Reynolds
What You Do Matters Boxed Set by Peter Reynolds
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Where Do Storybooks About Technology Fit In Your Curriculum?
There are lots of possibilities… Here are a few ideas, but I’m sure you can think of more:
Add these books to your classroom bookshelf
Read one book a week during your after recess teacher read aloud
Send a list of these books home to caregivers
In your caregiver newsletter, link to a video read aloud of the book
Read to the whole class when you see a teachable moment (for example about cyber bullying, good online safety, etc.)
Use the books for formal lessons. For example, during ELA time, could the teacher read one of the books to the class, then students work to re-write an adaptation, alternate ending, etc.?
Until next time, happy reading!
Please share this with friends. They are welcome to subscribe.
Remember the views and ideas shared here are my own. If it’s not a fit for you, feel free to unsubscribe. ~Dr. Shelton