A great lesson to teach children about #FAKENEWS

Fake news has recently been a popular topic, and teachers need to deal with this important issue in schools.

How could you teach it?

Start by asking children to visit this fantastic (completely made-up) website about a ‘tree octopus’!

Give the children about 10 minutes to explore the website.  You could ask them to find specific information if you wish.

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After, have a circle time in which you discuss the website. Ask:

• What did you think of the website?
• Was there anything strange?
• Did you believe everything?
• Why?

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Next, tell the children it is completely made up!  Ask:

• What made it seem real?
• Should we believe everything online?
• Why not?
• Who can put things online?

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How can we spot inaccurate information online?

A good way to teach children to spot inaccurate / fake information is to use the ‘Craap Test’.  Here’s a worksheet I found online (from www.juniata.edu):

Craap Test To Spot Fake Information Online

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Have a go at teaching the lesson.  Let me know how it goes 🙂