Lesson Plan for Ages 4-6

Every Hero Needs a Shield - Duration: 30-40 minutes

^{CIRA (Canadian Internet Registration Authority) offers a free cybersecurity tool called Canadian Shield, designed to help keep students, educators, and families safe online. The Shield is made for Canadians, by Canadians and aims to provide free cybersecurity protection for families and we think it's worth knowing about. CIRA created fun puzzles and games for students of all ages to encourage people to use this tool, and our team at Digital Moment created complete lesson plans around them.}

Every Hero Needs a Shield

Learning Objectives

• Understand that the internet can have harmful content

• Recognize how tools like trusted adults act as shields to help keep us safe online

• Develop early awareness of online safety

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Materials Needed

• Storybook “The Brave Little Girl and Her Cybershield”

• Paper plates or cardboard circles

• Markers, crayons, construction paper, scissors, glue sticks

• CIRA’s supporting material

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Lesson Activities

1. Introduction & Story Time (5 minutes)

Opening Discussion:

• "Who knows what a hero is? What do heroes do?" (Listen to responses)

• "Today we're going to learn about being Cyber Heroes!"

Simple Explanation:

• "When we use tablets, phones, or computers, we're going online - kind of like visiting a big playground."

• "Just like on a real playground, there are safe places and things we need to watch out for."

• "We know heroes use shields to stay safe, and we can use special shields online too!"

Read Aloud:

• “The Brave Little Girl and Her Cyber Shield” will be read aloud by the teacher.

• Students can practice at home by using the ‘listen’ option.

Discussion Questions:

• "What did Maya use to stay safe?"

• "Why do we need shields online?"

• "Who can help us stay safe?"

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3. Craft Activity: Make Your Own Shield (15 minutes)

Instructions:

1. Give each child a paper plate or cardboard circle

2. Let them decorate their "cyber shield" with:

3. Drawings of activities they like to do online

4. Drawings of things that make them feel safe

5. Drawings of how grown-ups can help

6. Writing simple words to reinforce understanding → “safe” “help” “trust” “mom” “dad”

7. Help them add a construction paper handle on the back

While Crafting, Reinforce:

• "Your shield will remind you to stay safe online"

• "Always ask a grown-up before going online"

• "If something seems scary or wrong, tell a trusted adult right away"

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4. Movement Game: Shield Up! (5 minutes)

How to Play:

• Children stand in a circle holding their shields

• Teacher calls out scenarios, class decides whether they are safe or unsafe:

• "You watch a video of your dog!" → Thumbs up

• "A pop-up asks you to click on something!" → Shields UP!

• "You want to play a game!" → "Ask an adult first!" Thumbs up

• "Something makes you feel uncomfortable!" → Shields UP! "Tell an adult!"

This reinforces when to be cautious and when to ask for help.

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5. Closing Circle (5 minutes)

Review Key Messages:

• "What did we learn today?"

• Review the "Cyber Hero Rules":

• Always ask a grown-up before going online

• If something feels wrong, tell a trusted adult

• Keep your shield up (stay protected)!

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Extensions and Modifications

If students finish early, hand out cybersecurity-themed colouring sheet and maze from CIRA: print-out via https://www.cira.ca/uploads/2025/08/cira-cyber-hero_4-to-6.pdf

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