K-12 US · K–2
Evaluating Websites for Grades K–2
This guide helps US primary classrooms teach evaluating websites with clear objectives and classroom-ready activities. Teach domain literacy, author credentials, and redesign flags that signal untrustworthy sites. Use short texts, picture prompts, and guided discussion. Keep vocabulary concrete and revisit the same media literacy habits weekly. Use it to plan a single lesson or a short unit arc in K–2 — then explore how Split a Cookie (SaC) modules reduce prep time for teachers and substitutes.
Last reviewed 2026-07-05
Learning objectives
- In Grades K–2, students inspect about pages and contact information — aligned with evaluating websites instruction in primary classrooms.
- In Grades K–2, students look at two examples and talk about .edu, .gov, and commercial domains — aligned with evaluating websites instruction in primary classrooms.
- In Grades K–2, students spot typosquatting and impersonation sites — aligned with evaluating websites instruction in primary classrooms.
Classroom activities
- Use picture cards to sort "helpful" vs. "needs checking" sources after a read-aloud connected to evaluating websites.
- Open with a 5-minute "Evaluating Websites" warm-up using a short age-appropriate clip or headline, then chart student questions on the board.
- Run a paired source comparison: give primary classrooms two short texts on the same event and ask which is more trustworthy and why.
- Send home a one-sentence family prompt: ask an adult how they check news on their phone.
SaC curriculum fit
The Editor's Desk exercises in SaC handouts walk students through structured website evaluation.
Standards alignment note
Districts across the United States align Grades K–2 media literacy instruction to state ELA, social studies, and library standards. SaC resources support local adoption — they do not replace state-specific scope and sequence requirements. Review your state framework when mapping K–2 outcomes.
Related resources
Other grade bands — Evaluating Websites