In today’s digital age, students often turn to the internet to find information, complete assignments, and expand their knowledge. However, for English language learners, navigating search engines can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding age-appropriate and safe content. TESOL teachers play a crucial role in guiding students to use search tools effectively and responsibly. By introducing students to safe search engines, teachers can help them build digital literacy skills while ensuring that they are accessing appropriate resources. Here are seven safe search engines that TESOL teachers can recommend to their students.
1. Kiddle
Kiddle is a child-friendly search engine that filters search results to ensure they are appropriate for young users. It uses Google’s SafeSearch technology, with an added layer of manual filtering to exclude content that may not be suitable for children. Kiddle displays search results with large thumbnails and text in a kid-friendly font, making it visually appealing and easy to read. This search engine is particularly useful for younger English language learners, as it helps them find relevant information without being overwhelmed by complex or inappropriate content.
Classroom Tip: Use Kiddle to introduce students to basic search skills. Assign a fun research activity where students look up facts about animals, famous landmarks, or English-speaking countries.
2. Kidtopia
Kidtopia is a search engine created by school librarians for elementary and middle school students. It features curated educational content on a wide range of subjects, including history, science, and language arts. Kidtopia’s search results are focused on sites that are specifically designed for children, providing a safe environment for students to find information.
Classroom Tip: Encourage students to use Kidtopia for research projects. For instance, if they are writing an English essay about their favorite sport, Kidtopia can help them find suitable articles and resources.
3. Wolfram Alpha
Wolfram Alpha is a computational search engine that provides answers based on data and algorithms rather than general web content. It’s ideal for math, science, and fact-based research, as it delivers direct answers to queries instead of a list of web links. While not specifically a “safe search engine” for children, Wolfram Alpha’s academic focus makes it a valuable tool for older students who are working on more complex topics.
Classroom Tip: Integrate Wolfram Alpha into English language lessons by using it to explore data-based topics, such as comparing populations of English-speaking countries or analyzing word frequencies in famous English literature.
4. SweetSearch
SweetSearch is a search engine that indexes only reliable websites that have been evaluated by research experts, librarians, and teachers. The search results are tailored for students, making it easier for them to find credible and academically suitable content. This search engine is particularly helpful for English language learners working on research papers, projects, or assignments where the accuracy and reliability of information are crucial.
Classroom Tip: Teach students how to use SweetSearch for fact-checking and verifying information found elsewhere. This helps them develop critical thinking skills and discernment when evaluating online sources.
5. Fact Monster
Fact Monster is a safe search engine that combines an online encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, and homework help resources. It’s designed for children and offers information on a wide range of topics, including history, science, and language arts. Fact Monster is an excellent resource for English language learners who need simple and straightforward explanations of various subjects.
Classroom Tip: Use Fact Monster to create vocabulary-building exercises. Have students search for words they don’t know and use the dictionary and thesaurus features to understand their meanings and find synonyms.
6. DuckDuckGo
DuckDuckGo is a search engine that prioritizes privacy and filters out inappropriate content. It doesn’t track users, making it a safe option for students who are concerned about privacy. While not specifically designed for children, DuckDuckGo’s strict SafeSearch feature ensures that explicit content is filtered out, making it a safer choice than some mainstream search engines.
Classroom Tip: Introduce older students to DuckDuckGo as a safe search alternative. Teach them about the importance of online privacy and explain how search engines collect data. This can be an excellent opportunity to discuss digital citizenship and ethical internet use.
7. KidRex
KidRex is a custom Google search engine that uses SafeSearch technology, combined with additional filtering to block inappropriate content. The interface features a child-friendly design, making it appealing to younger users. Although KidRex relies on Google’s search results, it has an added layer of protection to keep young learners safe while browsing.
Classroom Tip: Use KidRex to conduct internet scavenger hunts. For example, have students find interesting facts about English-speaking countries or search for pictures related to vocabulary words being studied in class.
Tips for Teaching Safe Search Skills
Teaching students how to use search engines effectively and safely is an essential part of digital literacy. Here are some tips for TESOL teachers:
- Introduce Search Skills Gradually: Begin with simple activities, such as finding pictures or basic facts, before moving on to more complex searches that require evaluating the credibility of sources.
- Teach Source Evaluation: Show students how to identify trustworthy websites. Explain key indicators of credible sources, such as domain extensions (.edu, .gov) and the presence of author credentials.
- Discuss Online Privacy: Explain the importance of using search engines that prioritize user privacy, and teach students how to adjust SafeSearch settings.
- Provide Ongoing Guidance: Regularly monitor students’ search activities and provide feedback on their search strategies. Offer additional resources and search tools as they become more proficient.
- Incorporate Search Challenges: Design classroom activities where students need to find specific information using one of the safe search engines. This helps them practice their search skills in a fun and engaging way.
Conclusion
As TESOL teachers, guiding English language learners in using search engines safely and effectively is an important part of fostering digital literacy. By introducing students to safe search engines like Kiddle, Kidtopia, Wolfram Alpha, SweetSearch, Fact Monster, DuckDuckGo, and KidRex, educators can help them develop the skills needed to find relevant, credible, and age-appropriate information. In a world where digital skills are increasingly essential, equipping students with safe search techniques will not only enhance their learning experiences but also prepare them for a lifetime of responsible internet use.
