Little learners are already watching videos, and some of those videos were made by computers. K-2 students do not need source evaluation or a fake news lecture. They need three sturdy ideas: some things online are real and some are pretend, pretend is wonderful as long as we know it is pretend, and when we cannot tell, we ask a grown-up we trust.

Real or Pretend? teaches exactly those three ideas in one joyful 25-minute lesson, and it asks nothing of your students' reading level. Nothing. Every scenario is read aloud by you.

Here is how it works. You tell the true story of a very real, very round Seattle raccoon, using the read-aloud script included in the packet: grown-ups looked at the real raccoon and shouted "that's not real!", while computer-made videos of the same raccoon fooled millions of other grown-ups. Even adults need help with this! Then you read 8 short scenario cards aloud, and students vote with their feet, hands, or motions: Real, Pretend, or Ask a Grown-Up, using three printable signs hung around the room.

The heart of the lesson is that third sign. Ask a Grown-Up is taught as the hero vote, not the I-don't-know vote. It is the little-kid version of what scientists do when they do not have enough evidence, and this lesson celebrates every child brave enough to choose it. The class chant seals it: "Real or pretend? Can't tell? ASK!"

What is included in the 12-page packet:

• Teacher guide with a minute-by-minute 25-minute lesson flow

• The full read-aloud story script, so there is no book to buy or find

• 8 teacher-read scenario cards and 3 printable vote signs

• A circle-the-answer voting sheet with picture icons (no writing required), plus a kindergarten option to skip it entirely

• An optional Real & Pretend drawing page with a built-in note to families

• A complete answer key with the exact kid-friendly words to say at every reveal

Two things this lesson gets right that matter at this age: it never teaches children to fear pretend things (one scenario is a cartoon, and the answer is "pretend, and that is okay!"), and it never asks a five-year-old to evaluate a source. It gives them the one move that actually keeps them safe: go find your trusted grown-up.

Aligned to ISTE Standards for Students 1.3b Knowledge Constructor and AI4K12 Big Idea #5, Societal Impact.

Perfect for a morning meeting, a library or media special, digital citizenship week, or a counselor or tech coach push-in. This is a companion to The Jimothy Test (available for grades 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12), built on the same true story, so an entire building can teach the same big idea the same week from kindergarten to seniors.

The internet is full of amazing things, and some of them are pretend. Your littlest learners can handle that truth, especially with a scrappy round raccoon leading the way.

I would love to connect. Follow @teachwiseai for tips and strategies, and find more at teachwiseai.com.