This trimester in our classroom, students K-2 have been learning to be connected learners in a connected world. Last trimester, students focused mostly on digital citizenship and online safety, while this trimester they have been doing more collaborating, designing, and becoming empowered citizens constructing their own knowledge. All three grade levels have been participating in learning these skills as well as practicing specific sets of skills, based on their grade level and capabilities. In second grade, for example, students have been practicing effectively communicating with peers and teachers in an online environment through programs like Edmodo. First graders have been practicing their computer literacy skills by going to websites like BrainPOP Jr. or Google, and Kindergarteners have been practicing literacy and math skills on programs like Starfall or Shapes. Students are encouraged to problem solve or ask an "expert" who has learned how to troubleshoot the current technology - it's incredible how smart and capable these children are! The students have also focused quite heavily on computer programming this trimester, with the Hour of Code having taken place during the month of December. This computer programming experience encourages students to learn the basics of computer science, including problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. For more information on the Hour of Code and its benefits to children across the country and around the globe, click here.
The district has also been fortunate enough to have mobile technology available through the use of iPads this year, and classroom teachers have been checking them out to engage students in interactive lessons. The ability to use the iPads in the classroom allows for technology to be integrated into the lessons teachers have always been teaching, but makes them more relevant to the students who are, in a modern society, digital citizens. If you have any further questions on what your child is up to, I encourage you to start a dialogue with them and ask them to show you what they've been learning! We take so many skills that we as adults know for granted, but these students are quick learners and love to show off their knowledge. If that doesn't satisfy your questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
The district has also been fortunate enough to have mobile technology available through the use of iPads this year, and classroom teachers have been checking them out to engage students in interactive lessons. The ability to use the iPads in the classroom allows for technology to be integrated into the lessons teachers have always been teaching, but makes them more relevant to the students who are, in a modern society, digital citizens. If you have any further questions on what your child is up to, I encourage you to start a dialogue with them and ask them to show you what they've been learning! We take so many skills that we as adults know for granted, but these students are quick learners and love to show off their knowledge. If that doesn't satisfy your questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected].