We are off to a great start for the month of September, and the biggest news I have to share is that the Lower School will be receiving a cart of 22 iPads for computer lab and classroom use! With help from Ms. Becker and Señora Hoyos, we have pulled together a list of the BEST and most innovative apps for our children that will stretch across all subject areas. Click here to see that list.
In first grade we have started working on our own versions of the book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. We are painting detailed portraits of ourselves (digitally, of course) and writing captions for our paintings using the keyboard--all with an application called Doozla. Some skills that we're covering include: capitalization, using commas, correct spacing, question marks, and exclamation points. Stay tuned for the finished products!
In second grade we have begun using one of our favorite websites called Ten Marks. Ten Marks is an online math practice program where the activities students complete are selected by the teacher. As the children complete activities, they are motivated to earn certificates and unlock online educational games. Our second graders have unique usernames and passwords to use Ten Marks, and both the classroom teachers and I have access to that information should you need it at home.
Most of our third graders are rocking and rolling with Common Sense Media's Digital Passport program. The children participate in this program to build their online citizenship skills, learn how to make smart decisions online, and grow increasingly prepared to thrive in a world that is becoming more and more connected. They are encouraged to use the site at home; feel free to email Mrs. Bullock for username and password information. At the same time as the implementation of the Digital Passport program, we are launching use of the Writers (portable keyboards) to get the children building their typing skills in preparation for the 4th and 5th grades. The Writers are used primarily in the lead teacher's classroom and do not go home with the children.
In first grade we have started working on our own versions of the book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr. We are painting detailed portraits of ourselves (digitally, of course) and writing captions for our paintings using the keyboard--all with an application called Doozla. Some skills that we're covering include: capitalization, using commas, correct spacing, question marks, and exclamation points. Stay tuned for the finished products!
In second grade we have begun using one of our favorite websites called Ten Marks. Ten Marks is an online math practice program where the activities students complete are selected by the teacher. As the children complete activities, they are motivated to earn certificates and unlock online educational games. Our second graders have unique usernames and passwords to use Ten Marks, and both the classroom teachers and I have access to that information should you need it at home.
Most of our third graders are rocking and rolling with Common Sense Media's Digital Passport program. The children participate in this program to build their online citizenship skills, learn how to make smart decisions online, and grow increasingly prepared to thrive in a world that is becoming more and more connected. They are encouraged to use the site at home; feel free to email Mrs. Bullock for username and password information. At the same time as the implementation of the Digital Passport program, we are launching use of the Writers (portable keyboards) to get the children building their typing skills in preparation for the 4th and 5th grades. The Writers are used primarily in the lead teacher's classroom and do not go home with the children.