WELCOME TO
COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY!
FEBRUARY 2012
Congratulations to Kaleb Calkins. He is the first student EVER to complete the SuccessMaker Math Concepts and Skills program! He received a certificate and pencil and has had his name put up on the "Wall of Fame" in the computer lab. Way to go Kaleb!
The CBAS writing prompt went very well. All Students have now completed the first one and some have come down to take their second on-line writing prompt.
SCANTRON has been completed for the fall baseline. End of year testing will begin in May of 2012.
The new typing program, Type To Learn 4, has been received with great enthusiasm by the students. Many have told me that they actually look forward to typing now. It begins with a Pre-test for all students and then the program places them on the appropriate level. For those students who have never typed, it places them on Lesson A where they learn the proper techniques and the home keys. It then moves on to Lesson B where they learn more about the placement of the hands and the home row keys. The program does not move on until the student masters each lesson. After every three lessons there is an assessment test that they are required to complete before moving on.
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COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY BY GRADE: PRE-SCHOOL: - JumpStart Pre-School Advanced, PBS KIDS(3 & 4 yr olds) -JumpStart Pre-School Advanced, PBS Kids, SuccessMaker Math & Reading (4 & 5 yr olds) KINDERGARTEN: SuccessMaker Math and Reading, PBS KIDS FIRST GRADE: SuccessMaker Math and Reading, Kids Keys, PBS KIDS SECOND GRADE: SuccessMaker Math and Reading, Kids Keys, Scantron THIRD GRADE: SuccessMaker Math, Reading, Spelling and Type to Learn 4, Scantron, CBAS Write FOURTH GRADE: SuccessMaker Math, Reading, Science, Spelling and Type To Learn 4, Scantron, CBAS Write FIFTH GRADE: SuccessMaker Math, Reading, Science, Spelling and Type To Learn 4, Scantron, CBAS Write SIXTH GRADE: SuccessMaker Math, Reading, Science, Spelling and Type to Learn 4, Scantron, CBAS Write |
KEYBOARDING Students in grades three through sixth work in a program called Type To Learn 4 where they learn how to use proper techniques in keyboarding. The program sets speed and accuracy goals for each student so they are learning at their own level. Younger grades use the Kids Keys program which begins to get the young hands and fingers ready for the proper keyboarding experience. They become familiar with the keyboard and the proper placement of the fingers. For extra practice, we use a program called Type For Fun, which is more of a fun, interactive space game, incorporating the goal of increasing keyboard fluency and familiarity. There are also some on-line sites where students can practice keyboarding when they have some free time.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing |
***If you see your child typing on the keyboard at home, please encourage them to type with both hands and fingers over the "home keys." Students in grades 3 through 6 will understand this concept.
**** If a child brings me 10 Boxtops, they can pick out a new pencil of their choice. Please check expiration dates!!! The PTO is now handling the Boxtops for Education Program for the school. Each Boxtop is worth at least 10 cents and the dollar amounts can really add up when everyone contributes.
Although we provide headphones for all the students, some students complain that they are uncomfortable when using them with their glasses, or hair accessories. Some parents are also concerned with hygienic issues Students and parents have asked if they can bring in and use their own headphones. They can do this, however, they need to be compatible with our computers ( most are) and students need to be responsible for bringing them back and forth to class each time.
