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Last Updated: October 29, 2008 12:54 PM

Computer: Mrs. Sandora

Overview

• Use keyboards and other common input devices, efficiently and effectively.

• Use developmentally appropriate multimedia resources.

• Gather information and communicate with others using telecommunications.

• Use on-line resources to access information and participate in collaborative problem-solving activities.

• Test new knowledge through sharing and rebuilding.

• Use a variety of software, general productivity tools, and peripherals to support personal productivity and to facilitate learning throughout the curriculum.

• Expand and express thoughts and ideas creatively.

• Use technology tools for individual and collaborative writing, communication, and publishing activities.

Announcements

The Apples for Students program will begin again in the fall. Information will be distributed as soon as it is available. Items obtained from last year's program were five Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras, two Tracker Compact Sport Binoculars, and one Kid K'Nex Life Cycles building set. Thank you for your continued support of this worthwhile program that benefits the children at Shady Side Academy.

Parent Volunteers - Occasionally, I am in need of volunteers for computer classes in Kindergarten and grades one, two, and three. No technical expertise is required. Please let me know if you are interested. You can either email me at ksandora@shadysideacademy or call via voice mail at 412-473-4410. Please leave your name, your child(s) name, their classroom teacher(s) and your email address.

If you are interested in the Parent Night handout which overviews the computer curriculum K-5, please click here.

Current Computing!

•Kindergarten - The children continue to practice and develop their early mouse skills. They have also been using a program called, Usborne's Animated First Thousand Words. This is a fun-to-use vocabulary-building tool that provides phonics and pronunciation practice through interactive games. Next, we will explore science concepts in Sammy's Science House.

Click for Kindergarten photos

• First Grade - Please continue to encourage the concept of using the right hand for the right side of the keyboard, and the left hand for the left side. The children have been working a project called First Grade Friends. This project entailed interviewing each other in pairs to discover information about themselves. Once completing their initial interview questions, the children then utilized an MS Word template to share each other's "favorites." Please be on the lookout for completed projects to come home soon. They can also be found on a bulletin board outside of the computer room.

Click for First Grade photos

• Second Grade - Please encourage continued learning of the home row keys and the concept of using the left hand for the left side of the keyboard and the right hand for the right side. The children have been participating in activities to reinforce classroom learning regarding the rain forest. First, they took a virtual tour of the rain forest to find and record interesting and accurate facts. If interested, please find the link to the Virtual Rain Forest website. They are now using their rain forest knowledge to create an electronic book in the program called Imagination Express: Destination Rain Forest.

New Second Grade photos will be arriving soon.

•Third Grade - The children have been busy learning the correct finger placements and keystrokes for efficient typing skills. Please remind your child to utilize their Home Practice Typing Calendar to complete their expected typing practice each month. The typing calendar for October is due this Friday! The children recently took a "typing test" which required them to type three simple sentences. Please look for these tests to come home for your review, signature and return.

Click for Third Grade photos

• Fourth Grade - Please continue to reinforce correct posture and keyboarding skills at home. Under the direction of their classroom teachers, the children have been working on word processing assignments and a mathematical software program called The Cluefinders Math Adventures: Mystery of the Stolen Treasures.

New Fourth Grade photos will be arriving soon

• Fifth Grade - The children are using a program for social studies called National Inspirer. Once this is completed, they will expand their horizons by going onto International Inspirer. They are have also practiced their grammar skills in a fun way by using the program called, Grammar for the Real World. Please continue to reinforce correct posture and keyboarding skills at home!

New Fifth Grade photos will be arriving soon

• Please remind your children to remember good posture and correct keyboarding skills while they are using their home computer! Continued practice at home is the only way for these skills to be developed and mastered!