What's Happening and Happy Holidays!

Hello,

You must be wondering what is happening in the lab. We have been a busy K-5 bunch.

Fifth Graders have started a multi-level virtual simulation (sim) of the first Colonists. Here students assume the role of colonial governors who assign work, monitor crops, build houses, negotiate with Indians, and punish wayward settlers. Critical thinking and making the right choices will help them through the final level. Will they make it???? Ask your child.

Fourth Graders have been busy with our graphic web designer software. Students studied about character traits and chose a favorite character to web a character analysis. Soon after they will complete a mind map of their own using this fascinating software.

Third Graders have been exploring the wonderful world of Google Earth. They delved into the historical timeline of favorite places and were shocked to see that our school wasn't here 10 years ago. They observed their neighborhood from a bird's eye perspective and one student commented that they never knew their neighbor had a pool! Students also explored the galaxy and landed on Mars and marked a special spot just for them.

Second Graders have been busy programming turtles. They've learned to create animation and incorporate music, text and art all in one screen. Ask them about their 'Favorite Place' project.

First Graders have been exploring a paint program and creating art from their digital photo. They have also been introduced to the world of programming through animation. They also continue to practice typing and learning the various keys.

Kindergartners have been busy completing the Senses Program which hones their skills of the five senses taught in their homeroom classes. They've worked with a program that has nine levels and many have completed it and received certificates. Others are very close to completing the levels.

As you can see, we have been busy. With all of their lessons, students are also receiving typing practice and keyboarding skills. If you have a child in grades 3-5, please make sure that they continue their typing practice at home using the typing log that can be found on your child's teacher's website. If you have trouble accessing the log, please feel free to just create your own log. Nothing fancy please.

Take care and Happy Holidays to you all!

Rasha Sachdeva

More Typing Programs

Hello All,

Wow, it's great seeing my 3-5 graders getting so excited about their typing homework. Many students have already completed the Dance Mat Typing Program. For those of you who want other suggested sites, please see the links to the left. I also suggest a vist to your local library and checking out one of their numerous typing programs on CDROM. You can keep them for a month and check out another one after that. The main goal here is to continue typing practice.

Thanks so much for your support by encouraging your child to continue typing practice at home.

Rasha Sachdeva