Hello Everyone,
March has just flown by and Spring Break is already here! I want to wish you all a very fun and safe Spring Break and hope you get the much deserved rest with family.
Kindergartners and First Graders have been getting acquainted with my new Smart Board. I love it. The kids are so fascinating by it and now know why they call it SmartBoard Technology! Students got to see an interactive story and they got to click to turn the pages. They also created great artwork as a group and individually. They loved the use of the 'magic' pens and eraser. They got to drag and drop icons with their fingers!
My Second Graders have also used the Smart Board as well. They were very intrigued by the scrolling function and the fact that whatever is on my laptop, shows on the SmartBoard. They have also started web designing. We are using a wonderful software that teaches them the basics of web designing without the use of HTML. They have already created home and author pages.
Third Graders have just completed using Inspiration graphic organizer to map out their inventors that they learned about in their homeroom classes. This is a great tool to visually see your research and have it all come together in a visual representation. Ask them about it!
My Fourth Graders have been busy with a mathematical simulation involving a 'Hot Dog Stand'. It's an entertaining simulation that presents students with the challenge of running their own small business. In the process, students strengthen a variety of mathematics, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Fifth Graders are having a ball with Photoshop. This month they learned to merge their picture with a peers (with permission, of course) and created a new person! I'm always so amazed with how fast they learn and how they love to just dig in without hesitation. We also set time this month for their American History simulation. There are 3 levels to pass and most are on the final.
All students are continuing to get in some time for typing practice in the lab. For those who have not downloaded the program, I strongly suggest that you do as it is a wonderful program that keeps track of student progress. It is also web based so what they do here is saved and can continue on at home and vice versa. Instructions for download can be found on your child's teacher's website.
Take care,
Rasha Sachdeva
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
What's Happening in the Lab!
Hello All,
There is an interesting documentary on online multi-tasking that was shown on PBS called Digital Nation. I found it extremely fascinating and surprising. Please view the online video on the left at your leisure.
K- 5 graders have been busy bees in the lab. Our Kindergartners and 1st graders have been using Reader Rabbit 1 and 2 to hone their phonic awareness.
2nd graders are using our new Web Workshop to create their own web pages. Please note that these will not be linked to the internet, only the process of web designing is stressed.
3rd graders are using our visual representation software to create maps on their important person they have been studying about in their homeroom classes. They are also using Nettrekker for further research.
4th graders are using a simulation software to learn about creating a business and being successful at it. Math skills come in real handy with software. Ask them about their hot dog stand!
5th graders are delving into the many tools that Photoshop offers. They recently learned how to merge two photos into one. They used, with permission, their peer's photo and took certain facial features of theirs and merged it onto theirs. They had a total blast doing this. Some remarked how easy is was to alter photos and it looks so real!
As usual, TTL4 is being used for typing practice but please note that due to introducing lessons, your child may not practice in the lab on their day so it is really important that my 3-5 graders are getting practice outside of school. If you have not downloaded the TTL4 program, please do so. If you have issues with downloading this, then please have your child practice with some other program that keeps track of their goals. The download instructions should be posted on your child's classroom website. Because this blog is Public, I cannot post the instructions to download as it had ID information.
Take care and send me an email if you have any questions or concerns.
Rasha Sachdeva
There is an interesting documentary on online multi-tasking that was shown on PBS called Digital Nation. I found it extremely fascinating and surprising. Please view the online video on the left at your leisure.
K- 5 graders have been busy bees in the lab. Our Kindergartners and 1st graders have been using Reader Rabbit 1 and 2 to hone their phonic awareness.
2nd graders are using our new Web Workshop to create their own web pages. Please note that these will not be linked to the internet, only the process of web designing is stressed.
3rd graders are using our visual representation software to create maps on their important person they have been studying about in their homeroom classes. They are also using Nettrekker for further research.
4th graders are using a simulation software to learn about creating a business and being successful at it. Math skills come in real handy with software. Ask them about their hot dog stand!
5th graders are delving into the many tools that Photoshop offers. They recently learned how to merge two photos into one. They used, with permission, their peer's photo and took certain facial features of theirs and merged it onto theirs. They had a total blast doing this. Some remarked how easy is was to alter photos and it looks so real!
As usual, TTL4 is being used for typing practice but please note that due to introducing lessons, your child may not practice in the lab on their day so it is really important that my 3-5 graders are getting practice outside of school. If you have not downloaded the TTL4 program, please do so. If you have issues with downloading this, then please have your child practice with some other program that keeps track of their goals. The download instructions should be posted on your child's classroom website. Because this blog is Public, I cannot post the instructions to download as it had ID information.
Take care and send me an email if you have any questions or concerns.
Rasha Sachdeva
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