Hello Families,
I can't believe the school year is almost over. I've had a wonderful year and it was such a pleasure teaching each child.
I wanted to remind you all if you have not downloaded the TTL4 typing program, please do. The school purchased the program for you so that your child may continue their typing practice at home. If your child is returning next year, their account will remain active through the summer so that they can continue their practice by the pool! If you need directions to download, please email me or see your child's teacher's website for instructions.
This month grades have started new projects and are continuing to wrap up others.
Our Kindergartners have been busy experimenting with the SmartBoard and have been exploring the MS Paint program along with typing practice using Type to Learn Jr. I found that many Kindergartners were not ready for the TTL4 program as it requires longer concentration on various activities. Nevertheless, the program is available for them and some have started using it rather than the Jr. program.
First graders have been getting familiar with Kidspiration to help them organize their thoughts and ideas in a more visual manner. They are currently creating webs that describe who they are. It's fascinating to see their creativity come alive with this program. All First graders are using the TTL4 typing program. Again many of them have taken advantage of the download and are typing at home as well.
Second graders are continuing with their web designing and are completing several pages already on their chosen topics. They love to explore with the various tools and to experiment with the link button.
Third graders are completing the SimSafari program and many have already gotten to the 5 stars and have successfully created a profitable business. Ask your child how far they have gotten. For those who have not yet gotten the 5 stars, nevertheless are enjoying the challenge and learning quite a lot from the process.
Fourth graders have completed blue prints of their website and have started designing the pages and getting very familiar with the hyperlink editor. Please note that the websites they create will not be 'published' on the internet. The sites are just for the classroom only and for their peers to see. The students here have really taken off with the TTL4 program. Many Fourth graders are already typing at the 6th grade level. Again these are the students who have downloaded the program and are getting that extra practice at home.
Fifth graders are continuing with the Crazy Machines science software. The students are really taking off with the various experiments, some very challenging, and are learning to help one another get over hurdles. I love to see team work! In the next week or so we will be discussing the topic of netiquette rules. With the increased online activity, students should be aware of certain rules because how and when they write can convey a lot about themselves.
As usual if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Take care,
Rasha Sachdeva
