Update from the Mouse Pad!

Hello All,

We continue to have great fun here in the lab. Here is a sample of what each grade level is working on:

Kindergartners have started our robotics unit with the BeeBots. I'm sure they have told you about our friendly yellow bees in the lab. The students programmed an actual, not virtual, robot to move using simple commands in a repetitive motion such as forward, back, left and right. The challenge was to move the robots anywhere on the mat but they must come back to it's original spot. They had a ball trying this. We are currently working on the computer with the Beebots and writing simple code that will do the same thing however with more bells and whistles such as adding color and stamps to the virtual mat. Please ask them about it and you will be able to see their excitement. This is surely one of my favorite units!

First Graders completed their self portraits and they are now hanging up in the lab. It's a joy to see the artwork. They are now into our programming unit in which they are programming a virtual turtle and creating an animated picture. They have learned to program with simple commands to watch their picture come to life. I can honestly say that we have a hidden programming talent in all of our 1st Graders. They are so clever!

Second Graders are wrapping up their slide show project and will begin to share it with their peers using the smart board. They can't wait for this. Some students have really challenged themselves and added sound effects and amazing transitions to their slides. If you have KidPix at home, please let me know that I can email you the file or just pop in here when you get the chance. I'll be happy to show you their creation!

Third Graders are wrapping up their short story using our book publishing software. Some are ready to begin sharing. It was great to see them use just about all the tools the program has to offer. That was the point of this so that they can delve into an unknown software and create something animated and magical. We will begin our unit on PowerPoint so that they can create amazing slideshows when needed. Stay tuned!

Fourth Graders are continuing to have a ball with SketchUp. If you have not downloaded it, please do, so that your child can continue creating 3-D structures. Last week they were introduced to the 3-D Warehouse so that they could download items into their dream home. Students are really creating some virtual futuristic homes. One created a house with wings and I asked why, They replied so that I can go anywhere in the world and still be at home. Amazing response...I sure wish my home had wings!

As usual please do continue to contact me if you have any questions. Take care!

Rasha Sachdeva

Schedule a Conference?

Hello Parents,

If you would like to schedule a conference with me during conferences on Oct 20 and 21 of next week, please use Pick a Time and find an available slot on my schedule.

Thanks so much!

Update from the Mouse Pad!

Hello Parents,

What a busy September month we had in the lab! All K-4 had a lesson on what's expected in the lab and what projects they will be working on. Here's what we've done so far:

Kindergartners have been busy completing the Type to Learn Jr program. It teachers them all about the keys such as upper and lower case and when to use the shift key. It also teaches them where punctuation keys are as well as numbers. Most are at the final stages of the program and soon should be bringing home their very own certificate of completion.

First Graders are getting acquainted again with our web-based typing program TTL4. They practice the first 10 minutes of lab time. For those who want more practice, please do download the program. The instructions can be found on your child's teacher's website under the Document section. In addition to typing, the kids are starting to work on their self-portraits using Kid Pix. They first navigated through the software to get familiar with the tools such as dynamite( their favorite), fonts, paints, backgrounds, and stamps. We have some great artists in First Grade! Kids who say they weren't great with a paintbrush are now having a blast with the paintbrush tool.

Second Graders have been busy practicing their typing skills for the first 10 minutes of class. They have also started working on a slide show project using Kid Pix. They are working on an 'All About Me' slideshow which they will also present to their peers using the smartboard. We are also working on presentation skills such as using a strong voice and making that eye contact with the audience. They are excited about that!

Third Graders have also been busy practicing their typing skills. Please see the post before this that mentions their required typing homework. They are also working on our publishing software called Easybook Deluxe. They are writing a short story and are illustrating it as well. They are having a ball using the various tools the software allows.

Fourth Graders again are busy practicing their typing skills. Homework will begin in October. We started the year with the students posting what they wanted to learn on our very own wall wisher site. This can be accessed at home for your viewing. Please ask your child about it. They have also started to use SketchUp which is a 3-D software. Students are exploring the many tools as they will begin creating their very own dream homes. Can't wait to see that. One student already has a pool in their bedroom! We have some budding architects!

If ever you have any questions, please call or send me an email. Take care.

Rasha Sachdeva
rashas@ows.org
(425) 747-2911 x213