Update from the Mouse Pad!

Hello Everyone,

We have been busy with all kinds of programs in our lab. The main program we've been focusing on in all of the K-4 Grades is typing. Our 3rd and 4th Graders will be required to turn in a typing log starting in October. If you are a 3rd or 4th Grade parent and you have not yet downloaded our typing program, please do so. This is the only way I can keep an accurate WPM count of your child's progress. The directions to download this program (free of charge) is found on your child's teacher's website in the document section.

Here is a recap of other programs that we are working on:

Kindergartners have gotten an introduction to all of our equipment in the lab. It was so cute how most Kindergartners thought the monitor was touch screen and would tap on the icons with their fingers expecting it would open, thanks to the IPad revolution! Now that they know the difference, we began our keyboarding skills with Type to Learn Jr. Many have already received completed certificates and many are close to receiving one. Stay tuned for our robotics program in October!

First Graders have all taken the initial pre-test for TTL4. They are moving right along with the lessons. They are also working on creating a self-portrait using KidPix. These kids are amazing...there are no stick figures here. I've been so impressed with the quality of artwork that they are displaying. Stop by in October to see their completed portraits on display. Next we will begin our programming unit programming a turtle!

Second Graders have also completed their initial typing pre-test. Some have gotten practice over the summer that they were able to skip several of the initial lessons. Way to Go! They have also been working on KidPix but creating slide shows. They are working on a practice one and will now work on one that they will share with the entire class using my smart board. They can't wait for that. Please ask your 2nd Grader about their slide show.

Third Graders have also completed their initial typing pre-test and as I mentioned above, they will start turning in a typing log starting in October. Please support your child in their typing practice as this will ensure that they reach our typing benchmarks of 15-20 WPM by the time they exit 3rd Grade. Along with typing, students have been introduced with digital storytelling. They are using a wonderful program that lets them be the illustrator as well as the writer!

Fourth Graders have completed their initial pre-test in typing and are also moving right along. Please also ensure that they continue to practice so that they meet the 4th Grade benchmarks of 20-25 WPM. Students were introduced to our online message board on wallwisher.com. Please ask them about it. They got to post what they most enjoy in technology. Please note that no real names were used as always in our cloud based programs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me as that is the best way to reach me.

Regards,
Rasha Sachdeva
rashas@ows.org

Welcome Back Everyone!

Hello K-4 Families,
I hope everyone had a fabulous summer and a relaxing time off. I know I did! I'm so excited to see everyone back and to meet new students this year. I have lots of exciting new software to introduce in each grade level. Many will be web-based so that your child can continue the fun at home with their own login information.

Please check out my blog regularly so that you can be kept informed of what is happening in the Mouse Pad. I will update the blog towards the end of each month.

If at any time you have questions, the best way to reach me is by email or you can always stop by to see what your child has been up to in the lab.

Lets's have a wonderful school year !

Regards,
Rasha Sachdeva
Rashas@ows.org