Posted on November 3rd, 2010 by
patreed
We’re getting into holiday mode in the lab! We Halloween behind us, we are now looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas, and have many interesting activities to tie in with various celebrations.
Kindergarteners have done some junior “graphic arts” in the lab, learning about shapes and colors and utilizing them to make works of art using KidPix, as well as carving virtual pumpkins in celebration of the October holiday. In the coming month, we will expand on the use of web-based resources and activities to enrich learning in math, science and language arts.
1st Graders have completed typing their Halloween poem using a new program that we introduced to them called Kid Works. This software is an integrated application with a word processor that prints out your story, an art program that will create a painting and forms their work into a story book. We will continue using Kid Works in November to type a short paragraph about giving thanks.
2nd Grade: Students just completed research on megabats and microbats to tie in with the story Stellaluna. In the coming weeks, students will utilize Kid Works to draw pictures and complete the statement “I am thankful for . . . “ If time allows, students will participate in an online scavenger hunt on dinosaurs.
3rd Grade students will continue using Typing Instructor Deluxe to develop familiarity with the keyboard, speed and accuracy. They are also learning to find images on the Internet to utilize in MS Word. They are now able to copy and paste from the Internet and format pictures in Microsoft Word. We have some interesting Thanksgiving activities planned, including a virtual visit to Plymouth Plantation. Toward the end of the month, students will type a Thanksgiving prayer.
In fourth grade, students are presenting their “All About Me” power points that they have worked so hard on in the last few weeks. We are learning so much about each and every one of our 4th graders and they love getting up in front of the class to present their colorful piece of work. We will continue in the month of November by watching a short video on the history of Veteran’s Day, courtesy of United Streaming, and will make cards using Microsoft Publisher for a veteran in their lives.
The fifth graders have researched a famous explorer and with the information that they have gathered, created a poster with all their facts and pictures. We will continue on in the month of November using the Microsoft Publisher software to type a Thanksgiving prayer. Students will add clip art to their poem to make it more festive. They will also make cards using Microsoft Publisher for a veteran in their lives.
The sixth grade students are finishing their “Can you Guess my European Country?” power points and presentations. Once all the presentations are completed, students will be given a blank map of Europe. Using their knowledge from the presentations and a website, students will “fill in the blanks.”
Junior high students are wrapping up research papers on the everyday heroes they have selected. Parents, you will be so impressed with the work your children are doing. Please look on our website under your child’s grade for detailed project guidelines.
Plans for November include utilizing some Web 2.0 online tools for more creative presentations and collaboration. We are starting with a video timeline of U.S. history. Students will be working with a partner to make a video of a historical event. We will be using a Web 2.0 tool called Animoto. Animoto is a web-based program that allows you to make professional-looking video slideshows. Some examples can be found here.
In addition to their video project, 8th graders will also spend some time participating in an online preparation for the high school placement test in January.
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