computers with thumbs up

  • Kindergarten:

    *Many of the activities in computer class are a continuation of lessons taught in the classroom.

    • Mouse manipulation (left button, wheel, drag) using ABCya, Kid Pix and Kidspiration.
    • Mouse manipulation by practicing drawing in a Kid Pix document.
    • Introducing SHIFT key to type their name in Kid Pix.
    • Introduction to word processing using the SPACEBAR and end punctuation.  Introduction to text alignment, font color and font size.
    • Introduction of Coding using Kodable.
    • Creating a slide show using Kid Pix.  The topic is making a snowman.
    • Beginner robotics using the basic functions of an Adventure Bot.
    • Digital Citizenship unit using Common Sense Media.

    First Grade:
    *Many of the activities in computer class are a continuation of lessons taught in the classroom.

    • Reinforcing the shift key and keyboarding skills using Kid Pix and Kidspiration.
    • Reinforcing punctuation keys by reviewing proper sentence structure in Kid Pix and Kidspiration.
    • Creating graphic organizers to find words with specific digraphs (ch, sh, th).
    • Reinforcing coding skills using Code.org
    • Engineering unit on building design.  Students start with small wooden blocks and then design the building in Tinkercad.
    • Digital Citizenship unit using Common Sense Media.

    Second Grade:
    *Many of the activities in computer class are a continuation of lessons taught in the classroom.

    • Reinforcing the shift key and word processing skills (font, size, color) using Kid Pix.
    • Explore mapping through Google Maps, explore the communities of Cedar Knolls and Morris Plains, explore their home address, and find an alternate route to get from home to school.
    • Reinforcing coding skills using Code.org
    • Begin coding exercises with robotics using the Adventure Bot.
    • Digital Citizenship unit using Common Sense Media.

    Third Grade:

    • Introducing a structured keyboarding unit focusing on different keys of the keyboard using Type 2 Learn.  Emphasis on proper finger position on the keyboard and posture. It is a self paced unit.
    • Using Quizlet to reinforce basic parts of the computer vocabulary.
    • Reinforcing coding skills using Code.org
    • Exploring podcasting using GarageBand.
    • Designing a model of a boat using Tinkercad.
    • Digital Citizenship unit using Common Sense Media.

    Fourth Grade:

    • Completed a keyboard unit using Typing Club.  Emphasis on proper finger position on the keyboard and posture.  It is a self paced unit.
    • Contributed to a Google Classroom discussion question about "Digital Citizenship".  The definition and examples of being a digital citizen were discussed.  Strong examples were put on the bulletin board outside the lab.  Used a Padlet (online bulletin board) to contributed to some of these discussions.
    • Reinforcing coding skills using Code.org
    • Word processing unit using Microsoft Word.
    • Use block coding and a JD Humanoid to get the robot to complete a task.
    • Digital Citizenship unit using Common Sense Media.

    Fifth Grade:

    • Completed a keyboard unit using Typing Club.  Emphasis on proper finger position on the keyboard and posture.  It is a self paced unit.
    • Contributed to a Google Classroom discussion question about "How Music Devices Changed Over Time".  After viewing a Prezi, examples of devices and their changes were discussed.
    • Evaluated web sites for relevant, accurate and unbaised content.  Using an assigned web site, specific examples were identified and explained on a Padlet.
    • Reinforcing coding skills using CS First and Scratch to complete a unit on Game Design.
    • Designing a new and improved useful product using Tinkercard.
    • Digital Citizenship unit using Common Sense Media.