Mrs. Gumpert - Technology Teacher
In addition to Valentine’s Day and Black History month, February contains several “national” observations that the average citizen most likely is unaware of… National Grapefruit Month, National Bird Feeding Month, and National American Pie Month are just a few! Who knew? The following link is provided with a list of more February observations: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/february-monthly-observations/
K: Students are working hard learning the process of logging their Username (6-digit student I.D. number) AND the password (Panther6) onto the CPSD computer system. The task of learning how to log onto the computers is a long arduous process, so we will continue to work on this undertaking with the reward being Starfall activities once they have reached their desktop. They will be bringing a “practice keyboard” home this month to practice “logging in”.
1st: Students continue to work on their keyboard knowledge by engaging in activity lessons on Typetastic - https://typetastic.com/
The games are set up in a skill progression – for example...
- Step 1 - Game 1; Keyboard Builder: the keyboard is divided into different color blocks which helps kids to remember where the letters are located
- Step 2 – Game 2; Frog Pond Patrol: kids learn to scan larger portions of the keyboard a lot faster by using correct eye movements
- Step 3 – Game 3; Cupcake Bugs: kids are challenged to actively remember letter series and letter locations.
- Step 4 – Game 4; Astro Bubbles: students focus on an on-screen keyboard and become fluent in locating correct keys/letters which helps to coordinate eye and finger movements. Since they must keep their focus on the game area (computer screen/monitor) muscle memory is automatically being developed.
Each “step/game” presents increased challenges and makes learning to type just plain fun!
1st graders are also being introduced to Cubetto – a wooden robot to help students discover coding/programming through “hands-on play”.
2nd: Students are also developing typing skills by engaging in activity lessons on Typing Jungle Junior – can be accessed through CLEVER on the CPSD Home page for practice at home.
http://www.cloverpark.k12.wa.us/. Second graders are also using the typing games found on ABCYa (Skills section) to further strengthen their keyboard familiarity. https://www.abcya.com/
3rd – 5th: Students are completing their Home Row typing tests and will explore the Typetastic games (#7 and up) as a change of pace from Typing Club/ Typing Jungle. Since they must keep their focus on the game area (computer screen/monitor) muscle memory is automatically being developed and students will celebrate not having to cover their hands while keyboarding! Our plan to use the SBA Training Tests to become familiarized with the technology tools utilized on the Smarter Balanced Assessment will begin shortly. 4th and 5th grades will practice Research IBAs to prepare for SBA. The actual SBA testing will take place in May.