Computer Programming

Our students have been exploring computer programming in the classroom! We checked out the Code.org website which hosts several programming opportunities like Minecraft, Star Wars, and Frozen to use blocks of Java Script code to make characters move through puzzles. The students used amazing logic skills to create houses in Minecraft world, help Elsa and Anna create ice patterns in skating, and help BB-8 collect scrap metal while avoiding storm troopers.

"We are programming a robot!"

Our classes have had the opportunity to use the iPads this week. The students used an app called Lightbot to program a robot to move and "light" certain tiles. This problem solving app was very popular, and the students figured out how to use it very quickly. The tasks got harder and harder, and I was very impressed with the coding skills of our children!

We also tested out Scratch Jr., another programming app. This app allowed the students to use their imagination to create a cartoon world and make characters move. We will explore MIT's Scratch program in the next few weeks. 

Keyboarding practice

Our students continue to practice keyboarding skills this week. The goal is to become familiar with letter location on a QWERTY keyboard and reduce "hunt and peck" typing habits. Keeping your fingers on the home row will greatly improve speed of typing as well. Our current bulletin board enforces this idea as it will demonstrate for students the amazing things you can create in writing when looking for letters on the keyboard is not something you are concentrating on.

Our third graders will help to decorate our board with creative figures 😀!

Signs of Fall and Typing Goats!

This past week our students used Word to type "Signs of Fall", changing the font type, size, and color to one of their choice. They then inserted pictures of what they like about fall: Autumn leaves, scarecrows, pumpkins, etc.

They also practiced keyboarding skills with a typing Scottish goat 😀.

IPads on Wednesday and Thursday

Here are pictures of our students using iPads in the lab on Wednesday and Thursday.  It was fun using the QR code app to read and compose "Would you rather" questions, and Scratch Jr coding was challenging!

QR Code Tuesday!

Here are questions our students made up themselves:

"Would you rather be 7 feet tall or 1 foot tall?" - Isaiah

"Would you rather be stuck in space or stranded in the desert?" - Fatimah

"Would you rather eat spiders or ghost peppers?" - Paige

"Would you rather be a tree or a fish?" - Benjamin

Our classes continue making up "Would you rather?" questions to turn into QR codes and share with friends:

QR Codes Monday

Today we did work with iPads! We learned how to use QR codes to read "would you rather." questions, and then we learned how to create our own QR codes. Later we did a little coding work using Scratch Jr apps.