Grade1_2007

__September 4-September 10__ Students are introduced to the computer lab. They participate in the creation of rules for working with the computers and when going online. Students also completed a KWL chart, which assessed their prior knowledge of computers and created goals for their learning during the coming year.



__September 11-September 17__ Students are shown the AlphaSmarts and given a brief introduction to typing correctly.

__September 18-October 17__ Students were given an introduction to the parts of the computer and what they do. Students were then given the opportunity to begin using the mouse and to practice holding down the keys Ctrl-Alt-Delete (this brings up the prompt for students to write their usernames and passwords). After a discussion about password safety, students were given their usernames and passwords and allowed to log onto the computers for the first time.

Students are working with the unit The Five Senses in the regular classroom. Following the lessons on logging on, students were given a brief introduction to Kidspiration. They then used this program to create a concept map of the five senses; each part of the map represents a diffferent sense, and the students added pictures to the map that go with that sense (ex., the sense hear accompanied by a picture of a musical instrument).

__October 22-November 9__ Students will be given a refresher on the correct typing position and will work on their typing skills by using the program [|TuxType]. Students will then start to learn Touch Typing by using the typing tutorial on the AlphaSmarts.

__November 12-November 20__ The current unit of Inquiry is People Around the World. To further the study of the world around them, we have started a relationship with the sister school in Thailand, [|KIS]. Each class will be focusing on a particular topic (languages, celebrations, clothing and food) and will create a paragraph asking first grade students in Thailand about these topics. One email containing all 4 paragraphs will be sent to KIS at the end of the week and the reply will be read aloud to each class.

__November 26-November 30__ Students responded to questions asked by the KIS students, mostly focusing on weather. Students were then given an introduction to the literacy website [|Starfall] and allowed to explore on their own at their particular level.

__December 3-December 13__ Students were given an introduction to the art program Art Rage and used the program to draw self-portraits, which will be sent to the students at KIS.

__January 7-January 11__ Students were introduced to the website [|ABCya]!. They were then given a choice of what program to work with - their choices included Art Rage, Starfall, ABCya!, and TuxType.

__January 14-February 1__ Students learn how simple machines work by exploring an interactive [|Rube Goldberg machine online]. Near the end of the unit, students will test their knowledge about work and simple machines with [|matching games], where students will match the machine to its function. If time permits, students will be given the opportunity to work on their word processing skills by writing about and/or illustrating a machine they have created.

__February 4-March 7__ As part of the launch to their unit on Cities, students will be given an introduction to Google Earth and will use that tool to get a sense of the structure of Washington, D.C. Students will continue to develop their understanding of Washington D.C. by doing some research online and with Encyclopedia Britannica. Students will showcase their knowledge by creating a travel brochure in Microsoft Publisher that contains interesting places to visit in the D.C. area

__March 10-March 14__ Students reflected on what they have done in IT during the year, including their strengths and weaknesses with the technology as well as what they would like to continue working on.

__March 19-March 21__ Students will get excited about their Animal Planet unit by playing some animal-themed games.

__April 1-May 9__ Students got back into the routine of school by exploring some interactive animal-themed activities and games. Students then used the program Kidspiration to begin grouping animals by class (Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals). Students then used Microsoft Publisher to create animal trading cards. These cards included information about their animal's appearance, diet, habitat, and endangerment status. These cards were printed and exchanged with their friends.

__May 12-June 10__ Students were given some free time to explore their favorite activities on the computer and develop their hand-eye coordination. Students then continued to practice general technology skills by exploring story-telling websites as well as their word processing skills with child friendly software. They will write and illustrate a story and print in book format for their "Once Upon a Time" unit.