We are starting a unit on poetry. Here is a site that will introduce you to what poetry is and some examples.
We are starting a unit on poetry. Here is a site that will introduce you to what poetry is and some examples.
0 Comments
It's impressive to see how quickly the students were able to learn how to use 3DC. They are able to select and deselect objects and understand how to manipulate (move, size, and tilt) them. This week the students designed their own name plates. Each student selected a shape and then added their initials. They had to decide if they wanted their initials to be raised (bump out), embossed (partially carved out), or cut out (go all the way through). Take a look at their name plates:
Here's a video of the ACDS 3D Printer We are so excited to have found a 3D design tool, 3DC.io, that works on an iPad and looks easy enough for younger students to use. If we are correct in our assumption, then we will be able to have all students at ACDS design projects to be printed on the 3D printer. Our kindergarten class has stepped up to give it a try. We decided rather than just learn the tool for the 3D printing project, we'll use it as if it were virtual blocks or 3D tangrams. The use of the tool will support and enhance what they are learning in math class. It will also boost their spatial awareness skills. Spatial awareness is the understanding of the relationship of objects when there is a change in position, including when an object is rotated. It is a complex cognitive skill that children must develop. We started the first class by doing a "guided discovery" of the tool. I showed them some basic features such as how to add shapes, move them, size them, and turn them. Then I let them explore the app for themselves. It's really amazing what they figured out on their own. Here is a video that shows some of the basic functionality of the app: I really enjoyed spending time with the Rainforest Center. The students were showing me all the animals that live in the rainforest. It gave me an idea. Take a look at their Chatterpix creations where they have their stuffed animals talk about the rainforest. It's guaranteed to make you smile!
Learn More About the Rainforest I was very excited to introduce the students to Poisson Rouge, one of my favorite sites. It's a site designed for pure exploration. It includes art, music, puzzles, learning, culture, and more. This French site does it without the need for instructions - no words and no text. There are surprises at every turn and something for everyone.
I loved watching the students expressions as they stumbled on different activities. There was a lot of sharing going on. I was amazed at their ability to direct others to a specific activity. Poisson Rouge is a "subscription based site" which can be accessed from any web enabled device You'll need to use the "Puffin browser" from an iOS device because it uses Flash. I introduced the students to EPIC!, an amazing digital library for kids 12 and under - with over 25,000 books, learning videos, quizzes, and more. It includes unlimited award-winning fiction, non-fiction, STEM, biographies, graphic novels, DIY & more. It is especially good for emergent readers - providing them with tools that let them explore independently. We set the students up with books for their reading level. I showed them the different types of resources available to them:
In addition, for each family in our class that signs up for Epic! and connects using our unique Classroom Code (UMK-4628), our class will receive points that I can view and redeem on our classroom rewards page for free books and supplies to enhance your child’s learning experience. Once you have created an Epic! account, you can log in to any iOS device, Android device, or computer web browser, with the same email and password which you used to create the account. Our school participated in The Hour of Code, a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. The kindergarten class learned that software is what tells computers what to do. "Apps" being the most recognizable term for software. Students used Box Island to practice coding. In the process of directing the "box" to it's destination, they learned about sequences, loops, and conditionals, as well as the importance of giving instructions in the right order and how to trouble shoot. They also did some critical thinking along the way. You can download Box Island from the App Store for free. Once you start the app, just follow the instructions for the Hour of Code. Here's a video that gives you a sneak peak of the app:
It's been an exciting day today - the chicks have hatched. Take a look!
|
Authors
Evelyn Chaleki, Ellie Hall, and Lynne Godek Useful Links
Poisson Rouge (Red Fish)
Gallery
Archives
April 2018
Categories |