Our lower school students in Kindergarten through 5th grade attend weekly technology classes. The students learn technology concepts and skills while creating projects to enhance their classroom lessons.
Kindergarten
Kindergarteners develop their keyboard and mouse skills while exploring computer and web-based programs such as KidPix, SRA Imagine It, Accelerated Reader, IXL Math, Starfall, The Print Shop, and MicroWorlds Jr.
First – Second Grades
First and Second grade students learn their way around a computer using a variety of computer and web-based applications while working on projects that coordinate with what they are doing in their classroom. As these young students create projects that reinforce what they are learning in the classroom, they also learn to follow basic directions to log in and out, open applications, find and save projects, and improve their mouse and keyboard skills. We introduce touch typing during the second half of first grade, and Web safety to students at the beginning of second grade. Our software includes Kidspiration idea-mapping software, KidPix graphic design software, The Print Shop, Clicky’s Web World, and MicroWorld, Jr. Our web-based programs include SRA Imagine It, Accelerated Reader, Typing Pal, IXL Math, Dance Mat Typing and Starfall.
Third – Fifth Grades
As students move into the upper elementary grades, they continue to advance their technology skills. Their weekly visits to the Tech Lab are in addition to their use of laptops in their classroom. Projects that integrate with classroom work include solar system projects, California history projects, and U.S. State reports, to name a few. Students in Grades Three through Five expand the pool of applications they use to include the Microsoft Office Suite, Inspiration, Photoshop, iPhoto and Comic Life. As students spend additional time on the Internet more emphasize is placed on how to work effectively while staying safe. We use both Clicky’s Web World (3rd grade) and NetSmartz Kids (4-5th grades) to reinforce online safety.