4th Grade Language Arts

The 4th grade language arts team has been using Media Literacy for students to create advertisements.
They have also been using power point presentations during their poetry research.

Using Video to Teach Social Skills

In ACHIEVE we teach social skills using video cameras. We tape student role playing expected and unexpected behaviors. While the students watch the video's they discuss their choices and consequences for their actions.

We have also taped students interviewing teachers for our service learning projects. In the interview they asked the teachers how they could help out our school. Then they watched the video to get ideas on how they can make our school a better place. For example, they pick up trash, provide donuts and coffee for the teachers, help sort papers, sharpen pencils, etc. The students love seeing themselves on video cameras which encourages them to become involved in our lesson.

As a result of this project our students have become more eager to become leaders and make better choices.

Physical Education "Energizer Videos"

Videos with classroom activities to physically stimulate students

Physical Education "Capt. Carrot"

We are using a weekly video about a "Food of the Week" to help challenge students to become more aware of the foods they eat. We also challenge them to try new foods that they may have never heard of.

As a result of this we hear students conversations about the foods they eat. "Hey, you should have more go foods!" or "Hey Coach, I asked my mom to fix the food of the week so I can try it last night!"

The students have been very responsive to these videos on our broadcast!

Science Fair Research

5th Grade students have been using technology to search science fair topics and to do background research on their topic.  Science Buddies was a favorite website to guide students in their topic selection.

Me on the Map

In third grade, we have been focusing on our place on the map in Social Studies.  We have been using Google Earth to show our world, then we zoom in to our continent, country, state, and even city.  Students finished a project showing the relationship between the earth, continent, country, state, and city using pictures from Google Earth.

5th Grade-Researching Climate and Weather

The students researched climate and weather. Using real world scenarios to create a travel brochure. The students also researched about travel activities. They were surprised how expensive it was to travel.

Achieve

We use laptops and alphasmarts in class to produce content.

Technology used in art room

I use technology constantly in the art room. It helps me help students visually to have a better understanding of what we are discussing or what I am wanting from the students.  It helps the students to produce better work by seeing examples.  I use tech to gather information to present to the students whether it is history, science, etc to integrate into lessons.  

Fourth Grade Technology

Fourth Grade has been using Stemscopes for science and Pearson Envision for math.  Students may access their textbooks online and play fun interactive games to help students gain a better understanding of all concepts.  Ms. Hellyar also Skyped a parent in Afghanistan.  Students were very excited and curious to see what life is like in Afghanistan.

TAG Math Technology Update

All TAG Math classes are going green(er)!

Technology Additions:

All homework is now online. Students connect to Khan's Academy academic video links and watch educational videos about a math review skill. After watching their designated video, they do a self-selected, interactive math practice to go over that skill. Parents initial agendas to show completion. The week ends with the students submitting a word problem that they have written and solved that has the potential to be used on the weekly quiz.

Weekly quizzes are created through Google Docs using a Google Form. The link to the grade level test is posted to my webiste. Students take the test online and the results are sent instantly to the spreadsheet that accompanies the form. Students are still required to show all of their work, but they can do this on the back of a previously used paper, math journal, etc.

Pros to Addions:

Students love the change to the homework. Since this change has been implemented, I have only one student that is not turing in his homwork consistently. Now, students are turing in their work on time or early. The friendly competition and the 10% bonus awarded to those that have their question used has driven the students to write high quality and challenging questions. They love the recognition and the fact that they have one fewer question to answer on the quiz. Having the homework/quizzes posted allows students that are absent to easily catch up.

Homework and grading the quiz has become extremely manageable for me and the students. Students always have access to former homework assignments and old quizzes to go back and review or study as needed.

Cons to the Additions:

Technology resources can be difficult to come by at times. As my TAG classes grow, this will become an issue and using the computer to take quizzes might not be a time-friendly option.

First Grade Technology-January

In January, the first graders at TVES have improved with their login skills. Almost every student can log in without looking at their username and password card. Mrs. Maggart's class practiced their letter writing skills to compose a letter to Wadi.  Miss Allen's class has been using their online portfolios and math games to reinforce previously taught skills.

Kindergarten

The kinder team has been using the laptops weekly for log in practice. Some teachers have students work in Tux Paint, Star Fall, or Pebble Go. It is getting faster and easier for the students to log in and get to their designated location. Practice makes perfect.

Second Grade Research Project

Second graders researched Famous Americans using laptops set up in the classroom. The students were able to visit encyclopedia websites and research sites to find information about their Famous America. Students were also able to type their research reports into word documents to display at our Living Museum.

Miss Allen's Class is Using Google Docs for an Online Portfolio

The students in Miss Allen's first grade class have their own google document where they write journal entries, create math problems, write stories, etc. This makes it easy to share student work with the parents and easy for Miss Allen to check up on them from the convenience of her home or cell phone. Miss Allen has implemented basic technology skills lessons into their journal entries.

First Grade Flat Stanley Project

Students created a flat self and sent it off via email or US Postal service to family and friends around the world to learn more about customs and traditions. It was requested to send pictures and letters back to the classroom. Most of the classes have received at least a few emails with pictures and letters. First graders look forward to hearing more!