Ms. Gaida's Tech Corner

The first graders have been studying animals, which began with an introduction to animal classification. The students will be researching habitats, specifically the pond habitat.

1. Kidzone
2. Nature Grid
3. Virtual Pond Dip
4. Animal Classification - YahooKids
5. Classification Game - SheppardSoftware   More activities....
6. Animal Classification Word Game
7. Active Science
   

Throughout the course of the year, lower school students study the seven continents. In computer class, students are introduced to various resources. One website we frequent is National Geographic for Kids.  People, places and animals from different countries, as well as  interesting videos, pictures and facts can be found here.

Here is a list of more web resources you may want to check out at home.
1. Scholastic - Global Trek
2. National Geographic - Map Machine
3. World Flag Database
4. Owl and Mouse
5. Kids Geo
6. Social Studies for Kids

Interactive Games
1. GeoSpy
2. GeoBee
3. Sheppard Software - Geography Games
4. Learning Games for Kids

Visit the link below from National Geographic.

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/stories/history/ancient-wonders/

In your own words, submit one interesting fact about one of the" 7 Wonders of the World".

The Pyramids of Giza, Egypt

• They were built in about 2,600 B.B (P.I.)
• They have been known longer than 2,000 years (N.M.).
• The Giza Pyramids are the only ancient wondersstill standing today (S.C.).
  

Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Iraq  

• Most of the exhibits there no longer exist (H.L.).
• 
  

Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Turkey  

Statue of Zeus, Greece 

• It has been in Greece since the 5th Century (A.P.).
• The tower is 40 feet tall (J.A.).
  

Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, Turkey

• Many travelers have wrote about the journey here (E.W.).
  

1. Login to your Google Docs account.

2. View the presentation you have been working on.

3. If there is time, feel free to visit the websites below. Just click on the links

Third and fourth grade students have been using the program Typing Pal Online to practice their keyboarding skills. This web-based program has been purchased for students in grades 3-8. Students may access their account from any computer that has an Internet connection.

It would be most helpful if you could provide support for your child by encouraging him/her to practice keyboarding at least three times a week at home. During the week, your student attends computer class and is introduced to various technology concepts/skills, all of which are integrated into the curriculum. There is not sufficient time in the school day to drill and practice keyboarding. We are asking for your support at home.
 
Students have already learned proper fingering technique and proper posture in computer class. Correct posture is important in preventing future computer related injuries. Proper keyboarding will be expected and reinforced during computer use at school. Additional keyboarding concepts are outlined in the Typing Pal Online program. After your student logs in, there is a link titled "Ergonomics". I encourage parents to read the information provided by Typing Pal Online. While your child is practicing at home, please encourage proper fingering and posture. This is an important time for your child to learn and improve his/her keyboarding skills. Your child has the opportunity to develop proper keyboarding habits that will last a lifetime and enhance his/her ability to word process assignments.

Your support and enthusiasm is greatly appreciated and will impact your child's success with this program. If your child does not have access to a computer or the Internet, please let me know and we will make accommodations. Also, if you have general questions about keyboarding or specific questions regarding the program Typing Pal Online, please send me an email.

Thank you,

Nicole Gaida
Lower School Technology Coordinator

As the students entered the lab for the first time this year, eyes were wide and the computer lab was buzzing with excitement. The Lower School lab was updated this year and the geek in me shed a tear when I first saw our new machines! We got off to a fast start, as usual. All grade levels learned about the parts of a computer and were given an explanation of how our network works here at MPA. Students learned how to turn the computer on/off, log in and navigate the operating system (OSX). Another topic covered was Internet safety and responsible use of a computer.Check out some of the links we visited.

For Kids
Input and Output Devices (ABCya!)
Computer Vocabulary (ABCya!)

Internet Safety Resources
FBI.gov
Netsmartz.org

Kindergartners have been working hard in Spanish class learning different parts of the body.
Here are some of the songs they learned in class to help reinforce students reinforce knowledge and practice pronunciation. Hope you enjoy them too!
cara is face.mp3

The kindergarteners designed their own heart cards today using the paint and draw program Kid Pix.. They had a choice of creating heart people, a card of hearts or a combination of both. Look at the creations below to see how the students used the tools in the program (text, fill, line and palette tools). Click on the image to see a larger version of your child's art work. Share this link with relatives or print out your child's creation.

Mrs. Meland's class and Mr. Wilson's class created Valentine's Day cards in computer class using the program Tux Paint. Tux Paint is a FREE paint and draw program! Click on the link to visit their site and download "Tux" for free!

Below are some examples from today's class. Feel free to print these lovely Valentine's Day creations! More Valentine's Day cards will be posted next week.

John's Mega Mixdown
jt.mp3