5th Grade
Our 5th graders are embarking on an exciting new project that blends technology, coding, and creativity! In class, they will be learning how conditional statements—“if/then” logic—are used to create specific actions in a program. This foundational concept in coding helps students understand how computers make decisions and respond to various inputs. Through hands-on coding activities, students will learn to write their own conditional statements, seeing firsthand how their instructions can trigger particular responses in a digital environment.
To bring these coding skills to life, we will be designing and creating our very own musical instruments! Using conductive tape and a device called a Makey Makey, students will build instruments that connect to the computer. The Makey Makey allows ordinary objects to act as inputs, turning them into functional instruments when touched. Students will program these inputs using the coding platform Scratch (www.scratch.mit.edu) and write the necessary code to make their instruments play music when certain conditions are met—like pressing a key or touching a specific part of their instrument.
This project not only fosters problem-solving and critical thinking but also sparks creativity and teamwork as students design their instruments from scratch. By blending coding with physical creation, students gain a deeper understanding of how technology can interact with the real world in fun and innovative ways. We’re excited for your child to share their musical masterpieces and coding skills with you soon!
Mrs. Breen is asking that all students bring in one cardboard box of their choosing. There is also donation requests of aluminum tape, masking tape, duct tape, and low temperature hot glue sticks that would be much appreciated.
4th Grade
This month, our 4th graders are diving into an important lesson about their digital footprint and the responsibilities that come with living in a digital world. Through interactive activities and discussions, students are learning how their actions online—whether through social media, gaming, or browsing—leave a lasting digital trail. We’re emphasizing the importance of being thoughtful about what they post, share, and how they engage with others online, helping them understand that their digital actions can impact not only themselves but also those around them.
In addition to exploring the concept of a digital footprint, we are also teaching students about the importance of online safety, respect, and good digital citizenship. They are learning to recognize the potential risks of oversharing personal information and the importance of maintaining privacy. These lessons aim to empower students to make responsible choices, be aware of their online presence, and foster a respectful, safe environment as they grow in their digital lives.
3rd Grade
Our 3rd graders are beginning an important journey into understanding digital citizenship and what it means to be responsible members of the online community. Through engaging discussions and activities, students are learning what it means to be a digital citizen—someone who uses technology in a safe, respectful, and kind way. They are exploring how their actions online can influence both themselves and others, and how making thoughtful decisions can contribute to a positive digital environment.
As part of this lesson, students will be completing a Digital Pledge, where they will commit to practicing good digital habits. They’ll define the steps they can take to improve their digital worlds, such as protecting personal information, being kind in online interactions, and thinking critically about what they see and share. Our goal is to help them build a strong foundation of digital responsibility as they continue to navigate the growing digital landscape. We’re excited to see how they apply these lessons to become thoughtful, responsible digital citizens!
2nd Grade
For the next few weeks, our 2nd graders are focusing on a crucial lesson about online safety—specifically, how to recognize private information and the importance of keeping it secure. Through interactive activities, students are learning to identify what counts as private information, such as their full names, addresses, phone numbers, and passwords. We’re teaching them that this type of information should never be shared on the internet, no matter the situation. Our goal is to help them understand the value of privacy and how to make safer choices when using technology.
In addition, students are practicing how to create effective usernames that protect their privacy. They are learning to avoid using personal details like their names or birth dates in their usernames and instead come up with fun, creative alternatives that keep their information safe. These lessons will help to build a strong foundation for smart digital habits, and we encourage you to discuss these ideas at home as they begin navigating the online world.
1st Grade
In our digital citizenship unit, our 1st graders are learning the importance of being safe, responsible, and respectful when using technology. Through age-appropriate lessons and fun activities, we’re teaching students how to make smart choices online, like asking an adult before using a device, being kind in digital spaces, and not sharing personal information. These early lessons in online behavior aim to help students understand that their actions online should reflect the same kindness and respect they show in person.
Along with learning about online safety and respect, we’re also discussing the importance of having a healthy balance with technology. Students are discovering how to set limits on screen time, making sure they’re spending time doing other activities like playing outside, reading, or enjoying time with family and friends. By helping students develop good habits now, we’re setting the foundation for them to grow into thoughtful, responsible digital citizens who can use technology in positive ways.
Kindergarten
Our Kindergarten students are embarking on an exciting journey of learning how to use Chromebooks! In this unit, they are being introduced to the basics of operating a Chromebook, from turning it on to navigating its different functions. Through hands-on practice, students are getting comfortable with the keyboard, trackpad, and other essential features, which will help them build confidence in using technology both in and out of the classroom.
A big focus of this unit is teaching students how to use learning applications like Seesaw. Seesaw is a platform where students can complete assignments, showcase their work, and engage in interactive activities. They are learning how to log in, navigate the platform, and use the various tools within Seesaw, such as drawing, recording, and uploading work. These skills are foundational for their digital learning journey, allowing them to express creativity and communicate their ideas.
As they explore these new tools, we are also emphasizing the importance of responsible use and care for their Chromebooks. Students are learning to handle their devices gently and use them for their learning activities. This introduction to Chromebooks is not only fun but also empowering, helping them develop the technical skills they’ll continue to build on in the years ahead. We’re so proud of how quickly they’re adapting to this new digital adventure!
Donations
As the cold season is upon us, we are working hard to keep our technology classroom clean and healthy for all students. To help maintain a germ-free environment, Mrs. Breen is kindly requesting donations of tissues, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes. These supplies are essential in ensuring that students can stay healthy and continue to use shared equipment like Chromebooks and other tech tools safely.
If you're able to contribute any of these items, it would be greatly appreciated! Your donations will go a long way in supporting a clean and productive learning space for our students throughout the season. Thank you for your support in helping us keep everyone healthy and ready to learn!
If it is easier, here is my Amazon wishlist. You can select what you want to donate and have it shipped right to the school. Thank you so much for helping our classroom stay clean https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/dl/invite/fW6MXVG?ref_=wl_share
