Deputy Learning Commons
Creativity, Curiosity, Innovation
January 2017
We hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable Winter Break! We have a lot to look forward to in the Learning Commons! 2017 is going to be a BIG year...more information about the following events in our upcoming newsletters.
Global School Play Day
Cardboard Carnival
World Read Aloud Day
Digital Learning Day
AND MORE!
Thank you,
Mrs. Stevenson and Mrs. Clerkin
Coding in the Learning Commons
In December, all students celebrated the Hour of Code...all month long! It's always such a success and so much fun that we are continuing through the month of January.
Students explore various coding apps on the iPad (K-2nd) or coding websites (3rd-5th) in the Learning Commons. Students are learning many basic coding skills as they progress through the different activities. Don't be surprised if you start to hear these terms: algorithm, sequence, loop/repeat, if/then statements, and debug.
Learning to code exposes students to skills such as problem-solving, giving detailed directions, analyzing and perseverance.
We live in a world surrounded by technology. And while our students learn how to use technology, they rarely learn how it works. And whatever field they choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will depend on understanding how technology works.
I'm not sure what the future holds, but I believe that by teaching children how to code we will give them a skill for life.
Mystery Island
Puppy Adventure
Candy Quest
Scratch Jr.
Celebrating the 100th Day of School
WE INTERRUPT THE MONTH OF CODING FOR...the 100th Day of School!
We did a lot of fun and exciting activities to celebrate this day in the Learning Commons. Some of these included building with 100 items such as:
- LEGOs
- craft sticks
- index cards
- cups
- wooden blocks.
Our 4th and 5th-grade students started making scarves. The goal...100 scarves to keep those in need warm this winter.
Third-grade students are making braided dog toys out of old t-shirts. They hope to make 100 dog toys!
We Want Your Recyclable Items
The first Cardboard Carnival project is set to begin next month.
We are looking for and accepting items such as...
- All types of paper (wrapping paper, card stock, construction paper, printer paper, scrapbook)
- Post-it notes
- Tape (all kinds)
- Markers, Pens, Crayons
- Cardboard of any kind (cereal boxes, Pop Tarts to large appliances (flatten please)
- Cardboard tubes (wrapping paper, toilet paper, paper towels, etc.)
- Tape, glue sticks, toothpicks
- Paper towels
- Plastic (water bottles, milk containers, etc.)
All items need to be safe, clean, and appropriate for elementary-aged students.
Please send materials to school labeled "Learning Commons."
Not sure if we need what you have? We probably do, but feel free to email Jody Stevenson (jstevenson@madison.k12.in.us) or Karen Clerkin (kclerkin@madison.k12.in.us) to make sure!
Thank you in advance for all your help and support.
About Us
- Get students excited about the library space and learning.
- Give students opportunities to work on engaging tasks.
- Provide spaces to work collaboratively, think critically, and creatively.
Also, to transition to a place where students DO stuff, not simply a place where students GET stuff.
Email: jstevenson@madison.k12.in.us
Phone: (812) 274-8007
Twitter: @JStevensonMCS