Savvy Students
Fall 2018 - Wyman/Park Library Newsletter
Computer Science Core Concepts
The start to the 2018-19 school year has been productive. The library department in Warwick met for our Professional Development to add the RI Computer Science Core Concepts to our Library Curriculum. At the K-5 level, computer concepts mesh well with traditional library media standards and the RI Governor's Initiative - Computer Science 4 RI is being met at the elementary level in the library classrooms of Warwick.
What does CS look like in the library Classroom?
It may surprise you to learn that many Computer Science concepts are taught without computers. These code.org lessons are called unplugged lessons and help students learn how computers use coded language to follow steps (algorithms) to complete tasks. When those steps are written in a language a computer can understand, you have a program. Below students use symbols, like directional arrows to write a program for another student (the robot) to follow.
Cup Stacking
Cup Stacking with Robotic Arms for 4th and 5th grade
Happy Maps
Happy Map Programs for 1st grade
Graph Paper Designs
Graph Paper Programming for 3rd grade
Learning Perseverance
In other CS lessons, students are challenged to create something that is very difficult in order to learn perseverance. The 2nd grade students above are using wooden tongue depressors and clay to try and build a structure that will hold up a book. This will help them to learn not to give up, but to keep on trying. Failure helps us learn.
Blended Learning
This year, I am working with Highlander Institute as a Fuse Fellow to help support Blended Learning in my classroom and also with my partner district Little Compton. Blended Learning requires teachers to use data to combine face to face teacher instruction and online learning so that students are given voice and choice over where and when they learn, or control over the pace of their learning.
Playlists allow for Self Pacing
GoFormative is a "new to me" app that I am using with 5th grade this year. The website allows me to create a list of steps to help students write a review for my Book Blog. Students work through the steps at their own pace with frequent checks for understanding and opportunities for teacher feedback built in.
Voki allows for Student Choice
Choosing a just right book for them, 4th graders are using a combination of Google Docs and Voki to create typed book reviews that will be placed on the library page. They choose their book and the avatar that will represent them by reading their reviews and giving a voice to their words.
Google Classroom gives 24/7 Access
By placing assignments, lessons, feedback and instructional videos in Google Classroom students can learn anytime, anywhere. They can rewind, watch again, pause and restart. Their learning doesn't have to end when the bell rings at the end of the school day.
Acting Out Stories
Of course we still find time for stories and Primary students LOVE to act them out!
Three Little Pigs
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Tara Castro - Library Media Specialist
I have always felt very fortunate to teach a subject that includes a set of lifelong skills. Computer Science is not going to go away. But, as with all things, students need to learn to balance their screen time with active engagement in activities that encourage movement. So, it's Fall and the foliage is beautiful. May I suggest taking your family for a hike on one of our many beautiful walking trails here in RI. This website is a great place to start for Walking Trails suggestions and maps.
Website: http://mrscastroslibrary.weebly.com/
Phone: (401)734-3180
Twitter: @MrsCastro2
"Libraries store the energy that fuels the imagination. They open up windows to the world and inspire us to explore and achieve, and contribute to improving our quality of life."
–Sidney Sheldon