Thomas' Tech News and Tools
Keeping up with the latest technology news at WPS
How Have Teachers and Students Been Using the Learning Commons?
Coding Club
1st and 2nd grade students who joined Coding Club had their first meeting on Thursday, February 14th. There was overwhelming interest in the club with 38 students signing up the first day! Any student who was unable to join this first session will have a chance next time. This year we have Dash robots which are quite the hit. Students take turns exploring coding on code.org, using Dash or Sphero robots, using Bloxels to explore video game design, circuits, and other offline coding activities. We love to inspire these future programmers to create the next best tech tool!
Dr. Seuss Week
With the volunteers from Follett Corporation, WPS students celebrated Dr. Seuss week in the Learning Commons through a variety of Maker Space activities. A few challenges included building Cat in the Hat stacks with cups, Truffala Trees, and designing and making a new hat for the Cat in the Hat. Second grade students had a fun time making Seuss slime.
Kindergarten Technology
After a couple months identifying letters on the keyboard and practicing some typing skills, Kindergarten students were ready to log themselves into the Chromebooks. They did so great! They also worked on making CVC words that they've been practicing in class on a Google Slides presentation. These Kindergarten students will be ready to type sentences in no time!
1st Grade Technology
First grade students are integrating lots of technology in their ELA Reading menus. They are becoming "Emoji Whiz Writers" which is a little twist on Creative Writing. They are given 3 random emojis and are asked to type a story that incorporates all 3 emojis. Students are truly inspired by emojis and it gets them excited about writing!
Every 1st grade class tried a BreakoutEDU focused on Attributes of Shapes. This was a fabulous challenge for students to collaborate with their group members, problem solve, and use their critical thinking skills and think outside the box.
Second Grade Technology
Some 2nd grade classes have started exploring the very basics of Animation using Google Slides. Students used shapes to create characters, setting and props and made them move through Google Slides Animation Feature.
Home Connection Tech Tool
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Mrs. Christina Thomas
Email: cthomas@sd925.org
Website: https://canalitisthomas.weebly.com/
Twitter: @thomastechteach