Shimek Library Newsletter
January 2019
Library Learning
In the lab, the kindergarteners are learning how to code using a course for young students sponsored by Code.org. We started by learning about debugging programs and not getting dicouraged if it takes more than one try to get the code to do what you want. The students completed online puzzles, and now are learning how to develop sequential algorithms to direct an Angry Bird to the pig in various mazes. The students are excited to learn!
First Grade: The first graders are learning the basics of block coding using a course through Code.org. Students are leanring how to drag and drop blocks to navigate Scrat to the acorn in a series of scenarios. Students learned about digital footprints and the importance of keeping private information private on the internet. The first graders also listened to eight of the best-reviewed children's fantasy books from 2018 and voted for their favorites. I will buy these books for the Shimek library and share our selections with the other ICCSD librarians.
Second Grade: The students in second grade have been programming though Code.org. Students are using blockly to drag and drop blocks to construct progams to navigate an Angry Bird to the pig, while avoiding the TNT. Students will be learning how to use the repeat block and how to navigate right and left. Students wil also learn debugging skills to fix programs that are not working correctly. The second graders are also listening to eight of the top children's fantasy books of 2018 and choosing their favorites.
Third Grade: Third graders finished the year by coding in Minecraft Adventurer using Code.org. Students are now very busy reading books for the Optimist Good Reader Program. This 6-week program is an excellent way to expose the third graders to many book genres. The goal is for students to find, read, and enjoy exciting new genres of books. Third graders are expected to read 6 books, each from a different genre. Genres are: fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction, biography, folklore, poetry, nonfiction, and award winning/mystery/graphic novel. In class and in the library we will be discussing different genres each week. The program ends on Friday, February 22. Because of the snow, the program has been extended to March 1.
Fourth Grade: Fourth graders finished the year by coding in Minecraft Designer using Code.org. Students are now very busy reading books for the Optimist Good Reader Program. This 6-week program is an excellent way to encourage the fourth graders to find, read, and enjoy exciting new genres of books. Fourth graders are expected to read 9 books, each from a different genre. Genres are: fantasy, historical fiction, realistic fiction, biography, folklore, poetry, nonfiction, and award winning/mystery/graphic novel. In class and in the library we will be discussing different genres each week. The program ends on Friday, February 22. Because of the snow, the program has been extended to March 1.
Fifth Grade: Students went to Play Lab in Code.org and used their programming skills to make animated characters talk, move, and score points. Many students also programmed dance moves in Dance Party; there are some creative students in the 5th grade!
The fifth graders are now learning about digital citizenship using Be Internet Awesome, an excellent course sponsored by Google. Students completed the Share With Care unit using an interactive Pear Deck activity.
Sixth Grade: Sixth graders have completed Unit 1 of Computer Sciences Discoveries, sponsored by Code.org. All of these activites were unplugged - not using the computer - to practice using the problem-solving process using puzzles, challenges, and real-world scenarios. The unit was highly interactive and collaborative.
Calling All Readers
I need adult volunteers who would be willing to enthusiastically read books to the students. This will occur during the students' regular libray times in late February and early March. Please let me know at johnson.linda@iowacityschools.org if you or someone you know would be interested in reading. Thanks!
Shimek - A School of Readers
Winter is a great season to read!
Email: johnson.linda@iowacityschools.org
Website: https://www.iowacityschools.org/domain/2530
Location: Iowa City, IA, USA
Phone: 319-688-1162
Twitter: @shimcirc