Week of Nov 1-5

What a fun week.  We talked about typing and drawing and erasing...you just can’t have more fun than that.  On top of all of it, my birthday was Thursday, November 4.  Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday or sang to me (the hebrew was fun).  I am a pretty lucky guy to have such nice people in my life.

Kindergarten: We started using the eraser tool.  We talk about erasing parts of the screen, the whole screen, and using the mystery eraser.  We covered ergonomics again and spoke about mouse position on the desk.

1st Grade: We reviewed the color picker and spoke about the eraser tool.  Students created an American flag using only the pencil tool.  Then we went through the various elements of the eraser tool,  We talked about volume on the computer and the kids played with the erasers.  We also began talking about ergonomics.

2nd Grade:  We began talking about ergonomics.  This will be a point throughout the year.  I am hoping to make it a good habit with all grades.  We talked about he line tool in Kid Pix and its options, including using the Shift key to make the line appear at a common angle.  The kids then made a compass rose with the line tool.

3rd Grade: We began talking about ergonomics.  The students used their knowledge of the line tool to divide their screen into four equal sections.  Then we talked about the fill tool/paint bucket and the students put a different color in each of the squares.  We used the paint brush to create trees, suns, worms, bricks, and bugs in each of the four squares.  Then we used the blender tool mix up the colors on the screen.  Afterwards, we talked about the volume control.

4th Grade: Students were given the opportunity to do research on the Internet for Mrs.Seligman’s secular curriculum.  I made a quick and dirty web page that contained useful links provided by Mrs. Seligman regarding Native Americans.  If you would like to view this page visit: http://www.wornickjds.org/grade4/native.html  We also began talking about ergonomics.  

5th Grade: 5A: Ripped MP3 from their CDs.  We didn’t get further, but should catch up next week.  5B:The students ripped MP3s from their CDs using iTunes.  They then linked the music to their digital photo albums and exported Quicktime movies of the final project.  Next class meeting, we will talk about saving our work on the file server and getting a copy home. We also began talking about ergonomics.  

6th Grade: The students learned to type.  Well, we talked about proper finger position and usage.  The students made a colored paper keyboard that they can use as reference.  We talked about the typing homework and typing log procedures.  Note: Typing logs are due before the first class of the month.  We also began talking about ergonomics.  

7th Grade: The students learned to type.  Well, we talked about proper finger position and usage.  The students made a colored paper keyboard that they can use as reference.  We talked about the typing homework and typing log procedures.  Note: Typing logs are due before the first class of the month.  We also began talking about ergonomics.  

8th Grade: The students learned to type.  Well, we talked about proper finger position and usage.  The students made a colored paper keyboard that they can use as reference.  We talked about the typing homework and typing log procedures.  Note: Typing logs are due before the first class of the month.  We also began talking about ergonomics.  

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at matt@wornickjds.org

Have a great weekend!!!

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Matt Harris
Director of Technology
Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School