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Elementary Technology Newsletter

December 2015

ElementaryTechnology NewsletterDecember 2015

Coding

December 7-11 was "Hour of Code" week all over the world. The movement to teach students how to code is growing as more and more jobs require these types of skills. Not only does coding teach students a new "language" it works on their problem solving skills, logic and creativity. Personally I started having my son "code" when he was in Pre-K. Anyone can learn how to do it. Below I highlighted some apps and sites that you can go to learn to code for free. I challenge you to take 30 minutes and try one of these activities.

Websites

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Code.org

Code.org is a great website that has resources for all age groups. Code Studio has several course levels that start at the recommended age of 4. The Hour of Code option has 8 different options (from Elsa to Minecraft, Angry Birds to Flappy Bird). At the end of the "hour" you can print a certificate.
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Scratch

Scratch is a website that will walk you through the basics of learning to code. On this site, you can even create different projects that you save and can come back to. It is best used with students aged 8-16.
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Lightbot

Lightbot is another coding website that can be used with all ages. There are also Lightbot apps (including a Lightbot Jr. app for the younger crowd).

Apps

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Kodable

Kodable is a great app for younger kids (starting at age 5). It has programming "lessons" that progress them through the stages. (There is an online component as well at www.kodable.com)
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Tynker

Tynker is an app that works best for kids who can read (or have a grown up that can sit with them). The free version (linked above) has several free levels with the option to purchase more. The School Version (with everything unlocked) was free last week and I grabbed some copies for our schools to use. Tynker has a website portion as well at www.tynker.com
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Box Island

Box Island is a new app that seems similar to Kodable. The recommended starting age is 6 and the graphics look nice. At the end of the "hour" it gives them a certificate for completing an hour of code.
Computer science is for everyone | Hadi Partovi | TEDxRainier

GOOGLE CLASSROOM TIP

Google Classroom - A Differentiation Strategy

"Tweeting" in the classroom

Want to give your students the power to tweet without giving them access to social media? Tammy Worcester has created a Google Form and Spreadsheet that will allow your students to safely "tweet" their ideas and findings from class. The result is a "Twitter" board that you can project in class. Check out the link below for step by step instructions. **Note: Tammy has lots of GREAT resources on her site. If you aren't interested in Twitter, look around and you may find something else that better fits your class.
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Contact Info

Monday - CES ext. 1361

Tuesday - NES ext. 1266

Wednesday - BPS ext. 1420

Thursday - NES/BPS

Friday - Office Day/Meetings

Email: acastro@crosbyisd.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/crosbyisd.org/acastro-instructional-technology/
Phone: 281-723-7921
Twitter: @CastroAmandaL