Whew! We are working on being a 1:1 school, we are a STEM school, we have a abundance of technology in our Elementary School. What do we NOT have? Proficient typists.
This morning I spent some time on the phone with Kevin from Sunburst and we discussed a quote for Type to Learn 4. TTL is one of the best keyboarding resources out there. At the initial rate of 899.00 with a 100.00 renewable annual fee, however, TTL is not in the budget.
I hit the web running and was delighted to find so MANY differentiated, fun, effective resources at www.abcya.com! TBH, before this morning I viewed abcya.com as one of those sites to hit when you need a "holiday" theme web assignment but I hit the jackpot for keyboarding resources.
Below are links to the keyboarding "games" I found at abcya.com. The list goes from K - 5.
I came across this parody last spring as well - unlike the Unread Book Parody, I only show this video to 4th and 5th Graders. The best thing I heard after showing this in the spring was from one of my best readers: "I am reading all of them again!" If you even enjoyed Harry a little don't miss this video:
I came across this in the spring and my kids have requested it again in the fall! I LOVE this video put out by Pagona Creative and the Orange Public Library. Kids love looking for their favorite characters and it is very well done. I also like that I can show it to K-5.
We have been a STEM school for four years. If you have looked into this transition or are a STEM school, you know that as soon as you think you are getting the hang of everything it is time to change it up! This year we are embracing Growth Mindset wholeheartedly as a staff. We have a high % of kids in poverty and the idea of Growth Mindset is not one they naturally bring to school. I think it will be great for our kids and community.
The principle of Growth Mindset actually is a wonderful fit for the Library and I look forward to all of the fun things we will tackle. Some of the books on this list are my favorite "STEM" books, some are old favorites with an "old fashioned" message (keep going, you'll get there) and some are newly published with a specific Growth Mindset message.
I have scoured the loads of Growth Mindset YouTube videos and there are some pretty great finds. But there are some boring duds, as well. Below I am sharing my favorites that are entertaining and inspirational. This list progresses from kinder to 5th, with Kid President working for anyone. Because who doesn't love KP?
"The Power of Yet" featuring Janelle Monae
"Don't Give Up" Featuring Bruno Mars
"Persistent" featuring David Beckham
* I know, it's Sesame Street BUT for kinders and firsties, no one gets the message across quite like our SS Friends. I have even heard from my older kids who caught a glimpse that they enjoyed the videos*
Whew! To paraphrase Mr.Slinger and Mr. Henkes, "Whew was about all she could say". I think that about says it all right now. We have been in school two weeks and I just NOW thought about posting these boards. This year I am "beginning" STEM Centers and there will be more on that but for now I am happy to post come fun boards.
I did a main board a few years ago with Minions and it was a hit. This is a variation and again, the kids love their Minions! I never would have thought to save the little yellow guys a few years ago, I thought for sure it was a one and done. Obviously Pixar had different thoughts. The little books are "3D", we just folded and stapled them on top last.
I have two cases flanking the library in the main hall of the school. I try to use displays that appeal to most/ all of my students.
This case is by our computer lab and down by our older kids. One of my big pushes is to have my kids use Overdrive - I LOVE our district Overdrive Collection, and I don't want anyone ignoring this resource. Another goal with this display is to let kids know reading is in their hands and not something we "make" them do.
