Thanksgiving Fun

Students at Spofford have had opportunities to use our technology for some fun Thanksgiving activities this week.

Students received a Google Slides assignment through Google Classroom where they watched a video reading of Turkey Trouble by Wendi Slivano.  Next, they used Google Slides to disguise a turkey and write their own story.

Here they are in action:

Click here to watch and hear the story.

Here is a sample from a student's slide presentation:

Students in Mrs. Cronin's class collaborated on illustrating and recording the poem "The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven" by Jack Prelutsky.  They combined their Explain Everything projects into iMovie to create the following:

Technology Essential Questions:

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works?

How can we use this software to address the different needs, learning styles,

interests and abilities of students?

Are there technological solutions or enhancements to supplement what is being taught?

Why are exploration and creation an important part of learning?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework

3-5.DTC.a; 3-5.DTC.b

Technology Integration

Hyperdocs and Grade 4:  The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

This week students in Ms. Davis' 4th grade class had their first lesson in using a Hyperdoc to complete various activities for their monthly reading selection.  Ms. Davis was excited to transform her lesson with technology and the students were excited and engaged when completing the tasks.  I can tell there will be more Hyperdocs in their future!

What is a Hyperdoc?

 A hyperdoc is a Google Doc or Slides with interactive links that connect to classroom content, expand material, and inspire students to create, collaborate and communicate.  They are engaging multimedia lessons that allow students to build background knowledge, explore subjects, flip their learning, use collaborative online tools or create independent digital projects.

(resource:  Hyperdocs)

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

How can we use this software to address the different needs, learning styles, interests and abilities of students?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework

3-5.CAS.b.1-3; 3-5.DTC.a; 3-5.DTC.b

Third Grade Movie Makers

Fun in the Green Screen Studio

The Spofford Pond School Green Screen studio has seen a lot of action recently.

First, Mrs. Cronin's third grade class used the space to perform their Halloween poems.  Actors arrived in costume with their lines perfectly prepared, their set design chosen and

their masks decorated.

Check out a few of their spooky poetry readings!

Then, Mrs. Holt's third grade class used the space to demonstrate their yoga skills.  Yogis took the stage to create a wonderful video of the mindful exercises they practice in their classroom.

Check out a few of their peaceful stretches!

Technology Essential Questions:

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Why is creation an important part of learning?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework

3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b.1

DIY Den In Action

Grade 3:  Making Science Models in the DIY Den

Students in Mrs. Holt's grade three class put their model building skills to work last week in the Spofford Pond DIY Den.

Students were challenged to build two models using items found in the DIY Den that each represented a type of motion.  Models demonstrated back and forth, zig zag, straight and circular motion.

Motion Models in Action:

Essential Questions:

Why are exploration and creation an important part of learning?

How can a makerspace change our learning experience?