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Redefining Literacy in Grade 4: Part 3

Studio 17Ever WonderNew Episodes Have Dropped!

Episode 4, Math in Everyday LifeEpisode 5, Math:  It's in YOUR Future

Students of the Hive (grade 4, Davis/Valzania) have been transformed into producers, directors, screen writers, actors and more!  As part of a generous grant from B.E.S.T., students have been taking their learning into the world of video production. 

In today's digital age, being literate no longer means just being able to read and write. With the rise of social media and video content, it has become essential for students to be able to create and understand video content as well. As such, redefining literacy for students to include video creation is a necessary step.

Video creation can be a powerful tool for students to express their ideas, thoughts, and creativity. It allows them to present information in a more engaging and visually appealing way, making it easier for their audience to understand and retain the information. In addition, video creation can also enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as students must plan, storyboard, and edit their videos.

Of course, video creation should not replace traditional literacy skills such as reading and writing, but rather complement them. It is essential for students to be able to communicate effectively in various forms, and video creation is becoming an increasingly important one.

Redefining literacy for students to include video creation is an important step in preparing them for the digital age. It can help enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as provide a creative outlet for students to express themselves. By incorporating video creation into the curriculum, students can develop the necessary skills to thrive in a world where digital media is becoming increasingly prevalent.

Episode 4:  Math in Everyday Life




Episode 5:  Math - It's in YOUR Future

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?

-Mrs. Kosakowski

iPad Apps

App Smashing Adventures

Third Grade Superstars Write, Draw, and Explore with Book Creator and Drawing Pad

Spofford Pond School third graders get creative using the iPad apps Book Creator and Drawing Pad to amplify their imaginations, enhance their research and create astonishing masterpieces.

Introduction: Grab your digital capes and get ready for a thrilling journey through the creative universe of app smashing! As a digital learning specialist, I had the pleasure of witnessing third-grade students harness the power of their iPads, combining the mighty Book Creator and the artistic prowess of Drawing Pad to forge digital books and embark on epic research projects. Brace yourselves for an adventure filled with inspiration, imagination, and innovation!

Chapter 1: Unleashing their Superpowers through App Smashing

These young learners became true digital superheroes by app smashing Book Creator and Drawing Pad. With Book Creator's intuitive interface, they effortlessly constructed captivating stories while Drawing Pad transformed their iPads into a digital canvas, allowing them to illustrate their tales with colorful strokes of genius. Together, these apps formed an unstoppable duo, empowering our third-grade champions to craft immersive digital books that left both their peers and teachers awestruck!

Chapter 2: Research Quests - Where Learning Meets Creativity 

Harnessing the power of app smashing, these budding researchers embarked on thrilling quests to explore the realms of knowledge. Armed with Book Creator's versatility and Drawing Pad's artistic magic, our third graders transformed research projects into engaging digital adventures. With their trusty iPads, they embarked on a treasure hunt for information, weaving together words, images, and illustrations to bring their findings to life. From animal studies to historical figures and events, their digital books were not only educational but also visually captivating!

Chapter 3: Unleashing Imagination and Curiosity

App smashing Book Creator and Drawing Pad not only elevated the students' creativity but also fostered their curiosity. By combining the power of storytelling and visual expression, our third-grade dynamos unleashed their imaginations in ways never seen before. The possibilities were endless as they dreamt up vibrant characters, breathtaking landscapes, and fantastical worlds within the digital pages of their books. Their curiosity knew no bounds as they delved into research, eagerly unearthing facts and transforming them into captivating narratives.

Conclusion: Inspiring App Smashing Heroes!

Our third-grade superheroes proved that app smashing is a force to be reckoned with in the realm of digital learning. With Book Creator and Drawing Pad as their trusty sidekicks, they unleashed their creative superpowers, crafting digital books that showcased their imagination, research skills, and passion for learning. These app-smashing champions blazed a trail for future students, inspiring others to combine the powers of different apps and conquer new frontiers of knowledge and creativity.

So, don your digital capes, embrace the world of app smashing, and empower your students to become the next generation of innovative storytellers and research adventurers! Together, we can revolutionize learning, one app smash at a time!

- Mrs. Kosakowski

Technology Essential Questions:

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

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.a.1; 3-5.CAS.b.1-4; 3-5.DTC.a; 3-5.DTC.b