School Podcast

The Great Polar Bearier Riff

NEW EPISODES ARE NOW AVAILABLE!

Students in grade 6 have new episodes on The Great Polar Bearier Riff, Spofford Pond School's podcast.  Be sure to listen in and find out who our sixth graders believe are truly unsung heroes.

Here is a glimpse into grade six's "Unsung Heroes" series:

For more episodes, follow this link to find our podcast directly at Anchor or you can search for "The Great Polar Bearier Riff" and listen to our podcast on:

Podcasting Essential Questions:

How can we infuse classroom curriculum with technology that is easily accessible and simple to use?

How can we use this technology to delve deeper into subject matter?

How does this technology strengthen research, writing and collaboration skills?

How does this technology strengthen speaking and listening skills?

Winter Technology

STOP ACTION ANIMATION WITH GOOGLE SLIDES

Google Slides is so much more than just a backdrop for your presentation.  It can be used in many other ways as well.  Recently, students in Mrs. Cronin's, Ms. Davis's and Mrs. Valzania's fourth grade practiced using Google Slides to create stop action animation.
Stop action animation with Google Slides is a great way to express creativity, practice simple digital skills like cut, copy and paste, and learn the basics of storyboard planning.  Stop action animation can be used in any subject area as these short films can demonstrate understanding of all types of concepts and curriculum.

These fourth graders used stop action animation to create "Pun-ny" virtual Valentines.

Click this LINK to see C.S's animated short, "Hooked on You"

Click this LINK to see M.B's animated short, "Bee Mine"

Click this LINK to see O.D's animated short, "Berry Special"

Click this LINK to see E.G's animated short, "The Owl & the Duck"

Click this LINK to see T.Q's animated short, "Donut"

Click this LINK to see J.B.'s animated short, "Zoo"



And the Oscar for Best Animated Short Film goes to........ Grade 4!

Technology Essential Questions:

How can digital storytelling foster critical thinking skills?

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?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:3-5.CAS.a.1; 3-5.CAS.b; 3-5.DTC.a; 3-5.DTC.b; 3-5.DTC.c.2; 3-5.DTC.c.3

We Are Bloggers

Sixth Graders are officially published authors!

Students in all grade 6 classes are trying their hand at blogging!
First, we spent time discussing blogging and writing for an audience outside of school.  Then each student setup a blog using Blogger.  Students learned to set permissions, comments, layout, theme, format, and sharing and then published their blogs on the internet.
Next steps will include posting their writing, adding images and links and responding to comments.

According to George Couros, author of The Innovator's Mindset, there are at leastfive great reasons students should blog (article).
Blogging:allows for "open reflection"helps to "develop literacy through different mediums"
"gives students a space for their voice to be heard"
creates "an open archive of learning"
"develops a positive digital footprint"


Stay tuned for more about this exciting opportunity and be sure to watch out forour students' blogs as they flourish over the next few weeks.

Technology Essential Questions:

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

How can we use this digital tool to create original, innovative works and demonstrate a student's unique voice?

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