Hour of Code

As a part of National Computer Science Education Week, our students wrote over 2,000 lines of code during their library time.  Code.org created a great curriculum that makes learning how to code accessible for all ages.

We didn't let the lack of devices stop us from learning about coding. We used our brand new Promethean Board to complete the coding exercises as group.  Students loved the opportunity to come to the board and use the pen to move the coding blocks. Everyone cheered when the puzzles were solved correctly.  When something didn't go as we thought it would, we worked together to figure out why.

Every grade level enjoyed the opportunity to try coding and many wanted to know how they could learn more. Students can easily access coding resources from anywhere via my Symbaloo.

Gingerbread Houses

 Last week,  I read Jan Brett's Gingerbread Baby to my Kindergarten students.  We compared and contrasted the story to the Gingerbread Man.

This week the Kindergarten classes participated in a collaborative how-to writing project.  The students discussed the importance of having a plan when you are working on a project.  We talked about how Matti used a recipe to create his gingerbread house.  Together, the students wrote a list of items needed to make a house.  Then, they listed the supplies needed to make a gingerbread house.  Next, they wrote a step-by-step plan.  Finally, they used the plan to create their gingerbread houses. 
 

My students loved the opportunity to create something fun for the holidays.  We incorporated many Common Core Standards from Speaking and Listening to Writing as well as numerous information literacy skills.

The houses are now on display in the library along with a sign that explains the project lest anyone think it was just another cut and paste activity.