During the fourth quarter, computer classes will focus on finishing projects for classroom reports.  They will also complete the year with final testing of typing skills, basic computer skills, and will also take the End-of-the-Year Star Reading Assessment for the Accelerated Reading program.  We are supplementing classroom assignments in the computer lab whenever possible.  Example:  Kindergarten classes are working on basic computer skills after completing a sorting task using the vowel sounds. First graders have worked with the graphics program to locate American symbols.  Second graders are learning their multiplication tables so while in the lab, the children do an online math program to practice those skills.  Third graders are stepping up their typing skills. Fourth graders are typing their reports.  Fifth graders are researching for their animal projects.  Sixth graders are also honing their typing skills.  When not working on classroom projects, we are concentrating on the special keys and tools within the Microsoft Office Word program.  It has been an exciting year, enjoying integrating technology into all aspects of learning!

Many of you have asked what you can do to help your child in computer class.  I have listed some tips below.

1.     Keyboarding – familiarity with the location of special keys in addition to basic typing skills using proper home row positioning.

2.     Listening skills is huge in computer class.  Much of what the students learn is done by listening and following along on the big screen in order to perform the steps in the correct order in the program they are using.  If your child is talking to his/her neighbor or simply not watching the big screen as I am directing and they miss a step, it sets the whole class back waiting for them to catch up.  Therefore, I will mark a behavioral issue which will figure into the grades.

3.     Knowing how to open a file, save a file, replace a file, and exit a file (quickly).

4.     For younger students, being able to type their name quickly.  They aren’t expected to fully know the keyboard but when asked to type their name into the program for saving, they must be able to do it quickly.  Our time is very short in the lab and if a third of it is used to open files and type their names, class time is gone before we even get started.  Another thing the younger students need to work on is control of the mouse.  Many times their small hands don’t stay put in the proper position and they click on the wrong thing or they will slide the mouse while clicking it at the same time, thus clicking the wrong thing.  Also with the mouse, they need to understand how to adjust it when they are sliding it off of the mouse pad.  Many times I hear from the children “my mouse won’t go”.  It’s a matter of picking up the mouse and re-positioning it and they need to remember to try that and make the adjustment themselves.

Remember, computer class is based on skills that are developing and there are many skills to be learned.  It is not a core class so the computer grade is not counted as part of the Honor Roll system.

Again let me remind you that your child may come into the computer lab after school to do research on the internet or type reports as long as you stay here with them.  I am here until 4:00 on Tues, Wed., and Thurs.

Also, Computer lab is in need of hand sanitizer.  If you are able to donate a bottle, it would be greatly appreciated!

A Message from Miss Debbie

Dear Parents:
It is with great pleasure that I return to Calvary Murrieta Christian School as the new Computer Lab teacher!   This is like my home and I am glad to be back.  I look forward to this new challenge that the Lord has given me to teach computer skills to the elementary children.
We will continue with many of the programs that the students are familiar with.  We will work on typing skills on a regular basis but we are going to add programs that enhance the curriculum being used in the classroom.  Programs that will help the students organize their thoughts, develop outlines, and be able to compile it all into reports and projects for classroom assignments.  The students will use the internet to do research for the projects too.  We will use other programs with the younger students to help with reading and math skills as well.
The computer lab is open after school on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday if your child needs to come in to work on a report or take an AR test but you must be present with them. 
I look forward to this new adventure in the Technology field and the many new things we have planned for your children.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me or email and I will get back to you at my earliest convenience.

God Bless You!
Miss Debbie

834-9190 ext. 1225
dvotaw@ccmurrieta.com

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