Kids Computer Lessons

Teachers Love Technology {Infographic}

2013-03-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

Like many computer education teachers out there, I myself am responsible for the technology in-services provided to the teachers and staff within my school building. Being an Educational Technologist has taught me a lot about how technology works across the curriculum, in individual classrooms and how my lesson and unit plans can aid in the success of classroom teacher's integration of technology. Below is a very interesting infographic about how teachers are more apt to using technology (yay!) and how their students are very receptive to it- and how technology is even raising test scores!
Please Include Attribution to OnlineUniversities.com With This Graphic

Digital Citizenship for 3-5th Grade

2013-03-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

Digital Citizenship is an important lesson to teach, especially at a young age. I typically begin teaching this concept around the third grade so it is embedded in their minds when they become young adults.

I provided you with this PowerPoint to assist you in teaching your class about Digital Citizenship. Please note that it is created as a .pptx file and the directions for the PowerPoint are provided for you in the notes section under each slide.

Included in The Digital Citizenship and You PowerPoint is an interactive quiz that works very well as a whole-class lesson. I have also created a "I pledge to be a good digital citizenship" for you and your students to sign and display with pride.

To go along with the lesson on Digital Citizenship, I recommend the PBS.org interactive online game called Webonauts. My third graders loved playing this game as it beautifully illustrates how to be a good citizen- on and offline! And hey- it's fun too!

Download the Digital Citizenship and You PowerPoint and enjoy teaching this lesson to your class!

Teaching about the Internet: an Activity for 6th Grade

2013-02-21T18:38:00.001-08:00

One of my most favorite topics to teach is the Internet. Many, including adults, think that the Internet and the World Wide Web are two of the same. I typically begin discriminating between the two as young as Kindergarten when they begin to slowly navigate around the World Wide Web via the Internet. It is rather a hard concept for younger students to learn and I love teaching the analogy that the Internet is like the shopping mall, and inside this shopping mall you would find stores like the World Wide Web, email, Instant Messaging, FTP and Newsgroups (amongst others.)

In 6th grade we get “connected” to and learn how many users connect to the Internet around the world. This activity is really fun and I would love to share it with you!

What you need:

Yarn
Popsicle sticks
These flags here- Please note that this is a Word Document that you can go back and edit when new stats are @ http://www.internetworldstats.com/top20.htm
Glue, tape and laminate to protect those flags!
Optional: See props in photo below.

What you do:

Props for teaching 6th Graders the Internet

Prep: Cut out each flag, laminate and attach them to the popsicle stick for durability.
Introduce the Internet and its definitions. I typically use a PowerPoint to do this, or you can find many resources online (such as http://www.internet101.org/).
If your computer lab permits, have your students disperse themselves throughout the room. I started with the states within the U.S. with the students closest together in the center of the room. Hand the first student a state flag (I did smallest amount of users to largest) and ask him/her to read aloud the state and number of Internet users. Then give that student the end of the yarn.
Go to the next student and hand them the next state flag. Have them read aloud the state and the number of people connected to the Internet. “Connect” this student to the first user (string the piece of yarn to them with the first person still holding on). If you need to, please request that students are careful not to tangle themselves within the yarn as it can be a strangling matter!
Continue this process until all the state flags are distributed. Make sure to “connect” the students to each other with the yarn. The yarn helps them understand how everyone is connected to one another.
Then move onto the countries, making the same connections. Once everyone is connected, I made props (shown in the photo above) and tossed them onto the ‘connected’ Internet to illustrate how these elements (World Wide Web, FTP, Newsgroups, Instant Messaging and email) are a part of the Internet.
Collect all materials and discuss.

I would love to know how your lesson goes!

Free Typing Website- TypingWeb

2012-12-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

If you are like me, and have a very limited budget, you may be finding yourself searching for resources that are free or real cheap to enhance your students' learning experience. I have mentioned several typing Web sites on KCL now and want to introduce you to yet another fantastic resource for your technology toolbox!

TypingWeb, located at http://www.typingweb.com/, “ is a free online typing tutor & keyboarding tutorial for typists of all skill levels. TypingWeb includes entertaining typing games, typing tests, and free official typing certification” {Verbiage taken from the Website itself!}

I have been using TypingWeb now for three months to teach my 4th graders how to type and instantly feel in love with this program. Aside from being completely free, it houses a teacher portal where you can easily upload classes to help you assess your student’s typing needs. At the end of each lesson, your student’s also have an option to print out a certificate and play games that enhance the lesson that they have learned.

A paid option is also available that encompasses more typing drills, more control over the lessons displayed and does away with the minimal ads. I haven’t tried the paid version, and quite honestly am very satisfied with the free one!

Enjoy!

Please note that I was not in no way paid for my opinions on this Website or approached by the company to do so. ALL opinions are my own and done by my own doing because I feel that this is something great to share- thank you!

An Apology

2012-12-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

Hello. I just wanted to drop in quickly to apologize for being on a hiatus over the past few months. I recently went back into teaching after taking a break to raise my three children and had to take them time to re-adjust a lot of my teaching material. I truly look forward to bringing you more lesson ideas, free resources and great Websites that you can incorporate into your computer lab/classroom.

I would also love to take this time to announce that I have opened a store on Teachers Pay Teachers. While a lot of my resources on here will be free and available to you, I will be placing some of my more in-depth work on Teachers Pay Teachers for a very fair rate. I hope you do understand! I love to create (it's a passion of mine) and you will notice that there will be more in my store than computer lessons.

Anyway, I do look forward to sharing a lot of ideas with you. And since I will actively be writing lesson plans each week, I hopefully will be updating this more for you.

Thank you for being loyal,
Aimee
Kids Computer Lessons

2nd Grade- Introduction to Microsoft Word

2012-01-06T10:26:00.000-08:00

Lesson Name: Microsoft Word

Grade: 2

Major Topic: Word Processing

Week/Weeks: 5

NETS for Students:

1. Technology Operations and Concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

Materials:

Microsoft Word- any version
Electronic White Board
Computer
Projector (if needed)

Activity:

Week 1- Introduce Microsoft Word:

Show how to open/close the program from their desktop
Depending on the version of Word you are using, give your students the grand tour of the menu or ribbon.
Demonstrate how to type words, change font, and indent. For this intro they need not to worry about spelling or grammatical errors.

This week’s Intro Lesson:

With Microsoft Word open at each student’s computer, have them type in his or her first and last name. You may have to remind students at this grade to use the shift key to make the first letter in their first and last name capital.
Have them highlight their name by clicking and dragging the cursor over what they have typed. In the menu/ribbon, instruct the students to change the font size to 20, the style to Arial, make it bold and select a color of his or her choice.
If time permits, have them hit the enter key twice and type and finish this sentence “My favorite color is .”.
Show your students how to save this document in the location that you desire. Save it as 1LessonWord.

Week 2- Demonstrate inserting word art, drawing and clip art to the class.

This week’s lesson:

Have your students open up a NEW Microsoft Word Document. See how many remember how to do this independently. After a few moments give help if needed.
Instruct your students to create a Word Art of their choice and type his or her name. Helpful Note: Remind students to click off the word art before they go onto the following step.
Work together to insert a clipart image. For this step have them search for an apple and insert it into their document. Helpful Note: teach your students how to select the appropriate media type (i.e Clip art, photographs, movies and sound.) It is also helpful to show them that they can narrow the search down by selecting which collection they would like to search in. It does not matter what apple they choose.
Have them click off the clip art image of an apple then have them draw a circle.
If time permits allow them to add more clip art, word art or drawings.
Show your students how to save this document in the location that you desire. Save it as 2LessonWord.

Week 3-5-

Have your students enter your computer lab and instruct them to open Microsoft Word. Great chance to sneak in a grade! Explain to them that they will be Typing a paragraph about their second grade year (about 3-5 sentences.) Change the font size to 18. Insert a clipart and create the title “2^nd Grade News” using word art.
When they are all complete, work together to spell check the lesson. Show your students how to save this document in the location that you desire.
Save it as 3LessonWordFinal.

1st Grade Lesson- Using Paint Program to Illustrate Sentence

2012-01-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Lesson Name:Using Paint Program to Illustrate Sentence

Grade: 1

Major Topic: Fine motor skills, typing, Drawing, Saving, Printing

Week/Weeks: 2 Classes

This is a great review of typing and Windows Paint for your first grade computer class.

1st Grade Lesson- Using Paint Program to Illustrate Sentence {sample}

NETS for Students:

Basic operations and concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

Materials:

Whiteboard and projector
Computer
Microsoft Paint

Motivation:

Have this sentence displayed for all to see: "This is what I learned in school…."

Activity:

Have students open up Windows Paint Program. Show them how to use the typing feature. Have them type the above sentence by stressing the importance of using capital letters. Demonstrate the shift key.
Have the students draw a picture on the same page of what they learned in school.
Teach them how to send to the printer if this is an option.
Save to their folder on your server.

Free Online December Holiday Games for Kids

2011-12-11T16:22:00.001-08:00

Enjoy these free online December Holiday Game sites for kids! December is a very cultural rich month covering Kwanzaa, Christmas and Hanukkah. Take time with your class and explore these different traditions by playing online games.

Hanukkah Web sites

Primary Games

The Kidz Page

Christmas Web sites

Kaboose

Northpole.com

Primary Games Christmas

Billy Bear 4 Kids

Kwanzaa Web sites

Primary Games- Kwanzaa

The Kidz Page- Kwanzaa

3rd Grade- Learning the Internet with Worksheets and PowerPoint

2011-12-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

Grade: 3

Major Topic: Typing- Parts of the Internet

Week/Weeks: 3-4 classes

NETS for Students:

3. Research and Information Fluency

Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.

5. Digital Citizenship

Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

6. Technology Operations and Concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

Materials:

Learning the Internet Worksheet

Intro to the Internet PowerPoint includes link to the Internet for Kids Class at end of ppt!
Parts of the Internet Work Sheet
Learning the Internet Worksheet
Internet (preferably Internet Explorer)
Whiteboard and projector
Computer

Activity:

1. Introduction to the Internet PowerPoint on Day 1. Go through the terms- have the students take notes if deemed worthy. Make sure to have the students type in the link http://www.bcls.lib.nj.us/Classes/Intforkids/ located at the end of the PowerPoint and take the class Internet for Kids.

2. Day 2- demonstrate the different parts of the Internet (Forward button, back button, reload button, address bar, etc.) and have the students complete the Parts of the Internet Work Sheet.

3. Day 3- to have your students practice typing in URL's and to learn how to look for answers, complete the Learning the Internet Worksheet.

Optional: Have them study and create an online quiz using one of these sites:

http://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/

http://quizstar.4teachers.org/

http://www.classmarker.com/

How to implement Study Island when you are just the Computer Teacher

2011-11-29T19:14:00.000-08:00

Being a computer teacher has its rewards- one of which is working collaboratively with your coworkers. Study Island can provide just that.

Pre-planning to use Study Island (well, the pre-planning on behalf of the classroom teachers that is) in the computer lab can make implementation run more smoothly and build a stronger connection between the classroom lesson and the computer lab. Have the classroom teacher create a test based on what they have been learning about and post it to their class page. The teacher log-in also provides resources for teachers, such as; lesson plans, printables and videos! All of this is available under My Assignments. Please note: that Study Island Provides State Standards for the core within the program. Goal: Develop a strong classroom teacher- computer teacher relationship to make Study Island in the computer lab a success!

How and when to implement Study Island in the computer lab?

First and foremost, spend a computer lab class or two introducing Study Island to your students. Are they new to Study Island? Have them take the pre-test for each core subject for your state.
Use Study Island as bell work before your daily lesson begins in the computer lab. This can also help you prepare for the class period- especially if you have one class after another with no break in-between.
Need a filler for in-between lessons? Assign a test that you want your class to accomplish as they wait for others to catch up.
Talk to the classroom teacher, and don't hesitate to utilize full lab time near state testing!

Quick tip: Study Island provides teachers with many resources on how to make students engaged under their help section. But what can you do to tie it into a computer class? Why not have them make a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet as to how many Blue Ribbons they achieved and make a corresponding graph.

Quick Tip: The Preschool Computer Lab

2011-11-27T18:32:00.000-08:00

Are you a daycare center, private in-home child care or preschool and are considering setting up a computer lab for children ages 3-4? You may be asking yourself- where do I start? What type of equipment will I need? My students look so little- what is the best computer hardware for their little hands? How long should a preschool computer class be?

Well, I am here to answer a few questions for you! First we will start with some suggested technology hardware for the preschool-aged child:

Suggested Keyboard to use- color coded. Try to find one that has vowels and constants in separate colors (helps with many lessons- of which you will find here) and that all the numbers are another color.

Suggested Mouse: Small and multi-color is key. I personally found it easier to tell the 3-4 year old child to press on the blue-left side of the mouse than to say "left click".

Suggested office furniture: Small- age appropriate desks like the one you see below that is best suited for ages 2-6. This ensures proper posture at the computer.

Some Suggested Educational Software include (but not limited to):

Suggested Classroom Management Tips:

A preschool computer lab time should be kept short and the class size small. From my personal experience a 20-minute session is a suitable amount of time for 4-8 children.
I would suggest sitting two children to one computer. Why? This situation encourages sharing and turn-taking; and allows your students to help one another at the computer. It is from my experience that when a younger child shares a computer with a peer- they are actually more focused in the task at hand. I found that for some who may lack an interest in the computer a 20-minute session may seem like eternity. Setting a timer so that they can "Switch Seats" every two-three minutes keeps the activity fresh and the 3-4 year old child engaged (and moving!).
Not every lab session has to in front of the computer the entire time. Incorporate games and worksheets to keep the little ones moving.

Third Grade Typing Unit using PowerTyping.com

2011-11-14T18:06:00.000-08:00

Unit Name: Intro to Typing

Grade: 3

Major Topic: Typing- Memorizing the Keyboard

Week/Weeks: 7-9 classes

NETS for Students:

6. Technology Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:

a.	understand and use technology systems.

Materials:

Blank Computer Worksheet
Blank Computer Test Printable
WPM Worksheet
Website: http://www.powertyping.com/qwerty/lessonsq.html
Typing PowerPoint
Internet
Whiteboard and projector
Computer
Word Processor
Refer to http://www.customtyping.com/tutorials/kb/Correct_fingering.htm for correct finger placements.

Motivation:

Show Typing PowerPoint and discuss the basics of typing.

Activity:

Week 1- The main goal of this typing year is to have the students memorize the keyboard! After the introduction of the Typing PowerPoint, have them fill in the left hand home row keys: ASDF onto their blank keyboard. Have them then open up any Word Processor and practice the following:

AAA (space) AAA (space) AAA (space) AAA (space) AAA (space) AAA (space) AAA (space) AAA (space)
SSS(space) SSS(space) SSS(space) SSS(space) SSS(space) SSS(space) SSS(space) SSS(space) SSS(space)
DDD (space) DDD (space) DDD (space) DDD (space) DDD (space) DDD (space) DDD (space) DDD (space)
FFF (space) FFF (space) FFF (space) FFF (space) FFF (space) FFF (space) FFF (space) FFF (space)

Go to Website: http://www.powertyping.com/qwerty/lessonsq.html and practice lesson 1 taking down WPM and Grade for each student. Make sure they call you over when a lesson is complete to take down their WPM and grade. If the finish early- have them repeat the lesson: Practice makes perfect!

3. Week 2: Review the left hand home row keys and introduce the right hand: JKL;. Fill in the appropriate keys into the Blank Keyboard sheet. . Have them then open up any Word Processor and practice the following:

JJJ (space) JJJ (space) JJJ (space) JJJ (space) JJJ (space) JJJ (space) JJJ (space) JJJ (space)
KKK(space) KKK(space) KKK(space) KKK(space) KKK(space) KKK(space) KKK(space) KKK(space)
LLL (space) LLL (space) LLL (space) LLL (space) LLL (space) LLL (space) LLL (space) LLL (space)
;;; (space) ;;; (space) ;;; (space) ;;; (space) ;;; (space) ;;; (space) ;;; (space) ;;; (space)

Go to Website: http://www.powertyping.com/qwerty/lessonsq.html and practice lesson 1 taking down WPM and Grade for each student. Make sure they call you over when a lesson is complete to take down their WPM and grade. If the finish early- have them repeat the lesson: Practice makes perfect!

Week 3: Review all the letters of the home row keys- asdfjkl;. Introduce RTYU and EIGH using the correct fingers. Have them write the corresponding letters onto the blank keyboard. Refer to http://www.customtyping.com/tutorials/kb/Correct_fingering.htm for correct finger placements.
Go to Website: http://www.powertyping.com/qwerty/lessonsq.html and practice lesson 2 and 3 taking down WPM and Grade for each student. Make sure they call you over when a lesson is complete to take down their WPM and grade. If the finish early- have them repeat the lesson: Practice makes perfect!

Week 4: Have the students review their keyboard worksheet and begin to memorize the keys on it. Introduce CVB and MN,: using the correct fingers. Refer to http://www.customtyping.com/tutorials/kb/Correct_fingering.htm for correct finger placements. Have them write the corresponding letters onto the blank keyboard.
Go to Website: http://www.powertyping.com/qwerty/lessonsq.html and practice lesson 4 and 5 taking down WPM and Grade for each student. Make sure they call you over when a lesson is complete to take down their WPM and grade. If the finish early- have them repeat the lesson: Practice makes perfect!

Week 5: Have the students review their keyboard worksheet and begin to memorize the keys on it. Introduce WXO. and QZP’” using the correct fingers. Refer to http://www.customtyping.com/tutorials/kb/Correct_fingering.htm for correct finger placements. Have them write the corresponding letters onto the blank keyboard.
Go to Website: http://www.powertyping.com/qwerty/lessonsq.html and practice lesson 6 and 7 taking down WPM and Grade for each student. Make sure they call you over when a lesson is complete to take down their WPM and grade. If the finish early- have them repeat the lesson: Practice makes perfect!

Week 6: Now the keyboard is complete, have them take it home to study. Give them time in class. Next week’s class there will be a test to see what they have memorized on the keyboard using a blank keyboard just like the one that they filled in. For this class you will use PowerTyping Words game: http://www.powertyping.com/trees.shtml

Week 7 (last Full Typing Class): Print out and distribute Blank Computer Test Printable . Cover all keyboards and typing resources with paper. Have students fill in and submit for a grade. Once done they may take an Orange Keyboard Skin
and go to PowerTyping Words game: http://www.powertyping.com/trees.shtml.

First Grade- Practice Typing Sight Words

2011-11-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

Grade: 1

Major Topic: Fine motor skills, typing

Week/Weeks: 1 Class

NETS for Students:

Basic operations and concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

Materials:

Word Processor such as Microsoft Word, or WordPad.
Projector
Electronic Whiteboard
First Grade Typing Sight Words PDF

Motivation:

Display the First Grade Typing Sight Words PDF on a projector on the front of the room.

Activity:

After you have introduced the keyboard to your first graders, now is the time to practice typing!
Demonstrate to the class how to open the word processor of your choice. Teach them how to use the SPACEBAR and the ENTER key to make spaces and line breaks.
Have your students type their first names and hit the enter key twice to start on a new line.
The First Grade Typing Sight Words PDF has a list of 10 words. Show each one on the electronic whiteboard until every student typed it on to their computer. If they finish quickly, have them hit the space bar and type it again.
Press enter between different words.

Example: Your students work may look like this:

Joe

after after aft

where

may may may m

open op

every

just jus

going

from f

thank

round roun

Have your students print or save them to their folder on the server.

Fun Thanksgiving Web sites for Children

2011-11-09T18:36:00.000-08:00

If you would like to take a break from the norm, holidays are the perfect opportunity to kick back, relax and enjoy some holiday-themed games. Some are more educational than others- but sometimes it's okay to just play!

http://www.primarygames.com/holidays/thanksgiving/games.htm

http://www.thekidzpage.com/thanksgiving_games/index.html

http://funschool.kaboose.com/fun-blaster/thanksgiving/games/index.html

http://www.akidsheart.com/holidays/thanks/thgame.htm

7th Grade- Creating a Shopping Budget List in Microsoft Excel

2011-11-08T20:37:00.000-08:00

Major Topic: Microsoft Excel

Class/Classes: 1-2 class periods

NETS for students

3. Research and Information Fluency

Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. \

4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making

Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources

Materials:

Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Excel Notes (PowerPoint)- Student and Teacher Versions
Excel Shopping Budget Tutorial
Projector
Electronic Whiteboard
Excel Shopping Budget Grade Sheet

Motivation:

Have Microsoft Excel Open as well as the Microsoft Excel Notes (PowerPoint)-Student and Teacher Versions. Go over the notes PowerPoint while students fill in the blanks.

Activity:

Make one copy per student of the Microsoft Excel Notes for Students. Have the Teacher’s version open in the front of the room. Go over the notes and demonstrate as you discuss each slide.

Hand out the Excel Shopping Budget Tutorial (PDF Download). Have students follow the directions. (tutorial shown below).

Tips: Before they start this tutorial show your students the various components of Microsoft Excel. Demonstrate: rows, columns, cell reference, formulas, text formatting, etc. to make them more comfortable using this program. This tutorial is just a basic intro as to what Microsoft Excel can do.

Tutorial:

Shopping Budget- Microsoft Excel

7^th grade

Directions: Follow the below steps to create a Shopping Budget Worksheet in Microsoft Excel.

Open Microsoft Excel from your desktop and save this new workbook as "MyBudget" in your student folder.

1. In Cell A1 type: Shopping Budget.

2. Merge and Center by selecting cells A1- F1 and select the Merge and Center Button located on the Home Tab (Microsoft 2007 & 2010).

Merge and center by selecting cells

3. Use the fill bucket and select a fill color to change the heading color (The cells you just merged in step 2). Change the color and style of the font (Size of font no smaller than 18 and no larger than 40).

Change font style, size and color under Home Tab

4. In cell

A3 type My Budget:

A4 type Total Cost:

A5 type Difference Total:

5. In cells
A7 type PERSON TO SHOP FOR
B7 type BUDGETED AMOUNT
C7 type AMOUNT SPENT
D7 type DIFFERENCE

Bold the text and make all uppercase. Now is a good time to save!

6. Starting in cell A9 (staying in column A) list 5-10 people you would like to shop for (this could be a list for birthdays, Christmas, etc.) and how much you wan to spend on each person. You do not need to add dollar signs! Please wait until step 8 for directions!
Example:

Example of family and friends you can list. Please feel free to add "real" names

7. Now, fictitiously make up amounts that you actually spent (you can spend more or less on each person)

Example:

!!! DO NOT ADD ANY NUMBERS IN THE DIFFERENCE COLUMN!!!

8. To convert numbers into dollar amounts, highlight all the cells that contain a number and click on the $ button on the Home Tab under Number Formatting:

Don't manually type in dollar signs- quickly add them in with the $ button on the home tab

9. Now is time to add calculations! In cell D (under the "DIFFERENCE" column), use the following equation, making sure that you start with the = sign first! =B9-C9

Copy and paste the equation to the remainder of the cells. Copy (or ctrl C) highlight the cells you need a formula in under the Difference Column. Paste (Ctrl V) the formula into the selected cells.

10. Now it's time to tally up the totals! Select cell B3 and click the "Insert Function" (looks like fx) button to begin the formula:

A dialog box then opens. Select the SUM function. Now is a good time to save!

The Sum function is usually under the "most recently used" category

Notice how the formula bar automatically adds "=sum"?

11. A new dialog box "Function Arguments" opens up. This is where you will select your cells that you want to add together.

12. Click the box to the right of the "Number 1" input box:

The box then collapses and you are free to select the cells that you want to add to this formula.

13. Highlight all the cells that have a currency amount under Budgeted Amount.

For example, the sum of cells B9-B14 would be the Budget amount I was looking for:

14. Open the "Function Arguments" dialog box up by pressing the same "Range of Cells Button" to expand the dialog box and click OK. The number in cell B3 should be the sum of all the cells that you have budgeted money for.

Now is a good time to save!

Put your practice to work!

15. Repeat steps 10-14 to find out the totals for Total Cost (cell B4) and Difference Total (cell B5)!

***Note: Make sure you find the SUM of the corresponding cells to Total Cost and Difference Total****

Add dollar signs to all that is needed!

16. Insert a clip art image to represent what your shopping budget is for. (Insert Tab --> Clip Art) Do not place your image over text, and keep the clip art relative!

17. Add a border around your table by selecting all the cells in your Budget Spreadsheet and click on the Borders Button on the Home Tab (Look for Thick Box Borders):

18. Change some other features such as text and cell fill (make at least 2 changes on your own.)

19. Change the orientation of the page. Go to Page Layout --> Orientation --> Landscape:

20. Print Preview. If needed make appropriate adjustments to make the Shopping Budget print on one page. See image below:

Select Page Setup and then Fit to 1 page if needed.

21. Print once you have permission.

4th Grade Online Beginning Typing Lesson

2011-11-04T18:32:00.000-07:00

Typing is a very important topic to cover in computer class if a "Keyboarding class" is not provided as a separate unit. It is never to early to introduce the correct finger position. Fourth graders are more than ready to learn how to type without looking at the keyboard. In the past I used a blank sheet of scrap paper and simply taped the top so the students typed under it. What a pain! I would suggest purchasing a Learn to Type Keyboard skin like the one you see here:

I have taught computers to students in schools where typing software was not an affordable option. The following lesson provides you an option if typing software is not available, or you would like to try a different approach.

Major Topic: Typing- Memorizing the Keyboard

Week/Weeks: 6-8 classes

NETS for Students:

6. Technology Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:

a.	Understand and use technology systems.

Materials:

WPM Worksheet
Typing Worksheet
Website: http://www.typeonline.co.uk/lesson1.html
Internet
Whiteboard and projector
Computer
Word Processor

Motivation:

Read through each lesson as a class when they are being introduced on http://www.typeonline.co.uk/lesson1.html

Activity:

Week 1-

Discuss home row keys. Have the forth graders demonstrate their understanding by placing their hands on the correct keys and showing you.

Go to Website: http://www.typeonline.co.uk/lesson1.html and practice lesson 1 taking down WPM and Grade for each student. Make sure they call you over when a lesson is complete to take down their WPM and grade. If the finish early- have them repeat the lesson: Practice makes perfect!

After they complete Lesson 1 and all 10 exercises, have them type from the Typing Worksheet for additional practice and save their work to their folder on the server. ***Tip*** I know that typing games are "fun" and "exciting", however, in "real life" when they go to type a term paper it won't be doing flips or cartwheels! Practice typing by looking at a piece of paper is a very important task to learn! Want motivation advice? Set your computer lab up as an office and assign each student a "job."!

Week 2-

Introduce the third row of the keyboard - The QWERTY row.

Go to Website: http://www.typeonline.co.uk/lesson1.html and practice lesson 2 taking down WPM and Grade for each student. Make sure they call you over when a lesson is complete to take down their WPM and grade.

Week 3-

Introduce the first row of the keyboard, the Z-X-C-V-B.

Go to Website: http://www.typeonline.co.uk/lesson1.html and practice lesson 3 taking down WPM and Grade for each student. Make sure they call you over when a lesson is complete to take down their WPM and grade.

Week 4-

· Introduce the number row.

· Go to Website: http://www.typeonline.co.uk/lesson1.html and practice lesson 4 taking down WPM and Grade for each student. Make sure they call you over when a lesson is complete to take down their WPM and grade.

Week 5-

Introduce the special character keys.

Go to Website: http://www.typeonline.co.uk/lesson1.html and practice lesson 5 taking down WPM and Grade for each student. Make sure they call you over when a lesson is complete to take down their WPM and grade.

Week 6 last week-

Go to Website: http://www.typeonline.co.uk/typingspeed.php and take the speed test! Count as test grade.

Teaching Kindergartners about the Internet

2011-10-30T19:29:00.000-07:00

Teaching Kindergartners about the Internet may be a challenging task, or one that comes more naturally, depending if they are allowed to use the computer at home. In a typical class you may find that it is usually a mixed pot of pro's and newbies. This lesson will give your novice Internet users a chance to explore while you giving you a chance to help the beginners practice. This is also great for their fine-motor skills.

Objective: Internet
Classes: 2-3

NETS Standards:

5. Digital Citizenship
6. Technology Operations and Concepts

Materials:

Projector
Electronic Whiteboard
Computer
Internet
ABCya! Kindergarten Elementary Pages

Preparation:

It may be easier to have the Website http://www.abcya.com/kindergarten_computers.htm on each of your Kindergartner's computers.

Motivation:

Have the ABCya! Website presented at the front of the computer room. ***Tip*** I usually keep the monitor off until they are ready to work!

Activity:

1. Discuss with your class the parts of the Internet. Demonstrate as you explain. They may look a little different depending on your Internet Browser.
Cover the following:

Address Bar- Where you put the URL of the Web site you want to visit. Everyplace on the Internet has an address, just like each of you have a house address.
Refresh Button: Makes a page reload.
Stop Button: Stops a page from loading.

Forward and Back button allows you to navigate between Web pages.
Also show them how to scroll using the scroll bar.

Minimum, Maximum and the Close Button (the Red X as it is typically called).

2. Lesson #1-Have your students turn on their monitors to the ABCYa Web site. Instruct them to scroll down and click onto the Counting Fish Demonstrate if needed- instructions are provided.

http://www.abcya.com/counting_fish.htm

This is a great intro lesson which is basic points and clicks of the mouse.

3. Lesson #2 Uppercase and Lowercase Letter Matching Game. Demonstrate if needed- instructions are provided.

http://www.abcya.com/uppercase_lowercase_letter_matching.htm

This lesson is great to teach them how to click - hold - and drag the letters into place. Allow them to play until the lesson is complete. If a few finish quickly, have them move onto to lesson #3.

4. Lesson #3- Kid's Coloring and Drawing Activity Have them explore all the different functions of this digital drawing tool, which has more bells and whistles than the Microsoft Paint Program.

http://www.abcya.com/abcya_paint.htm

This app is great to help with their fine motor skills as well as their creativity!

If they do not all finish within the class, allow them to explore the next class as well. This will help you assess which students will need more help, who can be the helpers, and what areas your class will need to practice more.

Learning the Internet for Second Grade with worksheets

2011-10-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

Major Topic: URL’s and search engines

Week/Weeks: 2-3 classes

NETS for Students:

3. Research and Information Fluency Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information. Students:

a.	Plan strategies to guide inquiry.
b.	Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.
c.	Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.
d.	Process data and report results.

6. Technology Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:

a.	Understand and use technology systems.

Materials:

Whiteboard and projector
Computer with Microsoft PowerPoint or a .ppt reader on it
Basic Internet for 2^nd Grade PowerPoint
URL Checklist Worksheet
Internet Search Engine Worksheet

Motivation:

Have the PowerPoint, Basic Internet for 2^nd Grade, open on the electronic Whiteboard at the front of the room.

Activity Day 1:

Discuss PowerPoint Basic Internet for 2^nd Grade together as a class.
Discuss with the students how to open a Web Browser (such as Internet Explorer).
Allow them to return to the computers and have them practice opening and closing the Internet Web Browser.
Regroup after a few moments. Demonstrate how to type a URL into the Web address bar.

Distribute URL Checklist Worksheet and have them work independently at their computers. Once they have reached the Web site, have them raise their hands and check off, stamp, etc. the appropriate area on the worksheet.

Activity Day 2:

Finish URL Checklist Worksheet if needed.
After URL Checklist Worksheet is completed, show the second grade class how to get to and use www.factmonster.com
Distribute Internet Search Engine Worksheet- work on answer #1 together.
Allow the remainder of the class for the students to find the answers to questions 2 and 3. Use the beginning of another class if needed.

Creating an Educational Game in Microsoft PowerPoint Unit Plan for 8th Grade

2011-10-07T18:52:00.000-07:00

When I was a Educational Computing Grad Student, I created a PowerPoint game for a class I that was about utilizing Microsoft Office in the classroom. It was my cumulative learning experience about the program. My game was simple-“Adventures in American Art” for grades 5 and 6 where a detective tries to recover all of the missing American artwork. You got the right answer by clicking on the correct corresponding American art- you moved onto to the next question (slide) and was one step closer to saving the American artwork from being stolen. But answer wrong and you had a chance of having your cover blown and all the artwork would be lost- forever!

I would love to show you this as an example, however I am sure that it violates every copyright law known to man! For educational purposes it was fine for me to show my classes, just not for thousands of viewers! Therefore, here is an example of a very simple game sample and how it functions:

I learned a lot about PowerPoint creating this game on my own as a cumulative project. More importantly, I learned how to use Microsoft PowerPoint for more than a presentation tool. My students in 8th grade truly loved creating their own educational PowerPoint game and marketing it to the rest of the school. Here is my Unit Plan-

The Lesson-

Grade: 8

Major Topic: PowerPoint

Week/Weeks: Varies

NETS for Students:

1. Creativity and Innovation Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology.

3. Research and Information Fluency Students apply digital tools to gather, evaluate, and use information.

4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.

5. Digital Citizenship Students understand human, cultural, and societal issues related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

6. Technology Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations.

Materials:

Microsoft PowerPoint
PowerPoint Game Info for Students Handout
PowerPoint Game Story Board
PowerPoint Game Tips and Tricks
Peer-Evaluation
Very simple game sample

References/Resources: RubiStar

Motivation:

Show Teacher and previous student PowerPoint Game examples

Activity:

Introduction:

Pass out the following handouts:

Sample of the Microsoft Tips and Tricks Tutorial

Introduction to the Lesson:
Show an example of the PowerPoint game using the Very simple game sample and go over each of the handouts. Have the students brainstorm ideas and complete the PowerPoint Game Info for Students Handout (where they need to answer the following questions about what their Educational PowerPoint Game will be). This may be all that you accomplish this class.

Planning:

In this phase of the lesson, your students will now complete the PowerPoint Game Story Board. The box to the right is a quick sketch as to what will be on the slide. They must at least include 15 original slides including:

The Title Slide.
The second slide should describe the who, what and why of the game.
The third slide should be the directions on how to play.
The fourth slide should begin the game or another set of additional instructions.
Slides 4 (5) through 14 (or more) are all dedicated to the educational questions.
One slide is dedicated as the wrong page at the end.
The last page is dedicated as the Resources Page.

Have them start coming up with the questions to ask on each slide for their user to answer. After 15 slides have been created, they may be duplicated.

Research:

If research is needed for the questions, depending on the topic of the game, I suggest assigning this as homework due to time constraints.

Demonstration:

After the lesson has been introduced and planned, take the time to demonstrate how PowerPoint works. Use the PowerPoint Game Tips and Tricks as your guide as you go through each function of Microsoft PowerPoint. Show them basics, such as; inserting Word Art, Text Boxes, Shapes, Clip Art, changing text colors and so on.

The Working Class:

It is now time for the students to work! Start with the Title Page and have this due at the end of the first full working class. Continue to work from there. Do not allow them to link until the all of their slides are complete. Allow them to work together and ask questions as they create their games. Allow plenty of time to create for your students to work.

Evaluations:

You will use the rubric that is a part of the PowerPoint Game Info for Students Handout. Have your students keep this in a safe place. You may chose to have them evaluate their own game using the same rubric.

When all the Educational PowerPoint Games are complete, have them on each computer in the lab. Have many copies of the Peer Student Evaluation at each station. Spend one class period having the students go around to as many games as they can and fill out the evaluation form.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

Tech Talk: The Internet vs. The World Wide Web

2011-10-04T18:28:00.000-07:00

Do your students continuously interchange the terms "Internet" and "World Wide Web"? They are not synonymous! Teach your students the difference between the two! Great informational sites include:

Quick project ideas:

Use Inspiration or Kidspiration Software to visually map out the differences between the two.
Use PowerPoint to create a slideshow. Divide the class into two- one half will create facts about the Internet and the other about the World Wide Web.
Create a Spreadsheet or Word Document listing the differences between the Internet and World Wide Web.

First Grade- Windows Paint and Self-Portraits

2011-09-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

Major Topic: Mouse, Microsoft Paint

Week/Weeks: 3 classes

NETS for Students:

1. Creativity and Innovation

Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Students:

a.	apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas, products, or processes.
b.	create original works as a means of personal or group expression.
c.	use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues.
d.	identify trends and forecast possibilities.

6. Technology Operations and Concepts Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:

a.	understand and use technology systems.
b.	select and use applications effectively and productively.
c.	troubleshoot systems and applications.
d.	transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

Materials:

Projector and whiteboard
Microsoft Paint Program
I Can Draw Checklist

Motivation:

Have students review parts of the computer by having them point to the different parts as you call off its proper name. (monitor, keyboard, mouse, CPU, printer, speakers)
Have Microsoft Paint open at each computer. You may want to have the monitor kept off until you are ready to begin the lesson.

Activity:

Have the students come to the front of the room and sit by the electronic white board with the Microsoft Paint Program open.
Teach them how to draw each of the basic shapes- circle, rectangle, polygon, rounded rectangle.
^st Teach Shapes.2^nd Teach how to fill in shapes.Show them how to select a color and use the fill tool.
Allow students to go back to their seats and complete the following “I Can Draw Activity Checklist.” Print one for each student (two per page) and have them write name at the top of the page. Have them draw each of shape using the correct tools and fill in one shape. Walk around the room and check off the shape as the complete it. Collect the “I Can Draw Activity Checklist” to use as a tool for you to grade each student. Note: use PolyGram tool to draw the triangle and star!

Week 2:

Have the students come to the front of the room and sit by the electronic white board with the Microsoft Paint Program open.
Show students how to use the remainder of the tools- eraser, pencil, brush, and airbrush.
Show students how to create a new page WITHOUT saving. On the menu click File à New à Want to save untitled? Click NO –or- Don’t Save
Allow Students to have free time back at their seats to draw freely and become accustomed to the new tools. Encourage students to use shapes to draw!

Week 3:

This week have the students go directly to their seats with Microsoft Paint open at their computers. Today they will learn how to draw a self portrait.

From their seats, show the students how to draw an oval on the whiteboard in the middle of the page.

Show them how to use the shape tools to add features like eyes and mouth:

Use the drawing tool to make a nose:

Use different tools to fill and add features such as hair:

When they are finished, the teacher may save them in their student folder on the server or print.

First Grade- Computer Parts Worksheet and Student Login

2011-09-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

First Grade- Computer Parts Worksheet and Student Login- Sample Worksheet

Grade: 1

Major Topic: Computer Hardware, logging into the computer

Week/Weeks: 1 class

Mrs. Bloom

NETS for Students:

Basic operations and concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

Motivation:

Have students sit in a group and play a game called “Simon Says” and have them take turns finding a part of the computer.

“Simon Says, [child’s name] find me the monitor!”
This is a great way to learn your students’ names!

Materials:

Pencil
Computer Parts Worksheet
Computer

Activity:

Discuss directions and have students complete the computer parts worksheet as per directions.
Computer activity: On the whiteboard at the front of the class, have the first grade student sign in and password displayed. Teach them how to log in and out of their computer by demonstrating first and then walking them through the process step –by-step.
Example: “Click your cursor in the Username name field and type in your username” Go around the room to make certain all students have their cursor in the correct box before you move on. Some students may need you to spell out the username. Say each letter at a time until all the students have it correct. Follow these directions for the password. Once the students are in- show them how to log off. Repeat a few times and check off the students who you feel may need more help.

Suggestions:

I usually grade this on a scale of 5 for participation and understanding. 5 being they got it on the first or second try – to – 1 may need more guidance.

Kindergarten- Learning the Parts of the Computer with Worksheet

2011-09-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

Kindergarten- Learning the Parts of the Computer with Worksheet

Grade: Kindergarten

Major Topic: Computer Hardware

Week/Weeks: 1 class

NETS for Students:

Basic operations and concepts

Students demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems.

Materials:

Computer Parts Worksheet
Crayons
Paint program such as Microsoft Paint- open.

Motivation:

Have students sit in a group and play a game called “Simon Says” and have them take turns finding a part of the computer.

“Simon Says, [child’s name] find me the monitor!”
This is a great way to learn your students’ names!

Procedure:

Discuss directions and have students complete the computer parts worksheet (1AComputerPartsWS).
Color as per directions.
If time permits, have a paint program open for them to practice their mouse skills. Allowing free time in this program will help you assess who will need extra help in the beginning and who may already understand the basic concepts of the computer.

Please note- you can order more exciting computer hardware items from my Teachers Pay Teachers store located here.

Website Spotlight: ABCya.com

2011-08-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

ABCya.com is a a great resource for elementary computer and classroom teachers to have. I used this Web site a lot when I introduced the Internet to young children. It is very easy to navigate and teaches children how to use the forward and back button as well as the "X" that closes out a window. More importantly it is a great way to reinforce mouse manipulation- and it's fun!

Great Resources for Computer Education:

Kindergarten - 2nd Grade

3rd - 5th Grade

Aside that, ABCya.com offers educational games in language arts and math. From ABCya.com "All children's educational computer activities were created or approved by certified school teachers. All educational games are free and are modeled from primary grade lessons and enhanced to provide an interactive way for children to learn."

I strongly suggest this site for both computer labs and elementary classrooms.

Disclosure: I was not paid to state my opinions and they are 100% my own.

Intro to the Computer Class: Kindergarten

2011-08-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

For some computer educators, Kindergarten marks the beginning of a students career in technology. If you are amongst the lucky to have this privilege- embrace it- for they are clean slates and are eager to learn. If you do have a 5 or 6 year old child enrolled in your computer education classes, you may be asking yourself the question "what do I teach to these young children in regards to computer education?" Look no further than here my friend!

Your first computer class with these children is going to be your most challenging yet. Why you ask? Simple, they want to learn how to play the computer and they want to play it NOW! However, there are basics to cover. First and foremost you want to introduce yourself, and make them feel at home. Then you want to introduce the computer lab so they become familiar with his or her surroundings. Go around the room and ask them who they are. Lastly, you want to introduce Computer Lab Rules so they are aware of what is expected from them. I suggest doing so in that exact order. Remember: Kindergartners are little people with BIG fears. Tell them who you are, show them around to put the curiosity to rest, find out who they are (they want to share this with you) AND THEN tell them that there are a few rules.

Better yet- have them come up with the rules. What?!? Yes- that's right. Have an electronic white board and presentation software available to you? Open it up and guide them through as to what you expect from them throughout the year. Here is an example of what I have used/created in the past. (and of course you are able to copy!)

Kids Computer Lab Rules

Lastly, you want to introduce an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). An AUP is an agreement between you and your students or between your school and the students within on how to use the given technology appropriately. Download the Kindergarten Computer Policy here and have them return the bottom portion to you or your school's office to keep on file.

Next Lesson: Learning the parts of the computer