KINDERGARTEN

Loops and Conditionals with Code Beaver

We practiced sequencing and using loops and conditionals in code using Code Beaver. Code Beaver builds upon some of what we learned from Code Monkey. We first discussed each level as a whole class to learn the new concepts together. Then, we practiced one-on-one and with partners.

Taking Care of Our Chromebooks

We reviewed best practices for making sure our Chromebooks keep working.

Creating Digital Sand Art

We flexed our creativity to create colorful landscapes with a digital sand art tool on thisissand.com.

Digital Citizenship Videos

On virtual learning days due to snow, we watched videos about being good digital citizens and discussed the videos with someone in our family.

Making Things That Move

We brainstormed ideas for things we could make move using brads. Then, we opened new tabs on our Chromebooks, searched Google Images (can you spot the K-Pop Demon Hunters?), and drew our designs on paper. We cut out our designs and connected the pieces with brads.

Navigating a Neighborhood with Kubo Robotics

We practiced sequencing and creating a program using Kubo robots. Students created a set of steps for the robot to follow. Then, they ran the programs with Kubo on the neighborhood map.

Engineering with Cardboard Tubes

During Genius Hour sessions, students have access to a range of materials in the Wildcat Workshop. Here are just some of the items kindergarten students have engineered: a voice changer (4 iterations), a rocket, a dragon, a monster, microphones, and “something that looks cool.” Special thanks to families for donating paper towel tubes through the year.

Coding Simple Algorithms

We continued practicing navigating to Google Classroom. From Google Classroom we can click links that Mr. Smith has posted. One of those links was for code.org. On code.org, we can practice dragging and dropping things on the screen using our trackpad and mouse. In follow-up lessons, we create simple algorithms to help a character navigate east, west, north, and south.

Drawing Story Maps and Programming Robot Mice

As we continued to explore creating algorithms and giving directions, we drew a story map that a robot mouse could navigate. We brainstormed things a mouse would want (e.g., food, fun) and things a mouse would want to avoid (e.g., trap, cat). We then programmed our robot mice to navigate our story maps.

Parts of a Computer

We practicing writing the names of parts of a desktop computer.

We discussed the parts of a computer in terms of hardware inputs (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone), hardware outputs (e.g., screen, speakers, printer), and software. 

Engineering with Hamster Run

We practiced engineering solutions to help a digital hamster collect food in Hamster Run. We compared some of our designs and realized there were often multiple ways to solve the same problem.

Learning Without Screens

We took breaks from our screens to stretch our creative and collaborative muscles with LEGOs. Some students also elected to draw and color. We're learning to collaborate, to make good choices, to identify the materials we need to do what we want to do, and to put things back better than we found them. In the Wildcat Workshop, we use a range of materials—both digital and physical—to make things that matter to us. 

Typing and Learning Our Letters

We practiced typing lowercase letters using Letter Leaper and Popcorn Typer.

Using Our Trackpads

We practiced navigating to Google Classroom. On Google Classroom, we practiced clicking links that Mr. Smith has posted. Then, we practiced clicking and dragging with our trackpads using digital coloring and puzzle pages. (These sites have banner advertisements. Most of the ads are blocked by district filters. We discussed the difference between page content and ads.)

Reflecting on How We Use Digital Devices

We drew about and shared what we do when we use a computer, tablet, and/or phone. Mr. Smith helped us write down a description of our drawings. We realized that some of us enjoy doing some of the same things! 

We also learned about internet safety from a guest speaker from the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General and from a video with a character named Arms. Arms gave us advice about staying safe online.