Online Reading Practice

This week we will practice reading by reviewing site words and by reading/creating stories online.

Start by completing site words practice:

1) Click HERE to open Dolch Words website and practice at least two of the activities.

2) Click HERE to practice creating three letter words out of the seven letter provided.

Visit these sites to read some interactive stories online:

3) Click HERE for interactive reading.

4) Click HERE to read some popular stories online. 

5) Click HERE for more practice.

Visit this site to create your own unique story:

6) Click HERE

Intro to Scratch

This week we will learn the basics about how to program using Scratch. This lesson will review basic programming concepts that we learned during our December programming practice, and will introduce some new interactive elements.

1) Open Scratch.

2) Learn about sprites and how to change size, location, and add sprites.

3) Learn the basics about how to program using blocks (categories, connecting, deleting, etc.).

4) Make the sprite change color and/or other effects.

5) Add additional sprites that play sounds to create an interactive musical animation!

6) Save and close.

Intro to Smarter Balanced

This week we will talk about the new Smarter Balanced Test. We will review the test process, allowable resources, and test-taking strategies. We will also spend some time taking the practice test. 

1) Open Smarter Balanced Secure Browser

2) Review basics of signing-in and instruction process.

3) Review allowable resources (what you are allowed to use during the test).

4) Learn about test rules and the new tool/navigation bar.

5) Complete a sample reading and math question together, reviewing tips and tricks.

Smarter Balanced Resources for home:

-Practice Test Portal (Note-the test does not provide right/wrong answers so have a parent review)
-Smarter Balanced Website
-Online Resources (testing manuals/instructions, accommodations, etc.)
-Sample Test Problems (PDF but include answers)

Intro to Smarter Balanced

This week we will talk about the new Smarter Balanced Test. We will review the test process, allowable resources, and test-taking strategies. We will also spend some time taking the practice test. 

1) Open Smarter Balanced Secure Browser

2) Review basics of signing-in and instruction process.

3) Review allowable resources (what you are allowed to use during the test).

4) Learn about test rules and the new tool/navigation bar.

5) Complete a sample reading and math question together, reviewing tips and tricks.

Smarter Balanced Resources for home:

-Practice Test Portal (Note-the test does not provide right/wrong answers so have a parent review)
-Smarter Balanced Website
-Online Resources (testing manuals/instructions, accommodations, etc.)
-Sample Test Problems (PDF but include answers)

LittleBit Prototype Design and Build

This week we will learn about a prototype and we will begin designing a prototype of something that can be used with the littleBit circuits.

1) Think about how the different littleBit pieces work, and sketch out a design of something you could invent, or that is like something you use in real life-that could work with the littleBit circuits.

2) Describe your design (What is it called? What does it do? What are the parts?)

3) Begin using various art supplies to build your prototype.

Next week we will finish the design/build and begin integrating littleBits.

Explorations in Geometry-Digital Practice

This week we will explore some online resources that support our Bridges learning about Patterns, Polydrons, and Paper Quilts.

1) Review the basics of the pattern building/quilt design software.

2) Work independently at your computer to complete the design challenge.

3) If there is time, visit these additional online resources for extra practice:

-Create Quilt Patches with the Patch Tool
-Create Geometric Shapes with the Shape Tool
-Shape Sorting
-2D Shape Pictures
-Shape Construction
-Guess The Hidden Shape
-Building Cubes (Advanced)

Online Story Writing

This week we will work on practicing our typing and our writing skills by writing a creative story online. When we're done, we'll share you story with the class.

1) Click HERE to make-up a story.

2) If there's time, click HERE try writing a comic strip-style story.

LittleBits Intro

This week we will continue learning about circuits by using additional LittleBits parts. The purpose is for students to learn about how the parts work so that they can begin to design unique ways to build something to integrate art, design, and technology. 



1) Review the parts in the 10 bit kit. 

2) Learn about the new parts in the 14 bit kit. 

3) Work in a small group to build circuits with the different parts. 

4) Brainstorm and discuss ways that different circuit combinations can be used to create a practical design that we can use in our daily lives.

Screen Capture and Comparing

This week we will learn how to create a screen capture and we will use the editing features of the screen capture program to compare some of our favorite things. Next week we will research and capture images of chicks.

1) Click HERE to search for your favorite things (hobbies, food, places, etc.).

If you're having trouble finding images click HERE.

2) Find an image you like and capture the screen shot.

3) Use the editing features to mark interesting features.

4) Save image to computer.

5) Insert images into a Powerpoint slide. Arrange the images and print.