Technolgy in the elementary level

[teacherBee]

Can someone give me a few pointers for working with fifth graders in the computer lab? Most of the time they just want to play games on the computers.
TeacherBee

[Unregistered]

Dear TeecherBee,
I am in 5th grade and at my school we go to www.learning.com . it gives you lessons and quizzes and it is pretty fun. but I think the county has to pay for it.

[Cindy]

Learning.com is a paid site but they do offer a trial period. I think the cost is like $10 per student. The lessons are very good.

There are some other things to try using basic software. We use Microsoft Office, but these will work with most any basic software. If you don't have any software like this on the computers there is a freeware version called Open Office. It provides a free version of a spreadsheet, word processor, database, etc.

For spreadsheet- set up and area and perimeter sheet. Cut out different size rectangles and put in a ziploc bag along with a ruler. Kids measure the shapes and record the height and width in the spreadsheet. The spreadsheet performs the calculations (or you can teach the kids how to set up the formula) they can print the page or record their areas/ perimeters on a sheet of notebook paper.

They can also practice various types of graphs. Have the students complete a survey when they enter the room with a basic question such as number of brothers and sisters, record the group answers in a ss. Graph the results and/or use a formula to determine the mean for each.


Powerpoint- or any multimedia program- A slide or slide show about themselves- take their picture with a digital camera. They can type their name and list special characteristics about themselves - one for each letter of their name. Or could list what they will remember most about 5th grade. You can do research about various animals, etc.

I've set up more activities on a site I did as part of a grad project. http://www.teachingntechnology.com

[Bill]

Check out distance learning programs that use computers at
www.clcpaducah.org
check out curricular materials at
www.e-missions.net/mmab

[ASR]

Well that depends on what you want the children to. There's plently of educational sites out there. Try google-ing a few.

[cchavez]

I worked in a computer lab for 9 years. Now I teach technology integration at the district level. I put ideas for publishing on a web site that teachers can access. I put directions in pdf files and have even created downloadable templates for teachers and students to use. I also used a lot of poetry formats with students to teach them word processing skills. Try Creative Publishing at http://www.teacherweb.com/tx/cadwallader/cchavez.:)

[Unregistered]

Consider using Internet Safety for a few lessons. Evaluate sites: use Kathy Schrock's site for several grade level appropriate worksheets. Use the Microsoft tutorials to teach the applications. Almost all the textbooks now include technology tips or integrations, use them. Last but not least do a search for Web Quests that relate to your curriculum. The nice thing about Web Quests is they generally take several lab classes to complete. So give your students enough time to do a good job. Last but not least ask your school to invest in keyboarding software. Begin each lab visit with 10 minutes of keyboarding.

[Unregistered]

take a 1/2 hour or so and do find a hot list of appropriate sites related to any topic you are studying, you might want to post questions for the children to answer. There are many webquests on a variety of topics, that is a great way to support research in one area. Another thing you might try is Jefferson County Schools, they have a large number of powerpoints for review and study. Check out school websites that have located sites for specific subjects. Barnstable Public Schools in MA has a great BCAS site that lists interactive sites on math according to frameworks.
Good luck