Let's Get Started!

After getting classroom routines established, one group of first graders has been working on integrating technology into their reading and math centers. While coding is fun, it also works to improve students' sequencing, directional, and problem solving skills. These students were introduced to coding through the app Kodable. Students work to move the "fuzzy ball" through increasingly difficult mazes. As they progress through the program they begin using conditions and loops. One of the things I really love about coding is that some students who are searching for their niche in academics excel at coding.

An example of a maze from level 1

Creating the code sequence

In order to become better readers, students must read! These students learned how to access a plethora of eBooks using Epic! Students let the program know their interests and based on their selections books are recommended to them. Beginning readers can pick from books that read aloud to expose them to new vocabulary and model reading fluency. The program is entirely free for educators and parents can access the vast library of books from home for $4.99 a month. A price well worth it considering the quality and quantity of books available on Epic!

Reading about hockey

These students wanted to learn more about sharks

Second graders have started using manipulatives to represent story problems. They are working with part-part-whole method to solve addition and subtraction problems. After modeling the story problem with counters, students took a photo and wrote the corresponding number sentence in the app Seesaw. This is a challenging skill! Students are typically able to identify a fact from the fact family associated with the problem, but struggle to identify the fact that represents the problem.

Taking a photo of the representation

Writing the corresponding number sentence

Hour of Code at JGES

On Wednesday, February 10th, students at JGES had the opportunity to stay after school with our librarian (Mrs. Churchill), gifted and talented teacher (Mrs. Lott), and me to participate in our school Hour of Code. We used resources from the website code.org. Based on their prior coding experience, students coded either BB8 from Star Wars or a character from Minecraft.

Through coding students are learning how computers work, developing their problem solving and critical thinking skills, having fun, and more!

Students who participated in Hour of Code

Crossing their fingers that it works

Success!

Working together to solve the puzzle

Breaking down the moves step by step

Hour of Code

This week, across the globe, individuals are participating in Hour of Code. This introduction to computer science is designed to demonstrate that anyone can learn the basics of coding. One class of first graders used the resources at code.org (visit to have your own Hour of Code) to better understand computer programming. In their tasks, students worked to help Pixel the puppy find his way home.

Students learned how to program a series of commands and put to use their knowledge of patterns to create loops! What a fun way to practice math skills! After coding, I asked students about the task and the responses were overwhelmingly positive. Each student I spoke to individually commented on the challenge that the task faced and how much they enjoyed it. 

The Hanover ITRTs are currently reading "Mindset" by Carol Dweck and I couldn't help but think how these students demonstrated a growth-mindset in their willingness to accept a challenge and the joy that they found in working to solve that. How can we, educators and parents, help our students continue that mindset moving forward? What do you do to help instill a growth-mindset in your students or children?