Technology (Preschool–4)
The aim of Lower School technology instruction is simple: to teach students the mechanics of using a variety of technology devices as effective tools to enhance their learning. The Lower School Technology Instructor collaborates with teachers to support and enhance what students are learning across the curriculum. PreK and Kindergarteners apply the programs and skills they learn to complete meaningful tasks and assignments. First-graders learn proper keyboarding techniques that promote both speed and accuracy. Second and third graders become increasingly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint and other productivity software. Fourth-graders share a pool of Netbooks and design web pages using HTML code and Scratch programming to encourage logical thinking while promoting creativity and computation skills. A highlight of our program occurs several mornings a week, when the Fourth Grade produces the Sanford Lower School News. Broadcasted in each LS classroom, students take turns operating cameras, sound equipment and more, as they integrate and apply what they’ve learned in a meaningful way.
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First graders come to the technology lab twice in a cycle for hands-on, direct instruction in ways to build their comfort level and skill base with computers and technology. Now developmentally ready, students begin keyboarding instruction to enhance speed and accuracy. Integrating classroom curriculum, first graders research an African animal as part of their unit on the culture and geography of Africa. Using Microsoft Word, the students type, proofread and edit their paragraphs, then record themselves reading their entries aloud. Parents become the audience for the class' complete multimedia presentation of their African Safari work, which also includes student designed dioramas of each animal in its habitat. The students also begin exploring the concepts of algorithms and programming by using the Ozobot, a programmable robot that uses color-coding sequencing to control the robot. The Ozobot teaches sequencing and estimation while helping the students develop their problem-solving skills.
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Second graders visit the technology lab twice in a seven-day cycle for hands-on technology instruction in a variety of applications and skills. As much as possible, technology supports and interfaces with learning across all disciplines.
We start the year in second grade introducing the students to the concepts of algorithms and programming by using Dash, a programmable robot that uses Blockly-coding sequencing to control the robot. We then phase into Scratch programming, developed by MIT to help students increase their programming skills. Additionally, students are introduced to the Keyboarding Without Tears typing program. Special emphasis is placed on learning proper keyboarding techniques and typing skills. Students also receive an introduction to Excel, learning to enter data as well as create and print tables. Last, technology instruction integrates the principles and problem-solving strategies of We Do LEGO League, in which students work with robotics kits to build and program their robots.
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Third graders visit the technology lab twice in a cycle for hands-on technology instruction. As much as possible, technology supports and interfaces with learning across all disciplines. Starting in the third grade each student is assigned a Google account to use for classroom assignments. Over the year, students will learn how to create and share documents, presentations, and drawings. Special emphasis is given to learning proper use and responsibility of having a Google account.
As part of their spring unit on Sanford's history, for example, students research a decade of the school's past. Students synthesize their findings into a Google presentation, then share with their families at the annual Sunny Hills Tea. Connecting history and current events, third graders practice their public speaking skills while learning how to make an effective visual presentation that supplements their oral presentation. Third graders continue to reinforce their keyboarding skills throughout the year.
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Fourth graders visit the technology lab twice in a seven-day cycle for hands-on technology instruction. As much as possible, technology supports and interfaces with learning across all disciplines. Through meaningful projects and activities, students improve their skills with Google, Docs, Slides, Sheets , PhotoShop, CrazyTalk and other programs. In addition, students learn programming skills and design web pages using both HTML coding, and Scratch programming. A highlight of this grade is the Sanford Lower School News. Broadcast from the WSLS News Broadcasting Studio, the entire lower school tunes in as the fourth graders produce this informative and entertaining news program. Students take turns planning, hosting, and operating cameras and sound equipment, as they apply technology to this real life production and presentation experience. Students continue to reinforce their math and keyboarding skills using web-based programs they can access from school and at home.
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Kindergarten students come to the computer lab once in a cycle for hands-on direct instruction in how to use computers and technology. Students improve their hand-eye coordination and reasoning skills as they get more proficient at using the mouse and keyboard to play educational games and complete activities. As much as possible, technology supports and interfaces with learning across all disciplines. Kindergarteners receive their first introduction to programs such as Microsoft Word and practice individual academic skills using web-based content.
