February 2018

Keyboarding …3rd and 4th graders participated in a mini keyboard unit over the past few weeks during their technology class.  Students are now ready to continue their keyboarding  

practice at home, in school, and whenever they are using a keyboard. Keyboarding is a skill that will improve greatly with consistent practice when using the CORRECT TECHNIQUE. If possible, try to keep an eye on your child's keyboard experiences at home.  Encourage your child to type with ALL fingers and ALWAYS use the technique we learned in class. Students began their practice in school using the Almena Method and www.Typing.com . Students simply log in to Typing.com with their GOOGLE account by clicking "student login" and the "login with GOOGLE" button. This will allow them to login with their existing Google account username and password, eliminating the need to create another login and password. Students have been advised to progress through Typing.com at their own pace, but they should not skip any lessons. Additional practice sites can be found on the keyboarding section of the Hilltop Library Media Center website. Your child has worked very hard to develop the correct technique in the classroom, now it is time for them to continue using the correct keyboarding technique at home and in their daily school/home computer activities. #KeyboardingFun #LifelongSkill

Virtual Valentines Project

During the month of February some 1st graders connect with 1st graders in Peachtree, Georgia! The students of Oak Grove Elementary described the weather, state symbols and explained that most people drive golf carts around their city! Our first graders introduced themselves, shared poetry and various clues about our geographical location. This project was made possible by the Global Virtual Valentines Project

#VirtualValentines #Friendship

American Library Association Announces the Youth Media Awards! On Monday, February 12th Mrs. Cohen’s 2nd grade class was able to view some of the LIVE STREAM  of the ALA awards, specifically the Theodore Seuss Geisel, Caldecott and Newbery Award announcements.   Now it’s time to curate that award winning book order!  Click HERE to view the 2018 awards winners or HERE to view the recorded webcast.

In all classes we discussed various awards and read numerous award winning books.  Students in grades 2-4 learned about the man who started it all….children’s book advocate JOHN NEWBERY!  In addition, students are encouraged to write about and  share the award winning books they have read.

Lastly, many of our 4th graders have been supporting Mrs. LeMay’s new initiative #BookBundles, and recently curated numerous award winning bundles.

#BookBundles #YMA #ReadingROCKS #Caldecott #Newbery #Geisel #CorettaScottKing #Schneider #PuraBelPre #Curate2Learn

Wanted…LEGOS and LEGO BASEPLATES for the Library! If you have loose LEGOS you no longer need, the Hilltop Library will take them! Thank you!