Dear Parents-
It is hard for me to believe that this
school year is already halfway over and we have been very busy with several
activities. In December, we began learning some computer programming. Over eight million other students from around
the world participate in Hour of Code, which is a global movement in over 180
countries. Learning computer programming helps nurture problem-solving and
creativity.
We are also
finishing up our research projects. Students in grades K-3 have been working on
researching and writing a book on a specific wild animal of their choice. When
these books are complete we are planning to display them in our media
center. Fourth and fifth graders have
been working with Genius Hour, which is based on a business practice that
Google uses with their developers. They are allowed to use 20% of their time,
provided that work has the potential to advance the company. Our
guidelines/rules for Genius Hour are as follows:
-You must start
with a real-world question or problem.
-Your answer/solution
must require research. It must require more than a Google Search.
-Your final project
must be shareable.
Finally, within the
next couple of weeks, we will begin Virtual Literacy Circles where we are using
Edmodo and Google Hangout, free technology programs to communicate with one
another and other classes from around the world. These Virtual Literacy Circles
do a wonderful job of honing literacy and technology skills and are a big hit
with the students.
As a reminder, I
have an open door policy and if you have any questions and/or concerns please
contact me through email snyderf@manateeschools.
Thank
you,
Frances M. Snyder (Francie)
Educator of the Gifted
Abel, Bayshore, Oneco, and Prine Elementary
Schools
