Hour of Code

Hour of Code video

This week is Computer Science Education Week, an annual event that focuses on the importance of making sure all students learn computer science in school.

Students at Falmouth Elementary School will take part in the Hour of Code in their classrooms and in technology classes thanks to the leadership of Mr. Harvey (technology teacher) and Mrs. Macdonald (tech integrator) who have planned and prepared programming lessons for each grade.

Why should students learn how to code?

  Watch this video to learn how computer programming helps students learn to be problem solvers, better communicators and innovators.

You can follow Hour of Code events on social media with the hashtag:  #hourofcode.

Here are some resources to introduce students to computer science and programming.

Code.org- Offers a computer science curriculum for grades K-6. Teachers may set up for free accounts for their students.

Khan Academy- Hour of Code videos and lessons

Microsoft- Hour of Code resources

Codecademy- Hour of Code programming projects

Skype in the Classroom- Arrange for a guest speaker from the computer science field.

Kodable- Teach young children the basics of programming.

Scratch- Program a holiday card or create a pong game.

Made with Code- Program a snowflake.

FES is proud of our technology teacher, Mr. Harvey, who is the featured educator on the Minecraft EDU site. 

Epic! Books for Kids

Last month I read a post about Epic! Books for Kids on Joyce Valenza's Never Ending Search blog. Epic! is a platform for reading children's e-books, and the company is offering free accounts for life to teachers and librarians.  I signed up for an educator account then downloaded the Epic! app on the library iPads.

All seven 3rd grade classes were introduced to Epic! e-books in library class, and we spent time discussing the similarities and differences between print and digital books. Once students logged into Epic! the room became silent. All students were immediately engaged in reading independently.

Some students chose biographies, some read graphic novels, many students found picture books to read, and others enjoyed reading for information.

During our class discussions of print and digital books, students agreed that there is something special about holding a physical book in our hands while we read, but having access to digital books makes books more accessible and also engages readers.

Families may sign up for an Epic! account at home for $4.99 per month.

Book Apps Galore

We use iPads across all content areas at FES. Over the past few years, more apps for children have become available for the iPad. I'm currently serving at the chair of the Children's and Young Adult Literary Bloggers' Award (CYBILS) in the Book Apps category. Over the next several months, CYBILS judges will evaluate dozen of nominated apps before choosing a winner.

People often confuse book apps with e-books. What makes a book app different from an e-book?
E-books are electronic versions of print books that display the text on a device like a computer phone or tablet. Sometimes e-books have a read aloud feature. However, e-books are not interactive. Book apps are interactive stories that may include sound effects, narration, video clips, recording capabilities, animation, and much more.

Here are some recently released book apps your children may enjoy.

Incredible Numbers developed by Touchpress

Jack and the Beanstalk developed by Nosy Crow

Rules of Summer developed by We Are Wheelbarrow PTY

How I Became a Pirate developed by Oceanhouse Media

Loose Strands developed by Darned Sock Productions

Geology by Kids Discover

Seamus Heaney: Five Fables developed by Touchpress

The CYBILS is currently accepting nominations for children's books in all categories including book apps. Books and apps must be published/released between Oct. 16, 2013 and Oct. 15, 2014 to be eligible for the 2014 CYBILS.  Visit the CYBILS blog to nominate your favorite books:
http://www.cybils.com/2014/10/and-go-2014-cybils-nominations-are-open.html