PIE Night: (Parents in Explore)

October 7,  2014

KM Explore, the charter school within Wales Elementary Campus, invited me as guest speaker to discuss internet safety and digital tools to extend learning.  I shared the variety of ways we teach and learn using the Google Apps in Education, LMC Site and online tools available through our Maker Space links to extend student learning beyond the school day.  PIE Night allowed an opportunity for parents and teachers to team in building more understanding of technology issues related to use in school and home.  To continue the discussion I invite you to attend an event where KM Media Specialists will be hosting another parent opportunity district wide March 5, 2015.

**The details of the event sponsored by KM Parent Resource Network**
The KM School District Library Media Specialist team will be offering a social media / internet safety parent program on Thursday, March 5 from 6:30 - 8:00 in the Cushing Activity Center. They will be presenting important information about social media that parents need to know and providing a family toolkit filled with resources such as digital safety tips and media agreements for your family to use at home.

Celebrating Digital Citizenship Week 2014

Connecting kids via technology is unavoidable these days.  With increasing gadgets at home and learning tool access at school, kids spend increasing amounts of time online.  As students grow up interacting in a variety of ways using technology it is very important that parents and teachers guide and discuss the importance of Digital Citizenship.

This Common Sense Poster gives a simplistic view to build Digital Citizenship awareness at the Elementary level.  In 5 labels students can learn of the need to:

• Protect private information
• Stay safe online
• Stand up to cyberbullying
• Respect themselves and others
• Balance their time

No matter the age of a student, these Common Sense Family Tip Sheets can serve as guides to help keep the lines of communication open in the effort to establish sound Digital Citizenship practices as students grow.

Gr3 Opinion Writing "Traveling Road Show"

Mrs. Hjorth’s 3rd grade class culminated an opinion writing unit with a twist.  Her students have written reviews about restaurants, books, pets, movies, cursive and other interesting topics.  Seeking a greater audience to give their writing more purpose the boys and girls took the project a step further by working in groups to create what they call a “Traveling Road Show.” 

After working on expression, eye contact, enunciation and delivery, students traveled the school presenting their opinion pieces to various classes, the principal, librarian, guidance counselor and anyone else who would listen.  The speakers were a bit nervous at first, but soon gained confidence and enjoyed the experience.  

Student volunteers who offered to capture their work by videoing their “Traveling Road Show" are attached below.  Enjoy.