Kindergarten

The focus in Kindergarten is primarily on becoming familiar with the computer and its uses.  We use various educational, game-based software to learn mouse control, and to become comfortable with the keyboard.  We also learn the correct terminology for various computer components, and what their functions are.

First Grade

Students begin to familiarize themselves with “home row” finger placement.  Students are also introduced to Microsoft Word, with a focus on highlighting, and font size, color and style, as well as on typing by using home row. At this level, we also begin working with the slideshow software Kid Pix Deluxe, and learn to save, organize, and open applications, and also to design using templates and blank pages. We continue our use of educational computer games to continue building comfort with keyboarding, as well as to reinforce skills such as logic, memory, and spelling.  Students also have a limited introduction to the Internet as a means for gathering information. 

Second Grade

Our students begin a more intensive focus on typing skills, with a definite emphasis on home row finger placement and typing with eyes on the screen, rather than the keyboard.  Typing instruction comes primarily through the usage of Type to Learn 3, which allows students to complete individual typing tutorials and advance at their own, supervised pace.  We continue our usage of Microsoft Word and begin to do complete basic word processing assignments, and master additional capabilities of this software.  In addition, students will become more advanced in their knowledge of Kid Pix Deluxe and will begin to create and present slideshows, with a focus on mastering transitions, music, timing and saving of material.  Lastly, we provide a more in-depth introduction to the Internet and begin doing basic projects requiring the use of a search engine.

 Third Grade

Students continue their usage of Type to Learn 3, focusing at this stage on increasing both speed and accuracy when typing.  Additionally, students continue their usage of Microsoft Word, furthering their mastery of the previously introduced applications, as well as becoming proficient in adding clip art and pictures to their projects.  During this year, we also begin focusing on additional Microsoft Office programs.  We replace Kid Pix Deluxe as our “presentation software” with the more versatile and sophisticated PowerPoint, and begin to use Microsoft Publisher.

Our internet curriculum focuses on Internet safety and appropriate usage.  We continue our use of search engines as a research tool for classroom projects, and students are introduced to United Streaming as a method to find topic-specific video information. 

Third graders complete and present several major projects using all of the software they are studying, including: a PowerPoint presentation on an Orange County city, a Rainforest project completed using Word, and a Rainforest postcard created with Publisher.  These projects all require use of the Internet to gather both research information and pictures.

 Fourth Grade

Fourth grade students continue their mastery of typing skills, as well as all the software they have previously been introduced to.  During the year, our focus is on the students becoming more independent in their completion of projects and also gaining confidence in presenting them.  Students will complete several major projects this year, relying on all the skills they have garnered thus far.  Assignments are a collaborative effort between classroom teachers and the technology lab. Units that are being taught in the homeroom classes are combined with the students’ technology knowledge.  Some examples of this are: An Explorers project, and a California Indian Tribes assignment, both of which use the Internet and Microsoft Word; and a Missions unit project that includes use of PowerPoint, Word, United Streaming, and Internet research.  Students also publish their own Gold Rush Newspaper, using Publisher and Word, and incorporating pictures found on the Internet.

Fifth Grade

Fifth grade students continue again with Type to Learn 3, and should by this time, be proficient at typing with relative ease and accuracy.  During this year the Technology Lab is used as a means to complete several major classroom projects.  Students will create a tri-fold State Brochure, and a “Presidential Portrait”. Both projects rely on the use of Microsoft Word and Publisher, as well as the Internet.  Students create two video projects this year, which require the use of PowerPoint, Word, and the Internet.  Students will complete an integrated science video that has strict guidelines for content and will also have the opportunity to create a more open-ended National Park presentation, which has looser guidelines and allows for more creativity.  In addition, students will use Microsoft Publisher, as well as the Internet to create an end-of-the-year collage chronicling their favorite interest or topic of their choosing.

Upon completion of their fifth grade year, students should all be able to type at a rate of 25-30 words per minute, with few errors.  They should also have a workable knowledge of all the Microsoft Office programs.  In addition, students should leave lower school technology with a secure knowledge of how to safely navigate the Internet and take advantage of its countless research opportunities.  Our overall goal for the students leaving our program and entering middle school is that they will be able to integrate their knowledge of all these various programs and tools and create comprehensive, intelligent work that they will be able to present with confidence and expertise.