Timez Attack!

     For those of your wondering about the title of this page, Timez Attack is a very cool program that helps students learn the multiplication facts. The sixth graders came into the lab today and I began giving them instructions on getting started in the program. You should have heard the groans when I told them that they would be practicing multiplication facts!  However, at the end of their computer time no one wanted to leave!  They were asking if they would get to play it again during their next time in the computer lab.

    Timez Attack can be downloaded for use at home also and the best part is it's FREE! There is a more extensive edition for a cost, but the basic program is free. Here is the address for that web site:

Timez Attack Multiplication game

     Don't forget that parent/teacher conferences will be next Tuesday 3:00 - 9:00 pm and Wednesday 8:30 - 11:30.

Busy Day in the Computer Lab

    Am finally getting this posted. Started writing on Wednesday, but too many interruptions.
The First Graders came in to work on a reading program on the computers. It is fun to watch them singing along with the program! Sometimes they forget how loud they are getting because they have headphones on.
    The Fifth Graders started a math facts review program today.  This is something we do off and on throughout the year.  They can always use the practice!

Keyboarding Has Begun

     As you can see I haven't been very good at keeping this current, but since the computer lab has finally gotten online and the three computers that crashed have been repaired, things have been pretty hectic. All three classes (4th, 5th & 6th) have started their keyboarding lessons. The 5th & 6th graders were able to start without too much help since they have some experience. However, the 4th graders are real newbies so they needed more explanation on how the program works.  We use the software Type to Learn (4th grade) and Type to Learn 3 (5th & 6th grades).  It is always fun to watch the 4th grade students as they begin learning the keyboard. You can usually hear a pin drop in our room because they are so intent! Now by the time they become 6th graders it is not nearly so quiet - they are a chatty bunch.
     There have also been other classes coming in to take some assessments. The first graders came in this week to take both the Early Literacy and Star Reading tests.  As soon as I am able to get students names on the computers the 5th grade will be coming in to practice their math facts on the computers two or three times a week.  The second and third grade teachers have also talked about coming in to practice their math facts at least once a week.  Today the 5th grade class came in the take the Star Math test.
      So you can see the computer lab is a very busy place.  Don't forget to check out my web site at http://pawpowerweb.pbworks.com  I have several web sites listed for both students and parents.

We're Back!

Hooray, hooray!  The computer lab is up and running again. Mr. Messersmith worked on them over the weekend since the wireless cards came in Friday. Everyone is excited to get to work.  The keyboarding classes will all begin today and hopefully we won't have any more roadblocks this year.