The most wonderful time of the year!

It's Computer Science Education Week!   While it may not be what most people define as "the most wonderful time of the year," it's a pretty awesome week in the media center at Stough and in many libraries and computer labs across the country.  (You can read about how libraries are leading this movement here.)

Third, Fourth and Fifth grade students are spending their time in the media center learning the basics of writing computer code.   They are using activities designed by Code.org, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science.  These activities naturally lead students to Collaborate, Communicate, think Critically, and Create, all of the "4 C's" of 21st Century learning.  

To try the activities we've been using, you can visit this page on the Stough Media site.   For additional Coding activities, you can visit the coding page in the technology section of the Stough Website.

When you can't reach the bookshelves...

... you learn to use eBooks!  Since the bookfair was in the media center last week, media classes met in the lab.  We were able to continue our focus on reading "for pleasure and personal growth" even though we didn't have physical books to read.  We read eBooks using Ebsco's eBook database provided on NC WiseOwl.  Students learned to search for nonfiction topics they wanted to read about and to browse for fiction books they may like to read.  Students were excited to discover books about topics such as the Titanic, gymnastics, monster trucks, the history of video games, and more!   All of our NC WiseOwl resources can be used at home.  Contact Mrs. Galvan (agalvan@wcpss.net) if you need the password.

Scholastic Book Fair!

Our main focus this fall for 3rd, 4th and 5th grades is reading for pleasure and personal growth.  What better way to celebrate that focus than with the arrival of our fall book fair?  Last week, students got a video preview of some of the great books they will find in the book fair.  I've had many students ask if I could play it again, so here is the link.  Just choose the one you want to watch (K-3rd or 4th-6th), and feel free to play it as many times as you would like!  

Here are some of the books highlighted in the 4th and 5th grade video:

Here are some of the books highlighted in the 3rd grade video:

And these books are just too good to miss!  (We'll just call them Mrs. Galvan's favorites!)  Pick them up if you haven't seen them!

Click here for more information about our book fair!   Be sure to join us for family night on Thursday, and don't miss the online auction!