In addition to 12 desktop computer stations we are fortunate to also have a cart of laptops for use in the media center. This makes teaching a lesson on research sites to an entire class much easier. However, laptops have a few drawbacks, so we take time in 2nd grade to learn about their use and care.
2nd grade is also the year that students in Portage get their very own network account, so one of the first tasks is practicing how to successfully type in their username and password (secretly a lesson in patience for everbody!).
Next we need to practice using the trackpad instead of the mouse. To do this we opened up several folders on the network and then used the KidPix typing and paint tools to design a bookmark. In the next few weeks we will also use the Kidspiration graphic organizer to work with different concepts about books such as character, setting, and plot.
