# data[].attributes.body
Currently my school doesn't have any personal technology for students but I will be moving to a new school next year that will have more. For the next year I want to implement some type of coding activities. I am very new to it so I will need to start doing more research on it before I begin.

I want to do coding in my classroom because the future is changing and there are more and more jobs in the world that require computer science skills. I truly believe that if my students can find their passions early on in this will help encourage them to keep pursuing their passions later on in life. Now I don't think that all of my students will become computer engineers but if they are exposed to an array of options they can make a more educated decision about their future.
I would like to learn more about using both Daisy the Dinosaur and Hopscotch.
Since I am new to even the idea of teaching coding, it would be good to have an app that is simple for both the students and myself to understand. The nice thing about actives like this is you can incorporate writing, reading, math and even science into the lesson if you desire. I really like integrated teaching that incorporates different learning styles and different objectives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

# data[].attributes.body
It's wonderful that teachers not only have a community but they can find a community that pertains to their teaching area. I looked at both the kindergarten & English learners page. Both had teachers that were sharing advice or resources asking for opinions on particular books or sites.
It's sad that I feel so out of touch about so many things going on in the technological world. I feel like I'm a 90 year old living in cave. It is a little overwhelming realizing that there are so many resources that can be used but it is reassuring to know that there are other teachers that probably feel the same way. Having a community that you could ask for advise and share ideas around with would definitely help. I feel this google community is almost like a modern day chat room.
As I browsed through the kindergarten page and I got an idea for a classroom activity to have a pretend snowball fight with crumbled up balls of paper that have different sight words on them. The students would toss them across the room and have to pick up a new word and read it. I love this idea for days that my students are restless.

# data[].attributes.body
I already use Pinterest for personal use and to collect classroom ideas but it was interesting to see that INDOE has an account with so many ideas. I even was thinking that it would be good to have a Pinterest board (or Padlet) for parents to check out. It would be good to share ideas to try at home or videos and websites that we use in the classroom.
I also really like the NBC Learn site. I especially loved the news clips about Mars. My students are very interested about space right now and I even have students that tell me they want to be an astronaut. I will register for this site and continue to check for videos I can share with my little ones about things happening around the world.

# data[].attributes.body
As an educator I definitely think that INDOE social media pages offer a lot of up to date information about what educators are doing in Indiana. I really loved reading some of the things they posted on their blog especially the section about using a Bee-Bot. I have never seen it before but I have attached the video that they linked to their blog. It shows a class that is excited, learning, engaged and figuring out how to program at a very basic level.
There are so many resources available but it is wonderful that Hoosier* educators have access to Indiana's Department of Education social media accounts. It is also nice that the INDOE can keep their educators informed and up to date.
Although I am not working in Indiana, I have enjoyed looking at what they are doing. Many schools are using social media these days and teachers are trading and sharing all the time on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, blogs and many other locations online.

*P.S. When I said Hoosiers, I meant all Hoosiers, not just IU Hoosiers :)

# data[].attributes.headline
Language Arts - KG- Phonological Awareness 

# data[].attributes.subject
Language Arts - KG- Phonological Awareness 

# data[].attributes.body
[K.RF.3.5 - Add, delete, or substitute sounds to change words.]
I've attached a video of an idea of how I would incorporate technology to practice changing out sounds in CVC words to create new words and teach some new computer vocabulary words and computers skills as well.

# data[].attributes.headline
Computer Science Standards (KG) -                       

# data[].attributes.subject
Computer Science Standards (KG) -                       

# data[].attributes.body
[K.2.NC.1 - Use technology to work cooperatively and collaboratively with peers, teachers, and others.]
I love the idea of my students beginning to send basic emails to peers, parents or myself. Once my students' writing ability improves during the year we start handwriting letters to one another and sometimes to parents as well for our writing center. This would be a great transition to incorporating technology.
Students can start to understand new vocabulary words, work on writing and start to understand how to use email. The other advantage would be that I could have them add me in the carbon copy line and have some of their writing on (digital) file.
I know this seems very simple, but I haven't had really any experience teaching my students personal technology so everything seems new to me.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In this set of activities adaptable for grades K-3, parents and educators will find ideas for teaching about writing letters and email. These activities are designed to complement the BrainPOP Jr. Email topic page, which includes a movie, quizzes, online games, printable activities, and more.

Classroom Activities for Teaching About Email

Class Email
Foster new friendships and help students practice their reading and writing skills. Pair students up in the classroom (or with students in other classrooms) and have them exchange email addresses. Ask one to write a message to the other and start an email change. You may want them to write about a specific topic, such as a response to an issue or a piece of writing, or you may want them to just share what happened that day. Once your students are comfortable with this, they could become e-pen pals with students in another city, state, or country!

Community Leaders

Many government and community leaders, such as the mayor, governor, and even President of the Untied States, have email addresses that people can write to and share their thoughts. Discuss different issues in the community with your students. What can be changed? What seems unfair? What issues should leaders be working on or improving? Brainstorm different ideas and then have students write emails to their community or government leaders. Remind them that in formal messages, they should refrain from abbreviations and emoticons.

Family and Homeschool Activities for Teaching About Email

Safe Address Book

Establish a list of safe contacts for your child. Create an address book just for your child. You can do this easily in their email accounts. Show how to select the contact from the address book to write a message. Remind your child to never email strangers or open any attachment from someone they do not know and trust. You may want to set aside a half-hour each week to help your child email friends and family members.

Dear Annie and Moby

Have your child write an email to Annie and Moby. You can use the link off the Bulletin Board. What does your child want to ask Annie and Moby? What movies did they like best? What movies would they like to see? Encourage your child to be creative and remind him or her to proofread the message for proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this set of activities adaptable for grades K-3, parents and educators will find ideas for teaching about writing letters and email. These activities are designed to complement the BrainPOP Jr. Email topic page, which includes a movie, quizzes, online games, printable activities, and more.