Elementary (K-5) Tech News
The 2023-24 school year is Mr. Martin's fifth year teaching K-5 Technology at American Academy. Before coming to American Academy, he spent 19 years as the Library Media Specialist for a small K-12 school in Wyoming. In addition to library sciences, he also taught computer applications and typing.
Course Overview
In elementary technology students will constantly be working on keyboarding skills. We encourage students to practice typing daily, not just when they have technology rotation.
In addition to typing students will learn computer basics and how to use Google Workspace apps, including Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drawing and Classroom. We will discuss digital citizenship with an emphasis on how to stay safe while online as well as thinking like a technology producer with beginning coding.
Grading
2-5 Grades: 50% of a student's grade is based on engagement, which includes behavior and participation in class. Just for working in class they earn 47/50 points each rotation. Students can lose points by talking during instruction, disrupting the learning of others, or not following directions. Students can earn points by demonstrating American Academy Manners and Character Traits in class.
50% of a student's grade is based on how they do on individual assignments, projects and assessments.
K-1 Grades: Students will receive: + (excellent), v (proficient), or - (not proficient) grading marks instead of points. Grading categories include Engagement which is based on behavior and participation in class; as well as Assignments, Assessments, Projects, & Skills.
Clever / Learning.com
You can view students' activities by accessing Learning.com via Clever. All classroom activities are listed under Learning.com which will take you to the necessary platform for the assignment. For additional assistance, please see the Student Clever Login (At Home) page.
Keyboarding Practice
Students should type at least 15 minutes every day (not just when they have technology specials) in order to become familiar with using Home Row to type on the keyboard. Use Typing.com for keyboarding practice, it is listed in Learning.com as assignment #1.
Students should meet or exceed these goals to meet typing proficiency:
| Grade | Words Per Minute (WPM) | Accuracy |
| 1st Grade | 5 | 90% |
| 2nd Grade | 10 | 90% |
| 3rd Grade | 15 | 90% |
| 4th Grade | 20 | 90% |
| 5th Grade | 25 | 90% |
Parent / Teacher Conferences
K-5 parents may schedule to meet with me on Wednesday, May 8 or Thursday, May 9 from 4:30PM-7PM at Lincoln Meadows room 213.
Please use this link to sign up for a 10 minute, in-person, conference slot. In the additional information slot, please include the name(s) and grade(s) of each of your children.
You can also always contact me via email.
First Week and Rotation 1 Classwork
| Aug. 21-Sep. 1 | Sept. 4-8 | Sept. 11-15 | Sept. 18-22 | Sept. 25-29 | |
| K | Krien | Baladad | Beckel | Bitsky | Hunter |
| 1 | Wilson | Crain | Quinn | True | |
| 2 | McNeil | Aguilar | Forystek | Liebelt | |
| 3 | Wilson | Bade | Izzi | Newell | |
| 4 | Volk | Canino | Folkman | Lederhos | |
| 5 | Tobler | Blocker | Borror | Hunt |
Kindergarten: Our first week in the lab we will be going over classroom expectations, and an introduction to computers. We will be learning about the parts of the computer and how to properly use the mouse. We will begin using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
1st Grade: Our first week in the lab we will be going over classroom expectations, and an introduction to computers. We will take a Technology Pre-Test and then learn about the parts of the computer and using the mouse. We will begin using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
2nd Grade: Our first week in the lab we will be going over classroom expectations, and an introduction to computers. We will take a Technology Pre-Test and then review the parts of the computer and using the mouse. We will begin using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
3rd Grade: Our first week in the lab we will be going over classroom expectations and take a computer/technology knowledge pre-test through Learning.com. We will also learn about Google Workspace; and review Netiquette and how we should act while online. We will begin using Typing.com for typing practice.
4th Grade: Our first week in the lab we will be going over classroom expectations and take a computer/technology knowledge pre-test throughLearning.com. We will also learn about Google Workspace; and review Netiquette and how we should act while online. We will begin using Typing.com for typing practice.
5th Grade: Our first week in the lab we will be going over classroom expectations and take a computer/technology knowledge pre-test through Learning.com. We will also learn about Google Workspace; and review Netiquette and how we should act while online. We will begin using Typing.com for typing practice.
Rotation 2 Classwork
| Oct. 2-6 | Oct. 9-13 | Oct. 23-27 | Oct. 30-Nov. 3 | Nov. 6-10 | |
| K | Krien | Baladad | Beckel | Bitsky | Hunter |
| Sept. 25-29 | Oct. 2-6 | Oct. 9-13 | Oct. 23-27 | ||
| 1 | Wilson | Crain | Quinn | True | |
| 2 | McNeil | Aguilar | Forystek | Liebelt | |
| 3 | Wilson | Bade | Izzi | Newell | |
| 4 | Volk | Canino | Folkman | Lederhos | |
| 5 | Tobler | Blocker | Borror | Hunt |
Kindergarten: Our second week in the lab we will be going over digital citizenship; practice being safe online; and cyberbullying using BrainPop, Jr.; and Learning.com lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
1st Grade: Our second week in the lab we will be going over digital citizenship; practice being safe online; and cyberbullying using BrainPop, Jr.; and Learning.com lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
2nd Grade: Our second week in the lab we will be going over digital citizenship; practice being safe online; and cyberbullying using BrainPop, Jr.; and Learning.com lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
3rd Grade: Our second week in the lab we will finish our Rotation 1 lessons using Google Classroom and digital etiquette via BrainPop. We will expand to staying safe online and using good netiquette by using Digital Passport. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
4th Grade: Our second week in the lab we will practice good netiquette and staying safe online by working through Digital Compass. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
5th Grade: Our second week in the lab we will be reviewing online safety by creating our own BrainPop movie. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
Rotation 3 Classwork
| Nov. 13-17 | Nov. 27-Dec. 1 | Dec. 11-15 | Dec. 18-22 | Jan. 8-12 | |
| K | Krien | Hunter | Baladad | Beckel | Bitsky |
| Oct. 30-Nov. 3 | Nov. 6-10 | Nov. 13-17 | Nov. 27-Dec. 1 | ||
| 1 | Wilson | Crain | Quinn | True | |
| 2 | McNeil | Aguilar | Forystek | Liebelt | |
| 3 | Wilson | Bade | Izzi | Newell | |
| 4 | Volk | Canino | Folkman | Lederhos | |
| 5 | Tobler | Blocker | Borror | Hunt |
Kindergarten: Our third week in the lab we will learn word processing basics in Learning.com and then creating our own Google Doc that includes our name, an animal picture and basic formatting. We will continue using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
1st Grade: Our third week in the lab we will review word processing basics in Learning.com and then creating our own Google Doc that includes our name, an animal picture and basic formatting. We will continue using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
2nd Grade: Our third week in the lab we will review word processing basics in Learning.com and then creating our own Google Doc that includes our name, an animal picture and basic formatting. We will continue using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
3rd Grade: Our third week in the lab we will finish our Rotation 2 Digital Passport lesson. We will then review spreadsheets in Learning.com. Students will then survey their classmates' favorite color and create a Color Survey Google Sheet table and chart. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
4th Grade: Our third week in the lab we review spreadsheets in Learning.com and create an Animal Research Google Sheets. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
5th Grade: Our third week in the lab we will begin our TechnoEntrepreneur unit where students use a variety of Google Workspace apps to assist them in creating a restaurant. To determine their kind of restaurant, students will use Google Sheets to survey their classmates and create a chart of their results. Students will then use Canva to create an original logo of their restaurant. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
Rotation 4 Classwork
| Dec. 4-8 | Jan. 15-19 | Jan. 29-Feb. 2 | Feb. 12-16 | Jan. 15-19 | |
| K | Krien | Hunter | Baladad | Beckel | Bitsky |
| Dec. 4-8 | Dec. 11-15 | Dec. 18-22 | Jan. 8-12 | ||
| 1 | Wilson | Crain | Quinn | True | |
| 2 | McNeil | Aguilar | Forystek | Liebelt | |
| 3 | Wilson | Bade | Izzi | Newell | |
| 4 | Volk | Canino | Folkman | Lederhos | |
| 5 | Tobler | Blocker | Borror | Hunt |
Kindergarten: Our fourth week in the lab we will learn presentation basics by creating a basic Google Slides that includes their name and an animal picture. We will continue using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
1st Grade: Our fourth week in the lab we will review presentation basics by creating a basic Google Slides that includes their name and an animal picture. We will continue using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
2nd Grade: Our fourth week in the lab we will learn the basics of using a web browser and navigating the Internet using Welcome to the Web. We will continue using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
3rd Grade: Our fourth week in the lab we learn animation basics in BrainPop and create an animation using Microsoft Paint and Pivot Animator. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
4th Grade: Our fourth week in the lab we review animation basics in BrainPop and create an animation using Microsoft Paint and Pivot Animator. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
5th Grade: Our fourth week in the lab we will continue our TechnoEntrepreneur unit where students use a variety of Google Workspace apps to assist them in creating a restaurant. This week students will use Google Docs to create a professional letter to potential investors. They will then use Google Draw to create their restaurant floor plan. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
Rotation 5 Classwork
| Jan. 22-26 | Feb. 19-23 | Feb. 26-Mar. 3 | Mar. 11-15 | Mar. 25-29 | |
| K | Krien | Hunter | Bitsky | Baladad | Beckel |
| Jan. 15-19 | Jan. 22-26 | Jan. 29-Feb. 2 | Feb. 5-9 | ||
| 1 | Wilson | Crain | Quinn | True | |
| 2 | McNeil | Aguilar | Forystek | Liebelt | |
| 3 | Wilson | Bade | Izzi | Newell | |
| 4 | Volk | Canino | Folkman | Lederhos | |
| 5 | Tobler | Blocker | Borror | Hunt |
Kindergarten: Our fifth week in the lab we will use the presentation skills they learned in Rotation 4 to create a Google Slides based on a coyote website. We will continue using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
1st Grade: Our fifth week in the lab we will use the presentation skills they learned in Rotation 4 to create a Google Slides based on a coyote website. We will continue using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
2nd Grade: Our fifth week in the lab we will create a Google Slides based on a coyote website. We will continue using Typing.com for keyboarding practice.
3rd Grade: Our fifth week in the lab we review Google Document basics and shortcuts. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
4th Grade: Our fifth week in the lab we will begin coding using Code.org. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
5th Grade: Our fifth week in the lab we will continue our TechnoEntrepreneur unit where students use a variety of Google Workspace apps to assist them in creating a restaurant. This week students will use Google Sheets formulas to track business earnings. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
Rotation 6 Classwork
| Mar. 4-8 | Apr. 1-5 | Apr. 8-12 | Apr. 22-26 | May 15-13 | |
| K | Krien | Hunter | Bitsky* | Baladad | Beckel* |
| Feb. 12-16 | Feb. 19-23 | Mar. 11-15 | Mar. 25-29 | ||
| 1 | Wilson | Crain | Quinn | True | |
| Feb. 12-16 | Feb. 19-23 | Feb. 26-Mar. 1 | Mar. 4-8 | ||
| 2 | McNeil | Aguilar | Forystek | Liebelt | |
| 3 | Wilson | Bade | Izzi | Newell | |
| 4 | Volk | Canino | Folkman | Lederhos | |
| 5 | Tobler | Blocker | Borror | Hunt | |
| *Final Week of Technology 2023-24 | |||||
Kindergarten: Our sixth week in the lab we will begin to gain coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
1st Grade: Our sixth week in the lab we will gain coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
2nd Grade: Our sixth week in the lab we will gain coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
3rd Grade: Our sixth week in the lab we will learn how to navigate and use the tools available to them for the upcoming CMAS testing. They will then gain coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
4th Grade: Our sixth week in the lab we will learn how to navigate and use the tools available to them for the upcoming CMAS testing. We will use Google Docs to create a Colorado History brochure. They will then continue gaining coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
5th Grade: Our sixth week in the lab we will review navigating around and the tools available to them for the upcoming CMAS testing. We will then.complete our TechnoEntrepreneur unit where students use a variety of Google Workspace and other apps to assist them in creating a restaurant. This week students will use Canva to create a commercial for their restaurant. If time allows, they will then gain coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
Rotation 7 Classwork
| Apr. 15-19 | May 6-10 | May 20-24 | ||
| K | Krien | Baladad* | Hunter* | |
| Mar. 4-8 | Apr. 1-5 | Apr. 8-12 | May 13-17 | |
| 1 | Crain | Quinn | Wilson | True* |
| Mar. 11-15 | Mar. 25-29 | Apr. 1-5 | Apr. 8-12 | |
| 2 | McNeil | Aguilar | Forystek | Liebelt |
| 3 | Wilson | Bade | Izzi | Newell |
| 4 | Volk | Canino | Folkman | Lederhos |
| 5 | Tobler | Blocker | Borror | Hunt |
| *Final Week of Technology 2023-24 | ||||
Kindergarten: Our seventh week in the lab we will resume gaining coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
1st Grade: Our seventh week in the lab we will resume gaining coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
2nd Grade: Our seventh week in the lab we will resume gaining coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
3rd Grade: Our seventh week in the lab will resume gaining coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
4th Grade: Our sixth week in the lab we will resume gaining coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
5th Grade: Our sixth week in the lab we will begin or resume gaining coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
Rotation 8 Classwork
| Apr. 29-May 3 | ||||
| K | Krien* | |||
| Apr. 14-20 | Apr. 29-May 3 | May 6-10 | ||
| 1 | Crain | Wilson* | Quinn* | |
| Apr. 15-19 | Apr. 22-26 | Apr. 29-May 3 | May 6-10 | |
| 2 | McNeil | Aguilar | Forystek* | Liebelt* |
| 3 | Wilson | Bade | Izzi* | Newell* |
| 4 | Volk | Canino | Folkman* | Lederhos* |
| 5 | Tobler | Blocker | Borror* | Hunt* |
| *Final Week of Technology 2023-24 | ||||
Kindergarten: Our eighth week in the lab we will resume gaining coding and problem solving experience by working through Code.org lessons. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
1st Grade: Our eighth week in the lab we will review and take our Technology Post-Test. This is the same test taken at the beginning of the year so we will be able to compare scores to show growth. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
2nd Grade: Our eighth week in the lab we will review and take our Technology Post-Test. This is the same test taken at the beginning of the year so we will be able to compare scores to show growth. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
3rd Grade: Our eighth week in the lab we will review and take our 5th Summative Test. This is a similar test to the one taken at the beginning of the year so we will be able to compare scores to show growth. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
4th Grade: Our eighth week in the lab we will review and take our 5th Summative Test. This is a similar test to the one taken at the beginning of the year so we will be able to compare scores to show growth. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
5th Grade: Our eighth week in the lab we will review and take our 5th Summative Test. This is a similar test to the one taken at the beginning of the year so we will be able to compare scores to show growth. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
Rotation 9 Classwork
| May 20-24 | ||
| 1 | Crain* | |
| May 13-17 | May 20-24 | |
| 2 | McNeil* | Aguilar* |
| 3 | Wilson* | Bade* |
| 4 | Volk* | Canino* |
| 5 | Tobler* | Blocker* |
| *Final Week of Technology 2023-24 | ||
1st Grade: Our final week in the lab we will wrap up the year with doing computer activities that the students enjoy the most. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
2nd Grade: Our final week in the lab we will wrap up the year with doing computer activities that the students enjoy the most. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
3rd Grade: Our final week in the lab we will wrap up the year with doing computer activities that the students enjoy the most. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
4th Grade: Our final week in the lab we will wrap up the year with doing computer activities that the students enjoy the most. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
5th Grade: Our final week in the lab we will wrap up the year with doing computer activities that the students enjoy the most. We will continue using Typing.com for typing practice.
Minecraft: Educational Version
Minecraft: Educational Version
We may use Minecraft: EDU ( the educational version) in the K-5 Technology Specials classroom for mini lessons. This software will only be available to students within the classroom, but is an impactful learning tool for students.
Minecraft EDU is a fun way for students to enhance creativity, problem-solving, self-direction, collaboration, and other life skills. Minecraft also teaches business principles, STEM knowledge, and global perspective while complementing reading, writing, math, and even history lessons in a safe, and controlled environment. For additional information:
If you have concerns regarding the use of Minecraft: Educational Version for educational purposes, please contact Mr. Martin directly.