4th Grade

In order to aid in the overall student writing process (to bolster the skills needed to publish in the technology age) the 4th grade year will look like this:

(each year builds upon the previous so while the outlines may appear similar they move faster and the content becomes more detailed as the years progress)

Review of log-in procedures & basics

  • Finding name & entering password
  • Basic interaction - using the mouse, keyboard, etc
  • Vocabulary - Desktop, Dock, Icons, etc (our word wall)

Microsoft Word

  • The basics - opening and quitting
  • File management & navigation - Save As + Open: saving a file properly (proper name, location, etc) and finding the file and opening it up on a different occasion.
  • Basic typing review - proper way to capitalize, using “Shift” for certain punctuation, 1 space between words, etc
  • Practice typing - copying a document
  • Formatting 1 - margins, when to use the return key, etc
  • Formatting 2 - Bold, Italic, Underline, etc
  • Formatting 3 - changing font size & style
  • Practice formatting - using typed document & changing font style, size, bold, etc

The internet

  • The basics of Firefox/Chrome - the buttons, address bar, tools, etc
  • Searching using Google - what the results mean, pictures, etc
  • Downloading pictures - proper naming and saving procedures
  • Mr. Casal’s blog at ps10tech.blogspot.com - there will be ongoing assignments on the blog

Combining Microsoft Word and the internet

  • Inserting pictures found on the internet into a Word document
  • Formatting the picture in Word - size, position, etc
  • Formatting the complete document - text and pictures

Microsoft Powerpoint research project

  • Basics of Powerpoint - how to create, format, etc
  • Creating a practice Presentation with text, pictures, animations, etc
  • Using the internet for research - proper searching techniques, identifying reputable sites, etc
  • Taking the information gathered on the internet and creating a Powerpoint Presentation conveying what they have learned - text, pictures, animations, etc

Google Apps

  • Student will be introduced to Google Apps
  • Logging in to Google Apps with unique URL, username, passwords, etc
  • Using Google Drive to upload & convert existing Word & PowerPoint files as well as creating new ones
  • Working with Google Drive files
    • creating, formatting, and adding pictures to Documents
    • sharing Documents
    • working collaborative with Documents
    • creating, formatting, adding pictures, and animating Presentations
    • publishing Presentations to the web
  • Creating independent "Student Portfolio" Blogger blogs or Google Sites

Depending on the number of times a class comes to the computer lab (due to schedule, holidays, assemblies, field trips, etc) the above items should take the better part of the year. If all the items are completed before the end of the year we will do some work with internet publishing via Mr. Casal’s website. In addition we will doing ongoing assignments on Mr. Casal’s blog...