Mr Feist's Classroom Overview

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Kindergarten
First Grade
Second Grade
Third Grade
Fourth Grade
Fifth Grade
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade

Computer Lab

Classrooms
30 Lab Computers:
  • 1GB of RAM
  • 2.8 GHz Pentium 4 Processor
  • Windows XP SP 3
  • Sophos Antivirus
  • Microsoft Office 2003 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
  • Mozilla Firefox (Main Internet Browser)
  • Internet Explorer (Secondary Internet Browser)
  • Math Blaster
  • Word Munchers
  • Oregon Trail
  • Microsoft Paint
  • Drawing for Children 2 - free download
  • Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing
  • GIMP (picture editing) - free download
  • Komposer (Webpage Authoring) - free download
  • SMARTNotebook
2 Scanners
2 Digital Cameras (Avaliable to teachers and students)
1 B&W LaserJet Printer
1 Color LaserJet Printer 		2 Computers per classroom:
  • 512 MB of RAM
  • 2.8 GHz Pentium 4 Processor
  • Windows XP SP 2
  • Sophos Antivirus
  • Microsoft Office 2003
  • Mozilla Firefox (Main Internet Browser)
  • Internet Explorer (Secondary Internet Browser)
  • Accel Scan (For Accelerated Math classes)
  • Plus any classroom specific programs that the teacher has purchased and installed for classroom use
1 B&W LaserJet shared for each hallway
4 Portable SmartBoard carts with projector and laptop (1 per floor)
6 Mounted classroom SmartBoards
    * With fundraising we hope to obtain at least 1 SmartBoard a year
8 IPods avaliable for students to use for reading classes
* Internet filtering is provided through our ISP (HC/CA) the same as Southwest Local Schools.  We also use the NoScript plugin for Firefox to block unnecessary Javascript on a webpage (helps protect from adware and inappropriate ads/images) as well as having Google set for Safesearch.  Even with these precautions there are still times when inappropriate material makes it through.  They are taught that if something does make it through the filters that they need to immediately turn off their monitor and let the teacher know so that I can take care of blocking it.

* Every grade is also taught age appropriate Internet safety.  I try to have at least one class each quarter dedicated to Internet Safety, or work it into our lessons when we are learning about using the Internet.  The last class before summer break is also dedicated to this topic.  I believe that educating our kids on the appropriate use of computers and the Internet is the best way to keep them safe.

It is my hope that by the end of your child's time here at Saint John's that they will be well prepared for high school.  It is my goal to help them learn how to use technology to it's full potiential to aid them in this endeavor as well as learn what they need for their time here at SJB.

Kindergarten

 In Kindergarten we focus on the basics of using a computer.  We begin the year by going over the different parts of a computer (mouse, keyboard, monitor, and the acutal computer) and what they are used for.  We then proceed to learn how to turn on a computer all by ourselves.  After we learn how to turn on a computer we learn how to log in with the class user account so that we can begin learning some computer programs.

One of the first programs that we use is Drawing for Children.  We use the drawing program to help reinforce the alphabet, practice colors, type our names (with capital letters in the correct places), work on developing our fine motor skills (mouse usage), and as an introduction to using the basic menu structure for most computer applications. We learn how to put a text box in and type our letters of the week, our names, or even short sentences. Then we get to draw a picture. If there is enough time left in the class period we even get to print these out to color for Mom and Dad. The year goes on from there.

By the end of the year we will be able to:

Use the following programs with some assistance:
  • Internet
    • Follow links to pages, use the Bookmarks or Favorites menus to access web pages, use the Student Web Links page to go to websites for class like Star Fall, Jig Zone or PBS Kids, and learn how to use the Back button
    • **** I use StarFall very heavily at the beginning of the year.  It is a great resource to use with your children to get them reading.
  • Drawing for Children 2
    • Type their name, draw a picture (learn how to use/hold the mouse properly), erase, start a new picture, switch between different tools from the toolbox (shapes, pencils, etc)
  • Word Munchers
    • Practice shapes, colors, patterns, grammar, phonics
  • Star Early Literacy (taken near the beginning of the year and at the end of each quarter)
    • Tests reading and comprehension level
    • Learn how to login to an online program using your own username and password
  • Word
    • Type their name, highlight (select text) (using mouse and keyboard), bold, underline, change text color, change text size
Perform the following tasks with some assistance:
  • Log-on to a computer with the provided user name and password
  • Start programs from desktop, Start Menu, and CDs
  • Login to Star Early Literacy
  • Know how to highlight using the mouse
  • Open and Save files using our Network Folder
  • Print
  • Close programs
  • Log off of the computer at the end of class
Perform the following tasks on our own:
  • Name all of the main parts of a computer (monitor [screen], keyboard, mouse, computer, printer)
  • Turn on a computer
  • Know the main operation keys (Ctrl, Alt, Delete, Space Bar, *Enter, *Backspace, *Shift, *Arrow Keys)
    *I call these keys the special arrow keys since they all have a different picture of an arrow on them, this way even when they cannot read the entire word they can still find the correct buttons.
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First Grade

 We begin First Grade by reviewing what we learned from Kindergarten (parts of a computer, turning on the computer, logging on to the computer, the basics of using Paint, Word, and the Internet).

In First Grade we begin to use the Internet for researching reports for class, not just playing games.  We mainly use Enchanted Learning for doing our research. We also start focusing on becoming more independent computer users. If we have a problem we first ask one of our neighbors for help, then if we still need help we raise our hand and wait for Mr. Feist to come around to help us. We also are expected to be able to turn on our computer and log on all by ourselves after Christmas Break, of course Mr. Feist is always there to help us if we need it.

Here is what we will know and be able to do with an adult around by the end of the year (some of it on our own).

Use the following programs with some assistance
  • Star Early Literacy, Star Reading, Star Math (taken at the beginning of the year and at the end of each quarter)
    • Test reading and math levels
  • Accelerated Reader (used in homeroom)
    • Take quizes on books we have read
  • Word
    • Type sentences/paragraphs, highlight, bold, underline, change text color, change text size, change font type, Insert ClipArt, Insert Auto shapes
  • Internet
    • Follow links to pages, use the Bookmarks or Favorites menus to access web pages, use the Student Web Links page to go to websites for class, use the Back button, use the Forward button, use the address bar to type other websites
  • Word Munchers
    • Practice shapes, colors, patterns, grammar, phonics
  • Math Blaster
    • Practice addition and subtraction facts
  • Drawing for Children 2
    • Extra time at the end of class and card making
Perform the following tasks with some assistance
  • Open and Save files to their own network folder
  • Start Programs
  • Print

Perform the following tasks independently
  • Know all of the parts of a computer and what they are used for
  • Turn on the computer
  • Log on to the computer
  • Highlight using the mouse
  • Close programs
  • Log off of the computer
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Second Grade

 In second grade we are good computer users and know how to do lots of different things with all sorts of programs. We want to learn how to do even more interesting and fun projects using our computers. We want to be more independent computer users so we help each other when we can. We also learn how to do more things with Word and the Internet and start to use PowerPoint to write and show our very own story in front of the whole class! Also, to help us with our transition into being more independent computer users we begin to learn how to type. We don't start using a typing program yet, but we learn what fingers to use for each key and we even get our very own paper keyboard to color and keep with us to practice over the summer.

Here is what we will know and be able to do with an adult around by the end of the year (some of it on our own).

Use the following programs with more advanced techniques
  • Star Reading, Star Math (taken at the beginning of the year and at the end of each quarter)
    • Test reading and math levels
  • Accelerated Reader (used in homeroom)
    • Take quizes on books
  • Word
    • Align words (left, center, and right)
    • Learn about Spell Check
    • Insert Pictures, Format Pictures
    • Insert AutoShapes
    • Work with premade tables
  • PowerPoint
    • Insert a new slide
    • Insert pictures, format them, move them
    • Change slide layout
Perform the following tasks with some assistance
  • Open and Save files to their own network folder
  • Print

Perform the following tasks independently
  • Log on to the computer
  • Highlight using the mouse or keyboard
  • Start Programs
  • Close Programs
  • Log off of the computer
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Third Grade

 We are getting pretty good with using computers for school work and for play. Now it is time for us to take the next step and go beyond changing colors and sizes of words. We will learn some more in depth features of Word, PowerPoint, Excel and practice typing almost every class. We're not little chicks any more so no more hunting and pecking for us.

Use the following programs
  • Star Reading, Star Math (taken at the beginning of the year and the end of each quarter)
    • Test reading and math levels
  • Accelerated Reader (used in homeroom)
    • Take quizes on books
  • Accelerated Math (used in homeroom)
    • Work on Math Objectives (allows students to review objectives they need help with or move on to new ones when they are ready)
  • Word
    • We have used Microsoft Word a lot the past few years and now weare pretty good with it. We will use it to type reports for our other classes and practice our keyboarding when we do this.
    • We will also learn more about using spelling check and grammar check to help us correct mistakes we may make.
    • We will learn how to make and format tables by making a table of all the third grade students and which classroom they are in.
  • Internet
    • We will learn some tips on how to search the Internet and find mostly useful websites.
    • We use Yahoo Kids and Ask for Kids.  We avoid using Google or Bing unless we cannot find any information without them.
  • Excel
    • We start learning how to use Microsoft Excel this year. We will learn the difference between rows and columns, how to resize both, and use the basic features. We will use Excel to make a multiplication chart to help us practice our multiplication tables.
  • PowerPoint
    • We were introduced to PowerPoint last year and now we are ready to try and use it to do a project. We will review and practice what we learned last year and learn some new tips and tricks.
  • Mavis Beacon teaches Typing
    • We start typing class this year as well. We will review the home row keys and start practicing our typing for the first 10 - 15 minutes of each class. We are not going to worry about how fast we are typing, but we will stay focused on using all 10 of our fingers and typing the correct letters with them.
Students should be independent computer users able to do  all  usual tasks on their own with minimal assistance.
  • Log onto the computer
  • Start Programs
  • Save Files
  • Print
  • Close Programs
  • Log Off the computer
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Fourth Grade

 We are getting to be very independent computer users.  We are expected to come into class, log in, and practice keyboarding for the first 10 minutes of class without direction from Mr. Feist.  We know enough to use Word for typing reports for class and other projects so we will take a break from it for this year and start using Excel and especially PowerPoint much more indepth this year.

Use the following programs
  • Star Reading, Star Math (taken at the beginning of the year and the end of each quarter)
    • Test reading and math levels
  • Accelerated Reader (used in classroom)
    • Take quizes on books
  • Accelerated Math (used in classroom)
    • Work on Math Objectives (allows students to review objectives they need help with or move on to new ones when they are ready)
  • SMARTNotebook
    • We will make a simple lesson to teach our classmates.
  • Word
    • We will use Microsoft Word to type reports for our classes and continue learning other features as well.
  • Excel
    • We will review using charts and how to format them.
    • We will use Excel to chart the weather for one week and compare the High Temp, Low Temp,Humidity, and rainfall to see how they go together.
    • We will use many different charts to see the difference in how they let us compare information and choose which ones are the best for comparing different information.
  • PowerPoint
    • We have learned about PowerPoint for the past two years and are now ready to do a project on our own. We will learn some more advanced techniques like Slide Transitions, inserting sound, and changing the backgrounds.
  • Typing Program
    • We will continue to practice our typing and focus on using the correct fingering position for the keys not speed.  Midway through the year we will begin using the keyboard covers to really start training our fingers (UGH!!!)
Students should be independent computer users able to do  all  usual tasks on their own.
  • Log onto the computer
  • Start Programs
  • Save Files
  • Print
  • Close Programs
  • Log Off the computer
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Fifth Grade

 We will learn more about using Excel formulas this year and make a spreadsheet to keep track of our money.  We will also use the Internet and PowerPoint to research and make a presentation on a historical person.

Use the following programs
  • Star Reading, Star Math (taken at the beginning of the year and the end of each quarter)
    • Test reading and math levels
  • Accelerated Reader (used in classroom)
    • Take quizes on books
  • Accelerated Math (used in classroom)
    • Work on Math Objectives (allows students to review objectives they need help with or move on to new ones when they are ready)
  • Publisher
    • We will learn how to use publisher on our own.  How to insert text boxes, pictures, etc.  We will make our own informative newsletter to show what we have learned.
    • We will also make a brochure for next years incoming fifth graders at the end of the year to help them adjust to being in the Junior High building next year.
  • Word
    • Type reports for class.  Learn how to set tab stops, format paragraphs, change page setup properties.
  • Excel
    • We will really learn how to use formulas.
    • We will make a spreadsheet to help us track the money in our piggy bank.
  • PowerPoint
    • We will make a presentation that will include all of the basic and some advanced features of PowerPoint. These include automatic timing for our slides and custom animation for words and pictures.
  • Typing Program
    • We will continue to practice our typing and hope to acheive a speed of 10-15 WPM(words per minute) by the end of the year.
Students should be independent computer users able to do  all  usual tasks on their own.
  • Log onto the computer
  • Start Programs
  • Save Files
  • Print
  • Close Programs
  • Log Off the computer
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Sixth Grade

 At this point we have mastered the basics of all of the programs and we will learn to use the Help feature to figure out what we do not remember.  It is time for us to move on to some other programs  and learn even more advanced techiques of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Use the following programs
  • Star Reading, Star Math (taken at the beginning of the year and the end of each quarter)
    • Test reading and math levels
  • Accelerated Reader (used in classroom)
    • Take quizes on books
  • Accelerated Math (used in classroom)
    • Work on Math Objectives (allows students to review objectives they need help with or move on to new ones when they are ready)
  • Internet
    • We will focus heavily on using the Internet for research.  Sixth grade is a year of big projects and lots of research so we really need to learn some tricks to help make the research process quicker and easier.
  • Word
    • Type reports for class.  Review advanced formatting features and page setup properties.  Learn how to create templates.
  • Excel
    • Review using charts and makeing a spreadsheet. Learn about advanced comparison techniques with charts.
  • Gimp
    • Edit pictures of our faces.
  • Typing Program
    • We will continue to practice our typing and hope to acheive a speed of 15-20 WPM(words per minute) by the end of the year.
Students should be independent computer users able to do  all  usual tasks on their own.
  • Log onto the computer
  • Start Programs
  • Save Files
  • Print
  • Edit Pictures with picture editing software (Gimp)
  • Close Programs
  • Log Off the computer
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Seventh Grade

 We have mastered the Microsoft Office programs so now it is time for us to move on to learning something else.  This year we will learn how computers work, where they came from and we will make a WebQuest to start learning the basics of making webpages.

Use the following programs
  • Star Reading, Star Math (taken at the beginning of the year and the end of each quarter)
    • Test reading and math levels
  • Accelerated Reader (used in classroom)
    • Take quizes on books
  • Accelerated Math (used in classroom)
    • Work on Math Objectives (allows students to review objectives they need help with or move on to new ones when they are ready)
  • NVU
    • We will make a WebQuest and learn some HTML and how to use NVU (a free Web Page program similar to FrontPage)
  • SMART Notebook
    • We will make a lesson about the history of the computer or a computer component.
  • Publisher
    • CD cover, learn how to change margins and create custom sized projects.
  • Typing Program
    • The first 10 minutes of each class will be devoted to typing. We will always type with the correct fingering positions no matter which program we are using. We are able to type faster than we can write by hand (goal of 20-30 WPM).
  • Throughout the year we will learn about different file types like PDF, JPEG and go over what they stand for and why they are useful.
Students should be independent computer users able to do  all  usual tasks on their own.
  • Log onto the computer
  • Start Programs
  • Save Files
  • Print
  • Perform usual tasks with Microsoft Office Programs and use the Help function to figure out others
  • Edit Pictures with picture editing software (Gimp)
  • Close Programs
  • Log Off the computer
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Eighth Grade

 Most of us have been at SJB for many years.  It is time for us to look back at our time here and see what we have learned.  There will be lots of review, quizes, and at the end of it all we will make a nice website of our time here at SJB that we will be able to save and take home with us.

Use the following programs
  • Star Reading, Star Math (taken at the beginning of the year and the end of each quarter)
    • Test reading and math levels
  • Accelerated Reader (used in classroom)
    • Take quizes on books
  • Accelerated Math (used in classroom)
    • Work on Math Objectives (allows students to review objectives they need help with or move on to new ones when they are ready)
  • Komposer
    • Use Komposer (FrontPage like program) to design and make a web site about our time here at St. John's.
  • Typing
    • We will still work on our typing a few times a quarter to keep our skills up. We are good enough now though that we use the correct typing method whenever we type.
Students should be independent computer users able to do  all  usual tasks on their own.
  • Log onto the computer
  • Start Programs
  • Save Files
  • Print
  • Perform usual tasks with Microsoft Office Programs and use the Help function to figure out others
  • Edit Pictures with picture editing software (Gimp)
  • Close Programs
  • Log Off the computer
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