Amazing Apps for Every Grade Level at Holy Trinity School

During the 2012-13 school year, as we piloted using iPads in every classroom at HTS, our teachers and students sampled hundreds of Apps.  Many were fantastic, others not so much :)  At the end of the school year, it was time to clean house, so the teachers were asked which Apps they would like to keep for the 2013-14 school year.  The incredibly organized Mr. Clark has spend the past few weeks getting all the iPads updated for the next school year, and we thought our school community might enjoy taking a peek at the Apps that have made the cut.  Keep in mind our list will evolve a bit as the summer progresses...
PreK-K iPads

• Addition Wiz Free**
• All About Letters Interactive Activities
• Bob Books #1 - Reading Magic HD
• Bob Books #2 - Reading Magic HD
• Cimo Spelling (Sight Words)*
• Don't Let the Pigeon Run this App*
• Elmo Loves ABCs for iPad
• Fish School HD - by Duck Duck Moose
• Freefall Spelling
• I Like Books - 37 Picture Books for Kids in 1 App
• Kids Learning to Read - Little Reader 3 Letter Words*
• Letter Writer Oceans (Preschool ABC's)
• Little Solver - Preschool Logic Game
• Math with Mouse
• Monkey Math School Sunshine
• Monkey Preschool Lunchbox
• Montessori Numberland HD
• Musical Paint
• Park Math HD - by Duck Duck Moose*
• Raz-Kids**
• Scribble my Story - A Fingerprint Network App**
• Skitch**
• Starfall ABCs
• Starfall Learn to Read*
• TeachMe: Kindergarten
• TeachMe: Toddler
• Word Magic*

Six Great Online Games for Summer Learning

Whenever I am feeling reasonably confident that I am an expert on the educational resources on the Internet, boom! someone sends me a link to a completely new website or idea that I have never heard of... it's so humbling.  

Today, Karen Robinson forwarded this article from the Mind/Shift website,  highlighting six games from PBS Learning Media involving such cool topics roller coasters, sugar, and secret missions...perfect summertime fare.  In some cases, you might need to set up an account on PBS, but that is easily accomplished:

• Amusement Park Physics (grades 9-12... but I suspect younger kids will be able to enjoy!)

Digital Fun for Creative Kids

Our friends at Common Sense Media have released their annual summer treasure trove of ideas for digital fun, and this year creativity is king:

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/guide/digital-fun-for-creative-kids

One of the things I love about the Common Sense website is that they carefully assess each app or website with age levels in mind, which makes it easy for parents to evaluate what is best.  In scanning some of the suggestions, I am so comforted to know that the folks at Common Sense agree that all that time my boys have spent on Minecraft and Civilization is actually educational...

The guide offers a number of suggestions for crafting and creating art, storytelling, coding, creating media and building.   Sounds like hours of fun to me (as long as it is mixed in with a good bit of physical fun as well!).  Be sure to leave a comment if you have found a particularly amazing app or website you would like to share...

A Pair of HTS Summer Programs

We would like to announce two new programs to held by HTS teachers this summer:

Vic Gallerano will be conducting two workshops:

Intensive Writing Skills for rising 6th, 7th and 8th Graders - Thursday, June 20th - Wednesday, July 3rd (1pm to 3pm at HTS)

Writing the High School Application Essay - Monday, July 8th through Friday, July 19th (1pm to 3pm at HTS)

Details can be found on this flyer or by contacting Mr. G on vgallerano@htsdc.org

Polly Sileo will be conducting a Virtual Summer Math Program.

Details can be found on the flyer or by contacting Ms. Sileo on psileo@htsdc.org

In case you have missed it, a list of local summer programs and Holy Trinity tutors can be found on Holy Trinity's Summer Information Page.

DIY.ORG - Creative Adventures for Kids

For those of you who know me well, it will come as no surprise that I was one of those Girls Scouts who was obsessed with earning every possible merit badge.  Cooking, canoeing, sewing, photography - I earnestly worked through the checklists for them all... almost.  I fell short by three, which still haunts me to this day.  The daily checklist is still my constant companion, however.  

So, when I came across this new website called DIY.Org, which challenges kids to undertake creative projects to earn badges, I was instantly intrigued.  Then I started exploring the site.  Wow, I'm impressed.  On this Summer Learning blog I usually recommend websites, apps or books that keep kids inside.  This site challenges kids to be curious, active and wildly creative - and even occasionally get outside - while learning!   This has instantly jumped to the top of my personal favorites list.  Oh, and it' free, which is a plus.  (At some point, DIY plans to sell the embroidered badges, but this isn't an option quite yet.)

The Joy of Reading with the KidsPost Summer Book Club!

Each summer, the Washington Post KidsPost sponsors a summer book club, and suggests a number of wonderful titles to read.  This club is open to kids ages 5 to 14, and those who are registered receive a bookmark designed by a local child. Children may read some or all of the books on the list - on the honor system. (So you could mix in a few of these titles with the ones on your HTS Summer Reading Lists) The Post reports: "We just want kids to enjoy summer reading, and we hope this helps."

 If you would like to register for the program, click on the link here to learn more:
Join the Washington Post Summer Book Club (Kids, you will need your parents help to register)

The eight books suggested this year include:
 Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage
 Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker
Anyway* by Arthur Salm
The Secret Tree by Natalie Standiford
Stars in the Shadows by Charles R. Smith, Jr.
Summer of May by Cecelia Galante
Crunch by Leslie Conor
Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech

 Have a favorite on the list?  Leave a comment below!

Introducing Mathletics

After much research and discussion, the math teachers of HTS have decided to purchase a subscription to Mathletics for the 2012-13 school year for rising 1st - 8th graders.  The great news is that we are able to begin to use it over the summer.

As described in a previous blog entry,  I have heard wonderful things about this site from my friends who teach in International Schools.  It is a program that is aligned with the core curriculum.  Students are able to play online games to work on each math topic taught in a given year... and practice math facts by playing live against students from around the world.  It's incredibly engaging, and for kids who are competitive, it can be very motivating.

If you are interested in enrolling your child in the program before school begins in August, please contact Polly Sileo on psileo@htsdc.org.  She will need to know your child's full name and his or her homeroom teacher from last year.

10 Ideas for Practicing Math Skills This Summer

Last summer, I provided links to CoolMath4Kids and series of games to build skills in multiplication, such as Multiplication.com and Johnnie's Math Page.  I'd like to offer a few more ideas of websites that have activities spanning many of our grade levels:

1. IXL - this site offers comprehensive dynamic lessons and activities for every grade.  It is possible to take a look at the IXL, and try a series of sample problems, but to get full use, you must purchase a membership for a nomimal fee. A few of our teachers use this site, and love it.  The activities are engaging and the kids find it to be fun.   We will be looking into using this website next school year,  so please let me know if you try it and have any comments.

2. Mathletics - I have heard wonderful things about this site from my friends who teach in International Schools.  It's incredibly engaging, and for kids who are competitive, it can be very motivating.  This is an Australian website.  Again, it is a paid subscription, and we will be exploring it's use at HTS next year.  One of the elements of the site I love is a page called Rainforest Maths.  If you decide to subscribe, please let me know if you have any feedback!

3. Dreambox - We use this website with our 1st - 4th Graders, so they should be familiar with it, and be able to link to our school's page here.  Our younger students love the colorful, imaginative and challenging  games on the website, but never seem to have enough time to play it in school.  Perhaps over the summer would be a good time to work on reinforcing their math concepts!

4. PBS Kids Math Games - PBS Kids offers dozens of free games designed primarily for Lower School students in mind.  I would like to point out a particular group of games that tie into the Cyberchase show.  These games are designed with students aged 8-12 in mind, and our students (especially the 4th and 5th graders) find them to be incredibly fun.  The site is free of advertisements.

5. Internet4Classrooms - This site lists hundreds of games and challenges for students across all our grade levels - in all subjects.  It helps to know exactly what you might need practice with (say fractions), as sometimes I find it takes a bit of hunting to find the perfect game.  The good news is that all the games are free. The downside is that the advertising can get distracting.

6. Khan Academy - Khan Academy is a free website.  Students can set up an account using their HTS Email and password.  They can do activities to strengthen their skills from early learning through Calculus.  They can also watch videos to learn new skills or review old ones (it's great for parents to have a resource to brush up on skills learned years ago as well!)  If students enter their parents' information under the "coach" tab, parents can sign in as the coach and get useful information about activities completed as well as strengths and weaknesses.

7. EdHelper - This site provides hundreds of worksheets to help review skills.  Again, it encompasses all subjects and grade levels.

8. BBC Maths Key Stage 2 (through age 11)

I love the BBC websites because they tend to be very engaging and colorful - and always free and without advertisements.  The links to math sites are offered here, but BBC offers games and activities across a range of disciplines.

9. BBC Maths Key Stage 3 (through age 14)

 
10. Summer Skills - This is not a website, but a series of books recommended by Upper School Mary Shannon to help review skills.

Do you have any other amazing ideas to reinforce math skills?  If so, send me a comment below:

Globetrotting via Cyberspace!

I'd like to introduce a selection of websites that help you explore the world...
1. Google World Wonders Project

I found this new project to be so incredible.  This website allows students to explore palaces and castles, cities and towns, and archeological sites.  From the archaeological areas of Pompeii to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Google’s World Wonders Project aims to bring to life the wonders of the modern and ancient world.  Using Street View, 3D modeling and other Google technologies, Google has made these amazing sites accessible to everyone across the globe. With videos, photos and in-depth information, you can now explore the world wonders from your armchair just as if you were there. Check out the video below:

2. Free Rice - Geography

My students have played the Free Rice vocabulary games in class, but there is also a cool section devoted to geography.  It is possible to quiz yourself on World Landmarks, Flags of the World, World Capitals and  Identify Countries on a Map.  For each correct answer, you  earn 10 grains of rice to help end world hunger through the World Food Programme - how great is that?  Free Rice also offers a number of articles to help students understand the latest issues in the fight against hunger. Be sure to select the "Subjects" option at the top of the Free Rice home page to find the Geography options:

3. Toporopa

Wishing you could pack your bags to go to the Olympics this summer?  Intrigued by European monarchs or history? This site provides dozens of challenges to quiz students about all things European.  I found this site is particularly colorful and fun.  See how much you know!

Just Keep Typing...

During the school year, our 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th graders use a program called Type to Learn during technology class.  I spend a lot of time saying: "Just Keep Typing" to the tune of "Just Keep Swimming" from Finding Nemo :)  The goal is that our students should be typing at least 25 to 30 words per minute by the end of 6th grade.  We do alot of keyboarding at HTS in the Upper School!

During the summer months, I'd like to offer you a menu of fun typing games to keep your skills up to speed.  Be sure to always sit up straight, keep your feet on the ground, and keep your fingers on the home keys when you practice keyboarding!  I promise - you'll be a faster typist if you follow those tips.

1. Typing Games at ABCya 

These games are great for our younger students. Be sure to try Alpha Munchies, Cup Stacking and Keyboard Challenge:

2. Keyboarding Games at LearningGames for Kids:

This site offers a comprehensive menu of games. 

Try them out, and let me know which ones you like best!

3. Free Typing Games:

I have to admit, I find the advertising a bit distracting on this site, but the games are very fun... especially "Desert Typing Racer."

4. BBC Dance Mat Typing
This is a very methodical approach to typing - carefully structured lessons are offered in a colorful, fun format. I like it because the lessons constantly prompt the kids to keep their hands on the home keys.  I have to report that various critters with the Scottish accent who direct the efforts seems to get quite a few giggles in class.

5. Typer Shark on AOL Kids

This is always a favorite among our students - but beware... it gets hard very quickly!!

Happy Typing!

Mrs. Morell

Introducing Edheads - Activate Your Mind, Budding Scientists!

Edheads is a wonderful site that provides free, educational online games focused on science, math, and critical thinking.  Their motto is: "Activate Your Mind." (Which might come in handy if you feel it is turning to marshmallow creme at this point in the summer.)  At Holy Trinity, we use it in the 3rd grade to explore Simple Machines, but the Upper School students particularly love the medical adventures such as Virtual Knee Replacement or Virtual Hip Replacement. (Be warned, however, this is not a site for those who get queasy at the sight of blood!)

Students may choose from a long menu of options - to include designing a cell phone, and each game will have recommendations for grade level appropriateness.  Enjoy, future scientists!

http://www.edheads.org/

A few sample games are pictured below:

If it's too darn hot outside, try Cool Math 4 Kids inside!

Let's face it, with a heat index of 110 degrees, it's too hot to play outside this afternoon.  So, why don't you try your hand at the games and activities on Cool Math 4 Kids?

 

The site is supported by advertising, but the range of games are so amazing that I would recommend it highly.  There are choices for every age group - and even parents might find some of the games a bit addicting. Here is the link: http://www.coolmath-games.com/

A couple of my favorite games are Lemonade Stand and Coffee Shop:

And the favorite among the fourth and fifth graders this year was Meeblings or Meeblings 2:

 

There are dozens of great games to choose from, so grab a tall glass of lemonade, and explore the options!  Comment below if you'd like to share your family favorites:

Addicted to Sporcle

If you love trivia, Sporcle is the website for you.  This website contains hundreds of trivia games on every possible topic - literature, history, sports, geography...  Virtually all the games that I've encountered are fine for kids,  but do be careful - some in the "Entertainment" category might be a little edgy for younger children.

Last summer, my own kids spent a couple of weeks obsessively trying to name every country of the world in 15 minutes.  They did accomplish their mission, but when I tried I failed miserably... I took some solace in the fact I could at least manage to name all the countries of Europe. 

http://www.sporcle.com/games/world.php 

 

 It's also great practice for kids to try to name all the United States in 10 minutes:

http://www.sporcle.com/games/states.php 

I'm a big fan of the literature trivia games - I've found my students love the  Harry Potter ones.

http://www.sporcle.com/games/tags/harrypotter

Explore, enjoy... but beware, it is completely addicting :)

The Washington Post asks the question: Which is better, the book or the movie?

Each summer, The Washington Post KidsPost hosts a Summer Book Club.  The final Harry Potter movie has inspired this year's theme: Books vs. Movies.  Personally, I tend to think the books are always better, with the possible exception of A Little Princess - which isn't part of this particular list, but never mind that. 

This really is a something-for-everyone kind of list, with a number of wonderful books.  I hope you and your children take part in at least one of the discussions.

This has reminded me that I need to dust off my copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - I think I only have 16 days to re-read it before the movie comes out.  

Following is the link and the text from the KidsPost: 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/kidspost-summer-book-club-books/2011/05/26/AGaH2KjH_story.html

Here’s the list of books in the KidsPost Summer Book Club: Books vs. Movies. Starting Wednesday and continuing each Wednesday through August 10, we’ll feature a different book. We’ll also offer suggestions for other books-turned-into-movies that you might like. In keeping with the theme, we’ll also publish excerpts from a review of the movie, done by Jane Horwitz, who writes the Family Filmgoer column in the Weekend section each Friday.

We hope you’ll read the books, watch the movies and talk with your family about that age-old question: What’s better, the book or the movie? If you have strong opinions you’d like to share with us about any specific book-movie combinations, e-mail us at kidspost@washpost.com. Keep your comments to no more than 100 words, include your name, age, home town and phone number. Your parent must give permission in the e-mail as well.

June 29: “The Indian in the Cupboard” by Lynne Reid Banks. When Omri receives a three-inch-high plastic Indian from his best friend as a birthday present, he isn’t too impressed. After all, what can you do with a plastic Indian? Omri’s opinion changes when the Indian comes to life!
July 6: “Because of Winn-Dixie” by Kate DiCamillo. What can a lonely 10-year-old named India Opal Buloni and a dog named after a grocery store have in common? Find out in this beautiful book by the author of “The Tale of Desperaux.”
July 13: “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” by Roald Dahl. Can three mean-spirited farmers outwit the daring animal thief who has been robbing them blind?
July 20: “Beezus and Ramona” by Beverly Cleary. What will 4-year-old Ramona get into next? Ride her tricycle in the house? Parade around town like the Easter Bunny? Pretend she is walking her pet lizard? Whatever she’s up to, her big sister, Beezus, is there!
July 27: “Hoot” by Carl Hiaasen. Roy Eberhardt is the new kid in school — again. And he’s not liking Florida much compared with his last home in Montana. That is, until he discovers that the Sunshine State is home to potty-trained alligators, burrowing owls, poisonous snakes and mystery.
August 3: “Ella Enchanted” by Gail Carson Levine. While parents may think having a perfectly obedient child would be a blessing, Ella of Frell understands that it’s really a curse in a fairy tale filled with ogres, giants and princesses — and just a little bit of disobedience.
August 10: “Inkheart” by Cornelia Funke. Reading aloud is one of the most magical experiences in the world. That’s especially true in this story of the father-and-daughter team of Mo and Meggie, who bring characters to life when they read. Dare to read this one out loud!

Wild About Animals?

If you have a child who loves animals, here are two amazing sites:

First, welcome to Arkive.  Founded by Sir David Attenborough, it is a source for thousands of images and videos of wildlife around the world.  You can search by species, or geographic region.  Several classes used the site this year, and loved it.  If you navigate to the "Education" page, you can find a series of games designed for children beginning at 7 year old.  The reading level required to read the text accompanying each animal is quite high, though.

For younger kids who are eager to read about animals, National Geographic Kids Creature Features is another great option:

Kids love the photography on this site - and it is chuck-full of great information about animals.  The entire site is great for kids - and features dozens of games.

Exploring News Websites

A handful of news organizations have created wonderful learning sites for kids.  These sites often mix current events and games.  Let's start with our local favorite, the Washington Post KidsPage - nice in print, but the interactive games are great online:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost

I'm a big fan of the Newseum in DC.  Their website doesn't have a huge number of options for kids, but the interactive news trivia game is fun - probably for fourth graders and above:

http://www.newseum.org/newsmania/

The New York Times Learning Network is a comprehensive site for 7th and 8th graders - and high school students.  The site includes daily updates, including 6 Q's in the News, A Daily News Quiz, A Word of the Day, and This Day in History.

http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/  

I am particularly fond of the student crossword puzzles, which are topic specific.  Think Life in Colonial America, The 50 States, or The Revolutionary War.  You can print them out to play during a roadtrip, or play online.

Time Magazine for Kids online also has a number of games for kids:

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/kids/games