In Computers we have spent the last couple of classes talking about the difficult but important issues of personal and internet safety.  You should have seen papers coming home with your children.  One paper has a letter from me and safety tips for parents.  The other has safety tips for kids and a pledge for safe internet usage. 

I encourage all families to discuss the safety information and to sign the pledge.  Post the pledge near the computer, and make it clear to your children that they can always come talk to you if they ever experience anything online which makes them feel sad, scared, confused, or uncomfortable.  Remind them that anything they post online or send in a text or e-mail goes out into the electronic world and can be spread to anyone anywhere.

If you wish to watch the presentations that the children have seen, follow the links below.  Netsmartzkids.org also has plenty of other activities, resources, and tips for kids and parents.

Kindergarten though 3rd grade viewed and discussed Router's Birthday Surprise

For the middle and upper grades, follow this link and download the Encourage Tweens and Teens link. 
4th though 6th grades viewed and discussed the Tweens Presentation
7th and 8th viewed and discussed the Teens Presentation

In more ways than ever before, this year I am thankful for my family and for the community of Our Lady of Victory.

The Romans didn't have turkeys, but they did have peacocks (a very expensive delicacy, in fact)!  Ask your 1st, 3rd, 5th, or 6th grader about Io, Argos, and the etiology of the peacock.

Computers this short week will consist of Thanksgiving-themed games for the younger students and continuation of Microsoft Excel for 4th through 8th grades.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Busy about many things

All classes are abuzz in Latin and Computers at OLV.  After a couple of weeks missed due to scheduling conflicts and illnesses, Microsoft Excel is back on the monitors of the 4th through 8th graders.  Younger students have had a chance to "dissect" a computer tower and examine its internal structure.

Latin students are learning more about the geography and history of Rome and the Roman Empire, and we are beginning to explore more aspects of daily life - including meals, housing, and mythology.

October is upon us!

In computers we continue to practice proper typing techniques, and we will delve into the world of spreadsheets via Microsoft Excel.  Pre-K and Kindergarten may enjoy additional educational games at abcya.com.

In Latin, we are examining daily life in ancient Rome, especially dress and childhood customs.  Grammar in the upper levels continues to grow as we begin to to explore present system verbs and the second declension.

Many students have expressed interest in continuing to use the educational games practiced in our computers classes.  The accounts for typing have not yet been created, but I will have those for all students very soon.

In the mean time, students can practice at www.typingweb.com without an account.  Everything works the same with the exception that results will not be saved.

Also, students in Pre-K through 3rd grade have been utilizing learning games at www.sheppardsoftware.com and have asked if they can continue at home.  The answer is a definite yes!  Please continue to practice these internet skills and the educational practices behind them (math, reading, science, reasoning, etc.).

Computer classes began for all students in K through 8 with an overview of hardware components and proper booting and shutting down of computers.  We begin this week with practice in proper typing form with hands on the home row of keys (asdf and jkl;).  Students will be practicing with a free program found at www.typingweb.com and will have accounts created for them.  Once assigned to an account, the students will be able to practice their typing skills and track their progress.  Pre-K students practiced basics of clicking and dragging with a mouse while utilizing online educational games.

Latin classes in the lower grades are practicing greetings, introductions, counting, and simple conversation starters.  The upper grades have done most of the same, with additional instruction in the history of the Trojan War, founding of Rome, and geography of the Roman Empire.  This week we dive into mythology and the first declension!

Welcome to Latin and Computers!

Hello!

My name is Mrs. Draper, and I teach Latin and Computers at Our Lady of Victory School.  I am also an alumna and a parent of a current student, so I am fully involved in our wonderful school.

I am happy to work with the students, and if you have concerns you may contact me at jdraper@olvchicago.org.