Teacher Grants thanks to our MPTO - Howe Manning

This Spring, our Middleton PTO offered teacher grants for our elementary schools to enrich classroom experiences. These grants aim to support innovative projects and educational resources that enhance student learning. We are very appreciative of their support for our students and staff.

Art

This April, Ms. Nasser had the opportunity to attend the National Art Education Association's (NAEA) Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The NAEA Conference is the largest gathering of visual arts education professionals in the world. Ms. Nasser attended sessions, workshops, events, and exhibits designed by and for art educators. She also had the opportunity to share and present the unique ways that she is bringing robotics into the art room. Thank you to the MPTO for partially funding this grant so Ms. Nasser could attend this conference. She can't wait to bring back what she learned to her Middleton students!

Library

The title of our grant for the Library is: Empowering Young Minds: Enhancing STEM and Coding Literacy in Our Howe Manning Elementary School Library. The MPTO funded a collection of books that will enhance our library's collection of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), and Coding books to inspire and empower our students to become future innovators and problem solvers. By enriching our elementary school library's collection with STEM and Coding books, we aim to ignite a passion for exploration, discovery, and innovation among our students. Through hands-on learning experiences and exposure to diverse role models in STEM fields, we will empower our young learners to become critical thinkers and problem solvers equipped to tackle the challenges of the future. With this grant, we can create a library environment that cultivates a lifelong love for learning and prepares our students for success in a rapidly changing world. Mrs. Mulligan, our librarian, will create and implement pre and post tests for students’ attitudes and interest in STEM and coding. She will create book displays and themed reading challenges to promote engagement and excitement around STEM and coding literacy.

Ms. Klipfel's 4th Grade Class

Waste Warrior Grant: Thank you so much for funding the Waste Warrior project through your Think Big Grants and allowing these 4th graders to tour the Waste Management recycling facility. Students were truly fascinated to see the process of how recycling goes from our recycling bins to bales of recycling. Students arrived back at school as true waste warriors ready to help tackle proper recycling at Howe-Manning.

HM Garden: Thank you so much for helping to fund the HM Graden project through your Think Big Grants. Through your support, we were able to get compost delivered for the garden. In conjunction students from Howe-Manning and Essex Tech worked together to redo beds, weed, and get the compost in. We will be planting lettuce seeds next week to host our first-ever Howe-Manning Salad Day.

Teacher Grants thanks to our MPTO - Fuller Meadow

This Spring, our Middleton PTO offered teacher grants for our elementary schools to enrich classroom experiences. These grants aim to support innovative projects and educational resources that enhance student learning. We are very appreciative of their support for our students and staff.

1st Grade

The first grade team was able to use the grant money to give students an enriching educational experience! We purchased nonfiction books for students to read and explore as they chose an animal to learn about! Every student became an expert on their animal and we are currently creating our own research-based book to share with the school and our parents! At the end of this project, we will also tie in art standards to create a clay figure of our animal and a habitat diorama. Thank you so much for your support in creating meaningful experiences for our students!

2nd Grade

Project Description: In the spring at Fuller Meadow, 2nd grade students participate in a unit titled “Global Geography: Places and Peoples, Cultures." In studying these topics, students apply grade 2 standards for reading informational text, writing, and speaking and listening, and learn vocabulary and concepts related to history and social science. Students build on their Pre-K to grade 1 learning by concentrating on global geography, looking at reasons why people move or settle in particular places, how they keep cultural traditions alive, and how they use resources. They study these topics by exploring questions such as “What can people and cultures of other parts of the world teach us?” and “What do people do with the money they earn?” The MPTO purchased mentor texts that students used as a teaching tool for this unit.
Student Impact This grant enhanced our 2nd grade students' understanding of US and World Geography through an innovative approach utilizing mentor texts aligned with Massachusetts Social Studies Standards. Through this project, students engaged with diverse literary works that intertwine storytelling with geographical exploration, fostering a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and global interconnectedness. By integrating mentor texts into the curriculum, students will not only develop essential literacy skills but also gain geographic knowledge crucial for navigating an increasingly interconnected world. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and collaborative projects, students will actively explore geographical concepts such as continents, countries, oceans, and landmarks, while also developing critical thinking and analytical skills. This project aligns closely with Massachusetts Social Studies Standards, ensuring that students not only meet academic benchmarks but also develop a broader understanding of the world around them.

After researching their chosen country, students wrote reports, created hands-on models, and presented their country report to others in our school community. Thank you to our MPTO for making this happen.

Online Digital Resources for Animal Research

LINK to Resources

Digital Resources for May

May the 4th Be With You Star Wars Library Cinco de Mayo Library Memorial Day Library May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Spring Library

Google Slides at Middleton Public Schools

Students at Fuller Meadow and Howe Manning use Google Slides to share the information that they gather during research in all classes. Using Google Slides for presentations in elementary school is a fantastic idea! It's user-friendly, offers creative options, and can make the presentation process more engaging for both students and teachers.

Here's a simple guide on how to use Google Slides for elementary school research presentations:

Creating a New Presentation: Log in to your Google account and navigate to Google Drive. Click on the "+ New" button and select "Google Slides" from the dropdown menu.

Choose a Theme: Google Slides offers a variety of pre-designed themes. Students can choose a theme that suits the topic of their research or simply select a playful theme that appeals to them.

Adding Slides: Each slide should focus on a specific aspect of the research. Common slides include title slide, introduction, main points, facts, images, and conclusion. Click on the "+" button to add new slides.

Research Content: Students can type or copy-paste the information they've gathered from their research onto the slides. Encourage them to use bullet points, short sentences, and visuals to make the content easy to understand.

Visual Elements: Google Slides allows students to insert images, videos, and even audio clips to enhance their presentations. They can use this feature to include relevant pictures, diagrams, or even short video clips related to their research topic.

Formatting Text and Images: Teach students how to change font styles, sizes, and colors to make their text more visually appealing. They can also resize, crop, and arrange images to fit the slides neatly.

Practice and Rehearse: Once the slides are complete, students should practice presenting their research. Encourage them to speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and use gestures to engage the audience.

Collaboration: Google Slides allows multiple users to work on the same presentation simultaneously. Students can collaborate with their peers, teachers, or parents to gather feedback and make improvements to their presentations.

Sharing: When the presentation is ready, students can share it with their classmates, teachers, and parents. They can choose the sharing settings to allow viewing or editing access as per the requirements.

Presenting: On the day of the presentation, students can use Google Slides' built-in presentation mode to display their slides fullscreen. They can navigate through the slides using arrow keys or by clicking on the screen.

Using Google Slides not only helps students develop their research and presentation skills but also introduces them to valuable digital tools that they can use in their academic and professional lives.

The Solar Eclipse is coming - Get your resources

The next solar eclipse is this Monday, April 8, 2024. In order to engage elementary students with the wonder of a solar eclipse, providing digital resources can offer an interactive and educational experience. Through carefully curated online platforms, students can access a variety of materials including videos, simulations, and informative articles tailored to their age group, allowing them to grasp the science behind this celestial event in an accessible manner. Interactive maps illustrating the path of totality, live streaming of the eclipse, and virtual reality simulations can transport students directly into the phenomenon, fostering curiosity and understanding. Additionally, incorporating interactive quizzes or games can make learning about eclipses both fun and informative, encouraging active participation and retention of knowledge. By leveraging digital resources, educators can enhance students' learning experiences, making the solar eclipse a memorable and enriching event in their academic journey.

Link to lower elementary resources

Link to upper elementary resources

Link to resources

Teaching Resources for the Eclipse

STEM in Kindergarten

In our kindergarten classes, our students engage in hands-on STEM activities. In March, we had the challenge of constructing bridges capable of supporting a cup filled with shiny pennies. Armed with colorful pipe cleaners, clay, and an abundance of creativity, these budding engineers delved into the realms of science, technology, engineering, and math. With giggles and determination, they experimented with different designs, applying basic principles of balance and stability. Through trial and error, they learned the importance of structural integrity and problem-solving, all while fostering a love for STEM that will undoubtedly shape their future endeavors. As their bridges took shape, so did their confidence, as they celebrated each success and embraced each setback as an opportunity to learn and grow. Indeed, in our classrooms, the foundations of innovation are being laid, one cup of pennies at a time.

Digital Resources for April

April is Poetry Month Easter Digital Library Earth Day is April 22 For more digital resources, check out our website.

Tri-Town School Educators Participate in Professional Development

This week during early release days, our Instructional Assistants in the Tri-Town School Union participated in PD for technology. Elementary school educators engaging in professional development for Google, edtech programs, and smartboards are equipped with essential tools to enhance their teaching methodologies and engage students in innovative learning experiences. Through these programs, educators learn to leverage Google's suite of educational tools, integrate educational technology seamlessly into their curriculum, and maximize the potential of smartboards to create interactive and dynamic lessons. Such professional development not only empowers educators to adapt to the evolving educational landscape but also fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among students, preparing them for success in the digital age.

3D Design with Tinkercad in 5th Grade

Fifth graders at Howe Manning are collaborating with each other in their Artovation and Innovation classes. They are working on building “Food Trucks'' with a partner using innovative designs and activities. To further extend their project, they are using Tinkercad, an online 3D modeling program, to design some awesome wheels for their cardboard creations! Think of Tinkercad like a digital playground where ideas are brought to life. Mrs. Nasser taught the students how to use different shapes, tools, and colors to design wheels that are just right for the cardboard projects. Once they designed their perfect wheel, it was printed using a Prusa 3D printer, turning their digital creation into a real-life object ready to roll!

To learn more about Tinkercad, click HERE.

Canva in 6th grade ELA classes for PSAs for Charities

I had the opportunity to work with our 6th grade students in the ELA classes at Howe Manning to show them how to create projects in the educational technology program Canva. Their task was to research their favorite charity and create a PSA to share with their classmates for their Persuasive In an inspiring display of creativity and compassion, sixth-grade students have harnessed the power of Canva to craft compelling PSA videos aimed at supporting a chosen charity. With enthusiasm and determination, these young minds utilized the user-friendly design platform to convey heartfelt messages and raise awareness for their cause. Motivated by a desire to make a difference, the students dedicated their time and effort researching information then created impactful videos to compel others to contribute directly to the charity through donations, showcasing their commitment to philanthropy and community service. Check out some of the videos.

The Northeast by Isabel

Bibliography by McKinley

Digital Resources for March

St. Patrick's Day Resources

Women's History Month

Kindergarten Meteorologists

Hello everyone! Today, we're meteorologists! We're going to talk about severe weather, like thunderstorms and tornadoes, using our cool green screen by DoInk. We've researched severe weather and how you can prepare for it. Thunderstorms have loud sounds and bright flashes of lightning, but we stay safe indoors until they pass. Tornadoes are very strong winds that spin in a circle. They can be scary, so it's important to know what to do if one comes near us. Let's learn more about weather and how to stay safe together! Watch our Kindergarten meteorologists in Mrs. Newton's class.

Massachusetts Science Technology and Engineering Learning Standards Kindergarten: Earth and Space Sciences K-ESS3-2. Obtain and use information about weather forecasting to prepare for, and respond to, different types of local weather. ISTE standards for students

Canva in 3rd Grade Science - Prepare for Extreme Weather

In 3rd grade science class, students are utilizing Canva to creatively prepare for severe weather. By incorporating vibrant visuals and simple text, children crafted informative posters illustrating various types of severe weather phenomena such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or thunderstorms. Students depicted safety measures like staying indoors, creating emergency kits, and identifying safe spaces in their homes or schools. Through this interactive approach, students not only enhance their understanding of severe weather but also develop essential skills in communication and preparedness, ensuring they are well-equipped to face any potential dangers that may arise.

Makenna's Severe Weather Project by Makenna Patti

Teresa's Severe Weather Project by Teresa Ciovacco

A Digital Day in the life of a 4th Grader at Howe Manning

I got to spend a day in Ms. Thompson's 4th grade classroom at Howe Manning to see what types of lessons and activities they were doing. As the Digital Learning Specialist for Middleton Public Schools, it was a great way for me to see what the teachers are already using for digital learning as well as to see how I can help guide the teachers and students in their use of devices and the digital programming that we offer. Integrating digital learning into a 4th-grade classroom is crucial for preparing students for the increasingly digital and interconnected world. Digital tools not only enhance traditional teaching methods but also cultivate essential 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and digital literacy. Interactive educational software and online resources offer personalized learning experiences, catering to individual student needs and pacing. Additionally, digital platforms facilitate real-time feedback, allowing teachers to assess and adapt their instruction promptly. Exposure to technology at an early age fosters technological fluency, preparing students to navigate a future where digital proficiency is integral to success in academia and the workforce. By embracing digital learning, 4th-grade classrooms can empower students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a dynamic and tech-driven society.

The Student Information System (SIS) that we use in Tri-town Schools is "School Brains". This program allows the teachers to take attendance and get the lunch orders to the cafeteria digitally. We also use School Brains for our report cards.

Every classroom in our schools has a Smartboard and all work is presented on it. To begin the day, Ms. Thompson posts a morning message for her students with a "Do Now" that will start their Social Studies class. The students are learning about the Midwestern states as a part of the entire United States and Regions study. Our 4th and 5th grade Social Studies curriculum incorporates the TCI SS program. Students gather information from this program and complete different styles of questions and lessons.

Our schools use Epic Books and Sora to read digital books. Reading online books in elementary school is crucial for fostering digital literacy skills, as it exposes young learners to diverse online platforms and navigational tools. Additionally, it enhances their engagement and comprehension by incorporating multimedia elements, making the learning process more interactive and enjoyable.

For Reading and Writing classes, students are learning about Poetry. In a fourth-grade reading class, learning about poetry rhyme schemes helps students develop a deeper appreciation for the rhythmic and melodic aspects of language, fostering a heightened sensitivity to the musicality of words. Understanding rhyme schemes also cultivates analytical skills as students decode the structure of poems, enhancing their ability to interpret and express ideas creatively within the framework of poetic forms.

In writing, students are learning to create cinquain poems, a concise and structured form of poetry that enhances their language skills by encouraging thoughtful word selection and a keen awareness of syllabic patterns. They will record their poems in a digital writer's notebook created by fellow 4th grade teacher Julie Klipfel. Ms. Thompson wrote a sample cinquain poem about our Howe Manning therapy dog Howie. Students will also use edtech programs, IXL and Boom Cards to practice their poetry.

For math, Ms. Thompson used the digital devices and programs in her classroom to show her students how to solve improper fractions. They used the Smartboard and interactive components of that program to write, highlight and move fractional parts around. They worked out of their textbook and blended in edtech programs such as IXL math and Math Fact Lab.

In science class, students are harnessing the power of LEGO Education Spike kits to seamlessly integrate engineering design thinking and coding into their learning experience. These innovative kits provide a hands-on approach to science education by combining physical building with digital programming. Through collaborative projects, students not only construct intricate models using LEGO bricks but also delve into the world of coding to bring their creations to life. This immersive approach not only fosters creativity and problem-solving skills but also introduces young minds to the fundamental principles of engineering and computer programming, laying a solid foundation for their future STEM endeavors. These kits were purchased thanks to generous donations from parents and grant organizations.

As you can see, we had an amazing day in Ms. Thompson's 4th grade classroom. The edtech integration is impressive and students are continuously engaged.

Digital Citizenship: Internet Safety for K-2

Mrs. Baker worked with students in Kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade during their library classes to discuss "Digital Citizenship: Internet Safety". In our digital world, it's important to stay safe online. We discussed the many ways to keep safe when using the internet, going on websites and using apps. Topics include: Always keep your personal information, like your name, address, and phone number, private. Be kind to others online, just like you would in person, and let a trusted adult know if you ever feel uncomfortable or see something that doesn't seem right. Remember, we can all help make the internet a friendly and safe place! Kindergarten Presentation

K_ Dig Cit_ Safety in My Online Neighborhood - Lesson Slides.pptx by Mrs. Baker 1st Grade Presentation

Grade 1_ Dig Cit - Internet Traffic Light (Safety).pptx by Mrs. Baker 2nd Grade Presenation

Grade 2_ Dig Cit Safety- That's Private! .pptx by Mrs. Baker

Digital Resources for February

Digital Resources for February

LINK to February Calendar

Scratch Valentine's Activity

Valentine's Day Library

Snow Library

February is Black History Month

President's Day Activities

Design Thinking with Lego Education Spike Kits in 4th Grade

In Ms. Thompson's dynamic 4th-grade science class, students are harnessing the power of LEGO Education Spike kits to seamlessly integrate engineering design thinking and coding into their learning experience. These innovative kits provide a hands-on approach to science education by combining physical building with digital programming. Through collaborative projects, students not only construct intricate models using LEGO bricks but also delve into the world of coding to bring their creations to life. This immersive approach not only fosters creativity and problem-solving skills but also introduces young minds to the fundamental principles of engineering and computer programming, laying a solid foundation for their future STEM endeavors. These kits were purchased thanks to generous donations from parents and grant organizations.

4th Grade Engineering

Tri-Town Professional Development and Canva

Our Tri-Town Professional development day was this past Friday, January 12, 2024. These days typically involve a focused and collaborative learning experience designed to enhance educators' skills, knowledge, and teaching strategies. These sessions are tailored to address specific needs and challenges in elementary education, covering topics such as effective classroom management, innovative teaching methods, integration of technology, and updates on curriculum standards. In the Tri-Town we focus our workshops on the 3 Pillars - Inclusive Practices, Social Emotional Learning, and Innovative Teaching Practices. This day includes workshops, interactive presentations, and discussions facilitated by experts in education. Teachers have the opportunity to share best practices, engage in hands-on activities, and explore new resources to support their professional growth. The goal is to empower elementary teachers with the latest insights and tools that will ultimately benefit their students and contribute to the overall improvement of the learning environment.

I presented three different workshops on the program "Canva EDU". Canva is a versatile tool that can be transformative both professionally and in the classroom. Teachers can harness Canva to craft visually engaging materials for lesson plans, presentations, and classroom displays, enhancing their communication with students, parents, and colleagues. My workshops focused on Canva and will guide educators in mastering its features, enabling them to create visually appealing educational resources. Moreover, teachers can creatively involve students by incorporating Canva into assignments, encouraging them to develop visual literacy skills while expressing their understanding of various subjects. This collaborative and innovative approach not only elevates the teachers' professional toolkit but also fosters a dynamic and visually stimulating learning environment for elementary students.

Canva Couture Part 1 by Dierdre Baker and Samantha Kosakowski

Canva Couture Part 2 by Dierdre Baker and Samantha Kosakowski

Deeper Dive Into Canva by Dierdre Baker and Laura Frost

Digital Resources for January

Explore this curated collection of dynamic digital resources for winter, designed to ignite your student's creativity and boost productivity. From interactive virtual field trips to engaging Bitmoji Libraries, discover a diverse array of tools to kickstart the new year. Elevate your student's digital experience with this handpicked selection, empowering them to investigate the winter season. Bitmoji Library for New Year's Bitmoji Library for Snow