Weeks 10-12 - Type Formatting

When we create stories, poems, letters, etc., we don't just communicate with the words we use. We also communicate by the way our words look. Bold and italic type are used for emphasis. Colors can help communicate a feeling or emotion. Type size can be adjusted to give particular words more or less importance. And the endless variety of fonts can range from silly and playful to structured and traditional. Type formatting can be a very important form of communication.

Over the past three weeks, the second graders explored all they can do with type by formatting their spelling words and poems. We also read The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak which is a great example of how we can communicate a great deal just by changing the way our type looks. This book is definitely a favorite with grade 2.

Week 9 - Tech Teamwork

This week, the second graders worked in teams to take a computer-based quiz. Each team of four students shared a computer, with one "pilot" at the controls. On their screen, they were presented with a series of quiz questions covering a variety of topics we've discussed so far this year. The students needed to discuss the questions, the answers, and their thoughts on each, coming to a conclusion together. I was impressed with how well our second graders worked AS A TEAM to come up with the correct answers. Their performance was spectacular. Great job, TEAMS!