Year 2 discover Photo Booth

Year 2 have been learning how to log into a computer at school. This week, when they logged into a computer they were able to 'play' with the program "Photo Booth."

It was delightful listening to their squeals of excitement when they saw their picture on the screen. Imagine the sound of an entire class laughing as they watched a movie they had just created, staring themselves!

Great work Year 2.

The Farm Concert

This week, Kindergarten got to tell Mrs Shields what a story was going to be about. They were divided into groups and looked at copies of the big book “The Farm Concert”. As they looked at the book, they realised that the story was going to be about a cow, pig, dog, frog, sheep and a farmer.

As Mrs Shields read the story, the children had discussions about whether the story was set at night time or during the day. Some children saw the moon on the page and thought it was night time. The farmer also wore pyjamas but we soon realised that some people work at night so they would wear their pyjamas during the day. And so the discussion continued.

Mrs Shields then pointed out that the trees in the book were green but at night time when it is dark, the trees look black. A discussion then followed. Were they green because, as one child said, the moon was shining on the trees or was it because the illustrator decided to make it coloured so we could see the animals?

Some children asked about day and night. We then went on the internet to try and find a picture to explain day and night.

We wondered why the book was called “The Farm Concert.” The children realised that the ‘music’ was created when the animals sang. At this point, the children sang just like one of the animals in the book, but just like the farmer in the story, Mrs Shields yelled “Be Quiet!”

It is amazing where some discussions will take you...

Vokis everywhere

Students in the primary classes are learning how to create a Voki. If you look to the right hand side of this blog you will see some of the examples.

Vokis are examples of Web 2.0 tools that the students are learning to create and use.

We need to ensure they keep safe, so the students login under a special login and ensure that their names are not disclosed.

We hope you enjoy listening to our Vokis.

Safety on the WWW

At Bethany we want our students to stay safe while using the World Wide Web. Students are reminded often on ways to stay safe. We have several processes in place for all students.

Feeling Safe
There are many sites on the internet that are great. Some however are not. At Bethany, we have bookmarked a number of websites for students to visit. Teachers may also ask their students to visit sites they have already checked. Students are reminded that if they see anything on the internet that makes them feel uncomfortable, to see their teacher immediately.

Pop-ups and Advertisements
Students are asked not to click on any pop-ups or advertisements.

Identification

Students are given a "WWW ID" to use when adding comments etc.

Email
Students in Years 3 to 6 have been given an email account. At the moment, students have been asked to:

• Not to send or open any emails to anyone outside the school.
• See their teacher if they receive an email from outside the school.
  

Keeping computer screens visible
Strategically placing computer screens around the room helps staff to monitor sites being visited by students.

Login and Password
Students in Years 3 to 6 have their own login and password. Students have been asked not to share these details with anyone. Any student who cannot remember their password are to let their teacher know. Passwords are reset by staff at the Catholic Education Office.

CEO Website - Advice for parents
It is important to allow your child to utilise and explore Web 2.0, but involve yourself to ensure it is done with care and caution. Keep in mind that in most cases, you cannot control who views the information that is shared on the Web.

Remember to talk to your child about these new technologies. Discuss the type of material and information that should not be shared and the possible dangers of sharing inappropriate and personal information. Have a look at the web pages your child is both accessing and creating.

Staying Safe in Cyberspace

For parents one of the most difficult aspects of cyber bullying and other dangers online is that they are often unaware of the risks and unsure of how the technology works. One of the best ways to keep your children safe online is to get involved and be aware - learn all you can about information and communication technologies and talk to your children about what they do online. Young people today are growing up in an ever-changing technological environment and can be engaged in a number of activities such as social networking (e.g. Facebook, Bebo, MySpace), blogs, instant messaging, chat and online gaming. You can use the internet yourself to research some of these activities to get a better understanding of the online world your children participate in. Asking your children to explain the technology is also a good way to improve your knowledge of their activities as children are often keen to share their online expertise.

Useful Websites

• Bullying no way


• Cybersmart


• Chatdanger


• NetAlert

"Skulduggery Pleasant" comes to Bethany

Have you heard that the next 'big' read is the "Skulduggery Pleasant" series?

Here are some comments by students who have begun reading the series:

"I really enjoyed the book you gave me. It was really interesting because at the start of the book
you think the skeleton guy is the bad guy but once you really get into the book he turns out to
be the good guy. Now I know I'll enjoy the whole series."

"It is true that Skulduggery Pleasant is the best book in the library. I could not put it down
which means I could not stop reading."

"My parents said that its good that I'm starting to read something I like and I also told
them a little bit about the book how Skuldgerry is the good guy. They also agreed that
its a good book."  

"My parents were shocked that I was reading all weekend."