Computers, Computers, Computers

What a fun month it has been!  Students are checking out many books.  All fourth and fifth grades check out two books each.  Second and third are checking out one to two books.  Even the first graders have begun to check out!!

We have also spent some time on the computers.  Fourth and Fifth graders have learned and practiced their login information for Google Drive.  Third Grade has been practicing their typing skills.  Second Graders have looked at the San Diego Zoo website to find favorite zoo animals.  First grade had their first checkout last week and learned how to use the computer for this purpose.

During the next two weeks the fourth and fifth grade classes will be practicing sending a note to each other and learning more about the Google Drive.  Some third graders will be creating a graphic organizer about themselves using Inspiration.  Second Graders will report on a zoo animal that they did online research about.  Some first grade will be working on ABC order and learning basic computer skills.

Remember that there is no school from December 23 through January 5.  Students return to school on January 6. 

Internet safety practice

Students have completed learning about internet safety rules in the month of October.  Now, we will spend the rest of November practicing internet safety online.  Partners will work on shared computers solving easy internet safety problems and games.  A great site for families to check out is http://www.commonsensemedia.org/.  This site is loaded with advice and great videos about helping students to feel successful on the internet and encouraging safety at all times.

November will also be dedicated to learning more about the Dewey Decimal system.  Students will learn about more of our nonfiction sections in the library and work toward becoming successful seekers of information.

Don't forget that the media center is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays after school (except minimum days.)  I look forward to seeing you!

Media Prep Schedule Changes

This week has been fun and challenging at the same time.  Many classes have had changes to their media times.  The new schedules are as follows:


8:10 - 8:50 in order Monday through Friday:        Nay    Reyes   Samaniego   Liu    Santiago

8:50 - 9:30 in order Monday through Thursday:   Shockley  Gore   Brazeal    Epps         

9:30 - 10:10 in order Monday through Friday:  Suplick   Dinucci  Miranda  Mendoza  Sprenkel

10:25- 11:05 in order Monday through Friday: Hernandez     Leung  Stickland  Austin   Wanzong

11:45- 12:25 Monday: Curnow

12:40- 1:20 Wednesday through Friday:                         Zemanek                DeMuri                     Chew

1:20 - 2:00  Wednesday through Friday:                           Faria                       Fryman                      Key


We are continuing internet safety through the month of October.
Don't forget that after school the library is open for families on Tuesday and Thursday until 3:15!

Internet Safety

Do you know how to choose a website that is perfect for your age?  How are you being a positive digital citizen?  What do you do to stay safe online? 
These are some of the questions that we will be answering this month when we learn internet safety.  In this age of digital literacy it is important for students to understand which websites are good choices and which to stay away from.  First through third graders are learning about online stranger danger.  Fourth and fifth grade students will be reviewing online safety and learning internet etiquette. 
Remember these rules:

Be sure to have an adult monitoring your online access.
Everyone that you don't know is a stranger, do not give them personal information.

Steer clear of online friends.  Never meet up with someone you met online.
Always ask permission when sending email, chatting, or downloading.
Find an adult to tell if you see or read something that bothers you.   
Exit websites or steer clear of online friends that make you uncomfortable.

Stay safe and enjoy learning from our vast internet!

Finding the Just Right Book

This week students have been focused on finding the perfect book.  They are following the five finger rule to find the book that fits their reading ability.  What is the five finger rule??   Well, students find a book that looks interesting.  They open the book to a random page.  They begin to read this page.  Every time that they don't know a word, they hold up a finger.
If they have 0 to 1 fingers up, the books is too easy. 
If they have 2 to 3 fingers up, the book is just right.
If they have 4 or 5 fingers up, the book is too hard.

Third through fifth grade have been practicing this rule before checking out.  First and second graders are practicing in preparation for a check out that is coming soon.

Welcome to Eastin Library

Hello Families and Students of Eastin Elementary School.

I haven't had the opportunity to meet all of the Eastin families.  My name is Laura Cox and I am the Teacher Librarian at Eastin this year.  Ms. Morris also continues to teach library classes several days in the week.  Together, we are working to create a meaningful library program for the students of Eastin.
Beginning September 19th, the media center will be open to families after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 3:15.  Please stop by to browse and check out our books.  I look forward to meeting all of you!
The fourth and fifth grades have already begun the process of checking out books during their class library time.  Soon the third will be able to check out and the second will follow.  First graders are learning about the procedures in the Media Center and have been focused on skills to help use the library appropriately.

In the month of September we have been focused on procedures and routines.  We are beginning to learn about the components of the library and how books are classified.  Students have been successful at recalling routines and learning new rules. 

It is so exciting to be a part of Eastin Elementary school!  Happy Reading!