Made It to the Fall Break

 Wow! What a year! I'm not just talking about 2020, but I am also referring to last school year 2019-2020 and the current school year 2020-2021. Last school year was my first back in the classroom after an amazing experience with the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Program. I highly recommend this program, so please feel free to reach out with any questions. Not only was I back in the classroom, but I had shifted from a specialist teaching engineering to all kindergarten through fifth grade students engineering once a week to a general classroom educator teaching third grade students. Some big shifts but ones I looked forward to. In fact, I was having such a wonderful experience with my group of students that it was fairly devastating when school shut down in mid-March. I had events and plans that I was looking forward to sharing with the students that never came to fruition. I did my best to make lemonade out of lemons and continued on.

The week before school started for the 2020-2021 school year, I was notified that I would have to change schools and grade levels. I shifted once again from teaching third grade to teaching a first and second grade Gifted and Talented group. We started all virtual, so that gave me plenty of time to settle in. Then we moved to a hybrid schedule where we were all virtual on Monday and half the students came on Tuesdays and Thursdays while the other half attended on Wednesdays and Fridays. On the days students weren't attending, they worked independently on their assigned work. I have been using Seesaw for classroom management and assignments. Before the Thanksgiving break, we received word that we would be teaching all virtual again after break and at least through January 15. This time we could teach from home and report in to school as needed. The opportunity to teach from home makes it easier to do activities such as make pancakes to work on fractions and more STEM related activities. I will try to submit activities from the all virtual at home time.

I can't believe we have made it almost half way through the year. Although it wasn't a year I hadn't exactly planned for, I have enjoyed getting to know my students and their families. I have also enjoyed getting to know staff members at the new school. Even though so much of this year has been out of my comfort zone, I feel satisfied with what I have been able to accomplish so far. I am learning and growing each day, and I think my students are too. I couldn't ask for more from a school year, let alone, a school year in 2020.

Holiday Purchase Recommendations

I have never publicly given recommendations for coding purchases for students. Nevertheless, I often have families ask around this time of the year, what would be a good purchase for their student. In our classroom, we use both drag and drop, Scratch, and text-based coding, Junior Botball. With that in mind, I recommend to my families a tool that could do both. Drag and drop is nice to have for younger students who may get easily frustrated with text-based coding, but the text-based coding allows students to grow in their coding skills. You would need to decide what the goals are with your purchase.

This is in no way a comprehensive list, but just some of the ones I am familiar with. There are options beyond robots. I have listed a variety here. 

Robots

Makebot mBot - (different robots, both drag and drop and text-based coding) https://www.makeblock.com/mbot/

mBot is a STEAM education robot for beginners, that makes teaching and learning robot programming simple and fun. With just a screwdriver, the step by step instructions, and a study schedule, children can build a robot from scratch and experience the joys of hands-on creation. As they go, they will learn about a variety of robotic machinery and electronic parts, get to grips with the fundamentals of block-based programming, and develop their logical thinking and design skills.

LEGO Boost - (I don't think this has text-based coding, but I could be wrong. As a LEGO product, he could add on with exist building pieces at home.) https://www.lego.com/en-us/product/boost-creative-toolbox-17101

Bring your LEGO® creations to life with the new LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox—a fun and easy way for your 7+ builder to learn the basics of coding, engineering and robotics. Simply choose one of the 5 models available with the BOOST set, download the free, easy-to-use app and you’re ready to go! Choose between Vernie the Robot—a moving, talking robot; the M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4)—a robust, versatile rover with 4 different tool attachments including a spring-loaded shooter; the Guitar4000—a musical instrument with pitch bend and sound effects; Frankie the Cat—an interactive robot pet that plays, purrs and expresses its mood; or the AutoBuilder—an automated production line that really builds miniature LEGO models! Then bring your creation to life with the app’s intuitive, icon-based coding interface and complete an array of exciting activities designed for each model. With LEGO BOOST, children learn about loops and variables, improve STEM and creative-problem solving skills and develop their imagination as they toggle between guided and open-ended play. The more activities you complete, the more coding blocks you unlock! The LEGO BOOST app is available for selected iOS, Android and Kindle smart devices. Please go to LEGO.com/devicecheck for a list of all compatible devices. The app offers regular updates with new challenges and coding options designed to encourage social play.

UBTECH JIMU Robot - (I taught virtual summer camps with this company's robots. They just donated 20 to the school. I do not think there is a text-based coding option, but I am not sure. I taught beginners.) https://www.amazon.com/UBTECH-JIMU-Robot-Builderbots-App-Enabled/dp/B07GQ7FWNZ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=jimu+robot&qid=1602291314&sr=8-9&linkCode=sl1&tag=teachyourkidscode-20&linkId=ba0f0a276797295509164589a27125fe&language=en_US

JIMU robots are interactive codable bots that help kids learn hands-on engineering by programming JIMU using Blockly code. JIMU robots can be programmed to navigate obstacles, pick-up objects, and much more! Some of the pieces and parts of this kit are proprietary and enhanced - which allows these bots to move more smoothly and sense things other bots on this list may not be able to. For the advanced builder/coder, this might be a very nice feature! You will need access to an iOS or Android-based device for this kit. The app that can help you build the robot of your choice can also work as a block-based drag-and-drop coding platform. If you are looking for a robotic kit that combines creativity, functionality, and education, you have found it!

Edison Robot 2.0 - STEM Customizable & Programmable Robot for Kids (Different ways of programming, but when I used them last, it wasn't as user friendly. That was four years ago and a lot could have changed.) - https://www.amazon.com/Edison-Educational-Robot-Kit-Education/dp/B0747THB7M/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=Edison+2.0&qid=1606169690&sr=8-6

Edison is one of the most affordable robot toys of it’s kind. It’s commonly used in classrooms across the country to teach kids coding. From drag-and-drop block-based coding to text-based coding with Python, one of the biggest benefits of Edison is the diverse robot programming skills available. Edison can be programmed using any of the robot programming languages. One of the best things about Edison is that it can be programmed right out of the box it comes in. When you unwrap your bot, the cardboard packing is actually your first code! Edison can scan barcodes as well as be programmed online with a device. All of the Edison learning documents are free and available online. This is one of the big reasons schools are making Edison a priority - free resources that cover learning from simply scanning codes to Python. 

Non-robots

Raspberry Pi 400 Personal Computer Kit (can use Python or drag and drop, lots of add ons) - https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-400/?resellerType=home&variant=raspberry-pi-400-us-kit

Microbit (I haven't used these, but they are on my to-try list.) - https://microbit.org/

MakeyMakey - https://makeymakey.com/

Kano PC - https://kano.me/us/store/products/kano-pc

We also use the Ozobots in the classroom. We only use them in a basic way, but there are other ways to code them with a device. https://shop.ozobot.com/collections/for-home/products/evo The main robot we have been using is the Botball robot. https://botball-swag.myshopify.com/products/jbc-kit-1yr-curriculum-challenge-access

I hope this helps. There are a lot of choices, it just depends on interests and the goals for the item. My first instinct if I was purchasing them for my child would be to get the mbot or the Raspberry Pi kit. I haven't used the mbot but like what I see. You would want to do some research on user reviews for your top choices.

Day 5 School Closure - Coronavirus (Thoughts)

My emotions fluctuate between a feeling of "We got this!" and all the things I didn't get to complete with my class. I find out next week the plans for the remainder of our school year. The hurry up and wait for the next shoe to drop is exhausting in itself, not to mention the feeling that I need to constantly stay connected to the news and social media to know the current status of our state, country, and world. I see beautiful things happening and ugly things. I am trying to surround myself with the positive while still feeling tremendous sadness for those who are struggling and will struggle. I am not sure how to occupy my time and take my mind off of the worries and uncertainties. The worries are not just for me and my family but extend to my students, their families, and for all those including those foolish students on spring break that may come to regret their decisions.

On one hand, I feel as though if our district goes to teaching online, I am ready and my students are ready. There are many things we did during the school year that helped us prepare for this possibility. I had already started using checklists that allowed students to move at their own pace to complete the required work. When students completed that checklist, they could move on to a smaller checklist of extension activities. Our class used Seesaw to record thinking, work, and complete assignments. Between the checklists and Seesaw, I think I could easily switch to distance instruction; however, I also know that not all of my students have access to the internet and/or devices beyond a parent's cell phone.

I am going to take a moment to reflect on the things we may not get to do in our class. I wanted to grow plants with my students. We were going to some coding of music with Scratch and primary source sheet music. Students were going to teach lessons to the class and share their expertise with the class. I didn't get to finish up instruction. There are so many loose ends and materials we were going to solidify in the last quarter. I didn't get to say goodbye. My last words to my students were, "I'll see you on Monday." I have two students that never got to be STEM Star Students for the week.

At times, I am worried about the lack of leadership in our federal government, but I have a theory on this as well. In times of tragedy, I believe people will do one of two things, look to and be inspired by a great leader, or, grow as a community and tackle the problem together. I see us working together in our communities and supporting each other, finding humor where we can, and doing our part. Again, I see this as an opportunity to come together over differences to help our country as a whole and bridge the divide.

We had an awesome last day with our STEM Day celebration. I am thankful that students had an amazing day before all of these necessary restrictions came to be. I hope Idaho and our country are doing as much as possible to protect the lives of our citizens and all those who are essential to keeping our medical system and goods and services up and running. I feel bad for being sad about relatively inconsequential concerns of not being able to have time with my students when so many others are dealing with so much worse. But I do have a deep feeling of loss at times. To combat this feeling, I focus on being grateful which I truly am. I am grateful that our district did what was necessary to help our community, state, etc. I am grateful that many of us have what we need to stay at home and take care of our families. I am grateful that there are many ways to entertain ourselves during this time. I am grateful that we may appreciate the people around us and simple pleasures more once all this is over. I am grateful for my family, friends, and my animal companions. This world is a beautiful place and we need to take care of it. Below are some photos from STEM Day to focus a little more on the positive.

Day 4 School Closure - Coronavirus

I didn't really have anything to post for today. There are so many uncertainties for the remainder of the school year and what COVID-19 means for us. I hope we flatten the curve. In the meantime, I continue my daily read aloud for my students.

Day 3 School Closure - Coronavirus

I have been continuing my daily read aloud and am almost through my first book. I'll need another book by Friday. Read aloud is a nice bit of normalcy for me with all the uncertainties. It makes me have to do my hair and prepare myself similar to a work day even though my dress is more casual than a work day.

Day 2 School Closure - Coronavirus

I am working to maintain some type of routine this week since I still need to finish 3rd quarter report cards and complete some applications by their due dates. I am trying something to offer my students a bit of normalcy. My students have always enjoyed read aloud. I read aloud during our normal time via my class Instagram page. Then I shared a recording via email and the Seesaw app. I wanted to try and reach all my students in case any of them were interested. Perhaps they are just celebrating an early spring break, but just in case they are picking up on the odd vibe and stress, I wanted to give them the idea that we can do this. It felt odd reading by myself on my porch. I was a little nervous about doing the recording, but it will get easier. I wasn't sure if any students had watched. I noticed some people watching during the live session. I was so nervous that I didn't pay attention to that. Today, I will pay attention to those that may be watching live and say hello. I received a wonderful email yesterday evening from a parent thanking me for doing this. Based on the email, I think it provided the experience I was hoping for with her student. This is a challenging time; however, we are very lucky to have the resources we do to still connect. I am ready and excited for today's read aloud. We got this!

Day 1 School Closure - Coronavirus

Today is an odd day, but it's simply a weird time. This was supposed to be our last week before Spring Break. I had plans to record my video for my PAEMST application and wrap up various oose ends for projects. I never really expected that we wouldn't have school this week. I knew the coronavirus was a serious issue, but have never lived during a time like this. I completely support the closure of schools to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus. I worry about my students and their families and have never experienced so many uncertainties. It doesn't look like my students will be able to compete in robotics. Nevertheless, I want to help my students to adjust to these changes. My spring break doesn't start until next week and I have a couple of ideas on how to connect digitally with students if they choose to. I have also been thinking about the possibilities after Spring Break if the closure continues. I will continue to look for the positives and the "helpers." I will do my best to do my part and keep an uplifting attitude. I am going to try doing read aloud live on Instagram for a little treat for my students. I also am going to take the time to share aspects of my home in rural Idaho with them. I just want them to know it's OK.