Students in fourth grade recently learned how different countries around the world celebrate the holiday season. Today, students were able to try foods from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Mexico.
:: Help kids navigate online friendships ::
In the beginning, you might limit all communication with strangers online. As kids get older, you can monitor any online chatting. And once they're more independent, you can discuss which methods of communication are appropriate as well as which types of information to keep private from online-only friends.
Happy Friday!
First graders have been traveling around the world and learning all about the different holidays celebrated in different countries. Yesterday, Mrs. Strauch, a retired foreign language teacher and our very own Mrs. Ruppert’s Mom, came to first grade and took us to Mexico, France, and Spain. She taught us about the different holidays celebrated throughout the season in those countries! Mrs. Strauch sang to us in French and taught us a well known Spanish song, Feliz Navidad. We also got to create our own Yule logs and see many pictures of Spain, France, and Mexico during the holiday seasons.
:: Play a game of telephone ::
Discuss how a message can change depending on the person delivering it or the delivery method. Read a question like "What are you doing?" with different tones of voice. How do emoji and punctuation help communicate tone and emotion in texts?
Third graders started their area collages today!
Phone outages from yesterday (12.12.22) have been resolved. Thank you for your patience!
Video: bit.ly/olyRCv3
Games, social media, and other online spaces give kids opportunities to meet and chat with others outside the confines of their real-life communities. But how well do kids actually know the people they're meeting and interacting with? Help students consider whom they're talking to and the types of information they're sharing online.
Wednesday, December 7th is an Early Release Day for Olympia students. OHMS will dismiss at 11:30 a.m. and elementary schools will dismiss at 12:00 p.m.
Social interaction is part of what makes online gaming so popular and engaging for kids. Of course, online communication can come with some risks. Show your kids how to keep their gaming experiences fun, healthy, and positive.
Video: bit.ly/olyRCv1
:: Give them the right words ::
Kids learn about appropriate verbal and physical communication from watching you. But online conversations can be invisible. Occasionally, narrate as you're writing texts or social media comments when your kids are in earshot.
Happy Friday from pre-k and 4th grade! We love book buddy day!!
:: Help Kids Make Friends and Interact Safely Online::
Soon after kids start reading and writing, they often begin interacting with others online. Whether they're chatting within games or texting family members, kids need the skills to interact respectfully. These skills will help kids -- and the people they're communicating with -- have positive experiences online. Throughout December, be on the lookout for these 4 Family Tips for elementary families who are looking to build a strong foundation for online relationships and communication!
My kid seems addicted to her phone. What do I do? It may seem like your kid is addicted (and may even "feel" addicted) to the phone, but it's more likely normal teen behavior.
Read more: bit.ly/Oly_QA2
Help kids identify healthy behaviors.
Practice talking about feelings -- both physical and emotional -- during screen and non-screen activities.
Watch and play together.
Choose quality, age-appropriate media to enjoy with your kids. Visit commonsensemedia.org to find shows, games, and more.
How to Set Screen Rules That Stick Easy tips for limiting kids' computer, TV, game, and movie time. | Caroline Knorr | 2/21/2019
https://bit.ly/OlyMBSR
Today first grade 'turkeys' collaborated and persevered during a Thanksgiving themed Escape Room! They worked hard and managed to escape just before the farmer caught them! Happy Thanksgiving!
Healthy Media Habits for Young Kids
Now that screen-time recommendations are more flexible, it's time for new rules. | Caroline Knorr
bit.ly/OlyMBCK
Third graders practiced engineering problem solving by designing solutions to make a house more secure in a windstorm.
