Your Third-Grader and Technology
On the Lookout in Your Child's Classroom
Technology in the classroom varies from school to school
Your third-grader may use word-processing software, draw and paint software and presentation software (such as PowerPoint) to complete activities in a range of subject areas, including language arts, science, social studies, mathematics and art. These activities, which integrate computers into the classroom curriculum, are the first steps to technological literacy: the use of tools to solve problems.
Many states base their technology standards on the National Educational Technology Standards for Students. But because children aren't tested on their use of technology, teachers are typically not held accountable to teach them. That means computer use varies widely from classroom to classroom. Your third-grader may have one or more computer workstations in the classroom, may go to a computer lab once a week or may not use technology regularly at all. To get the maximum benefit from technology, the best classrooms implement technology into the curriculum plans to develop students' higher order thinking skills, promote creativity and facilitate academic learning.
What you might see in a well-equipped classroom
- Educational software that reinforces reading and math skills
- Multimedia encyclopedias and dictionaries
- A digital camera - digital photos can then be displayed in a slide show
- Interactive story books on a computer
- One computer or more in the classroom with access to the Internet and a printer
- Large-screen display connected to a computer used by the teacher to demonstrate a technology lesson to the whole class. If there is not one available, the teacher may have smaller groups come around the computer to introduce a lesson or tehcnology skill.
- Use of email with support from the teacher or classroom helper
Learning technology terminology
Third-graders use the proper terminology to communicate about technology. Your third-grader should be familiar with the names of the parts of the computer, such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, speakers and disk drive, and software terms such as menu, file, folders, applications, save and quit.
Keyboard and mouse
Your third-grader will use a mouse to click, drag and double click. She will know the keys on the left and right side of the keyboard. She will practice typing the home keys and using the space bar. She will use the correct body position, hand-wrist position and proper techniques for striking the keys. Some schools may use a typing program that teaches your third-grader how to type.
Word processing and email
Your third-grader will type and add clip art in word-processing programs. Your child will learn to change the font, size and color of the text. He may also use email to contact an expert, a peer or another class. He may make a class newsletter with pictures and text, write a book review or email a pen pal in another class.
Draw and paint software
Draw and paint software programs such as Kid Pix and AppleWorks are common in many third-grade classrooms. Third-graders use the tools in the programs to type and create pictures. Your third-grader may model multiplication and division word problems with number sentences and pictures. (A number sentence is a sentence that includes numbers, operation symbols, and an equal sign, such as 3x4=12.)
Presentation software
Your third-grader may use software such as PowerPoint and AppleWorks to add to a class book or presentation in which she makes a slide with pictures and text. Your third-grader may contribute to class projects, such as a slideshow about heroes or one about the community.
