Students at Royall Elementary learn early STEMskills through “Kinder U” program As a way to reinforce technology in the classroom setting, Royall’s Kindergarten University (aka “Kinder U”) has evolved over the past four years. In the first year, students and teachers were invited to the library to practice using new tools and devices. The librarian and technology integration specialist designed activities that allowed practice and mastery of technology. These lessons also enabled our teachers to see how to implement various tools in their classroom setting. The second and third years of Kinder U began in the same manner but with the goal of expanding the program to include teacher planning and meeting to create lessons of their own. During grade-level planning time the kindergarten teachers, librarian and technology integration specialist met to design content specific lessons that enabled teachers to present information to students with the use of various devices. In addition, teachers planned lessons that were more STEM driven to support a school-wide initiative. Many of the activities and ideas from previous years were used in addition to learning activities where students were encouraged to collaborate, create and design with the use of technology. Kinder U is now in its 4th year of development at Royall and continues to evolve. Now lead by the Technology Integration Specialist, Librarian and Literacy Coach, the intent of technology integration is the same, but our program has grown to multiple sessions per year based on need and request from our kindergarten teachers. A Blended Learning approach to planning is now the focus. Students complete various tasks that are technology based simultaneously with reading, and the use of manipulatives or word work at the same time. For example, the 100th day of school activities included free choice building with 100 legos, mini breakout box, use of QR codes and digital puzzles. According to one kindergarten student, “Kinder U is time for me to work with my friends in the Learning Commons”. After the last Kinder U another student said, “I love to use the robots”. According to Jamie McMillan, the Technology Integration Specialist at Royall, “Kinder U was a way for me to start working with our teachers and student four years ago. I am so proud to have been a part of watching them grow in the area of technology”. Ms. Hickman says, “My students have so much fun participating in Kinder U. They love coding the robots, solving puzzles on the iPads, and unlocking the lock boxes! It's a wonderful opportunity to reinforce what we are learning in the classroom”. “Kinder U is an exciting way for our students to explore, create, and learn while interacting with technology! The best part is they can return to their classroom and use their new skills as they continue to explore with robots, iPads, Osmos, and more”, said Kindergarten teacher Bridgett Kennedy after our last Kinder U session. Principal Julie Smith said, “Our youngest learners and their teachers are given a firsthand experience with the newest technology. Kinder U allows our teachers to differentiate learning opportunities as well as implement a Blended Learning Approach”. In February, Kinder U students did Patriot themed activities! Students participated in stations including coding with the Botley Robot, an interactive Smartboard table activity, read aloud, and a mini breakout box with writing activity.
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