Title: Computer Skills with Elderly Class

Grade level/s: 2nd grade

School: St. Therese

Teacher/s: Ms. Cindy Feeback and Ms. Linda Bolan

Overview/Description of Project: Second grade students enjoy using the computer and are mastering basic computer skills and email functioning. The students create invitations to a computer skill class for elderly community members. The teachers/s-l coordinator will provide support and guidance and schedule a visit from the research librarian at the local public library during the class to help elderly ‘students’ learn about the library computers and classes available.

Core Content areas:

Preparation:

1. During computer classes, the two teachers generate a list of skills the 2nd graders already know about computer usage. Next, they will list names of those that might not know these skills yet and might want to learn.

2.The teachers suggest that the 2nd graders might want to share their ability with their grandparents or elderly neighbors.

3.The class lists materials needed; creates a plan; assigns jobs to small groups. (Eq. one group creates computer invitation; another plans what skills and in what order taught; one group writes letter inviting librarian to be a speaker; another group creates certificates for elderly studentsetc.)

4. The students and teacher practice the lesson prior to the lesson with the elderly students ensure student confidence in demonstrating and explaining. This uses oral presentation skills and problem solving skills.

Action/Service:

1. Students and elderly students are paired at computers for the lesson. Then elderly students are invited to practice the skills for a short period of time.

2. The public library librarian will speak about the computer help and usage available at the public library, including computer classes held at the library.

3. The students will present certificates of participation to the senior citizens.

4. Students thank the librarian and invite the elderly students to begin emailing as penpals with the 2nd grade teachers.

Reflection:

In the initial stages, the students reflect upon their own learning around computer skills. This is verbal, listing and in small group planning.

After the senior citizen computer class, the students will draw pictures; write thank you notes; verbally discuss the learning by the elderly students and their own learning. They will share the frustrations and successes in being able to explain the concepts taught.

Celebration: Students will present diploma/certificates to the elderly students in an award ceremony. In class reflection, photos of the students teaching the lesson will be displayed in the hallway.