CS First from Google for Education

Calling all Coders!!

Google for Education has created a CS (Computer Science) First course for all students who enjoy coding or want to learn more.

At this point, this curriculum is most appropriate for students in grades 3-5, but anyone is welcome to join.

I've created one course for all BEU students. Below are instructions on how to join. They are self-paced and not for any sort of grade... just for fun!

1. Go to g.co/CSFirst
2. Click "Sign in" in the top right
3. Click "I am a student"
4. Click "Enter class code"
5. Enter class code: 7xbjhr
6. From here, students can create a CS First account or use an existing one. Students could also use CPS student email address and password to log in.

Please let me know if you have questions about CS First or need help logging in. Happy Coding! 

Until next time,

Mrs. Fitch

BreakoutEDU Live!

Throughout the school year, Mrs. Canepa and I were lucky enough to challenge most students in grades 2-5 with BreakoutEDU. This is similar to an escape room, except students are challenged to open locks to get into a box. 

The company, BreakoutEDU, has created a way for this to be done digitally at home each weekday. Here's the information from BreakoutEDU:

How do you play? 
In order to play, visit BreakoutEDU.com/live at 11 AM PT (2PM ET) and wait for the game to start. There is no login required. When you complete a game, you can enter to win a prize.

Can students win prizes? 
When a game is complete the player enters their parent’s or teacher’s email address. Winners must reside in the U.S. to win a prize (unfortunately laws and regulations keep us from offering prizes outside the U.S.).

How much does it cost to play? 
100% FREE FOR ANYONE!

Can I play past episodes? 
Yep! All past episodes can be found at BreakoutEDU.com/live. Please note: you can only enter to win prizes when you play a game the same day it is aired.

How difficult are the puzzles? 
The puzzles start easy and get progressively more difficult. Starting with middle elementary going up to middle school.

How do I know what the topics will be? 
Each Sunday we’ll send out an email with the next week’s topics and prizes. Prizes typically include Breakout EDU kits and Breakout HOME games. 

If you and your family enjoy puzzles, this will be a hit. Happy problem-solving!

Until next time,

Mrs. Fitch

National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month!

Here are some websites and books that can help you and your family celebrate at home. 

• Poets.org: 30 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month
• Fun with Shel Silverstein
• Reading Rockets
• Read, Write, Think

And in honor of Poetry Month, here is my favorite poetry book from my childhood, Something Big Has Been Here by Jack Prelutsky. 

Happy Reading Everyone!