Valley Preparatory School Redlands California

The computer education curriculum prepares students to use computer technology for learning, accessing and applying information, content related problem solving, and communicating ideas through presentations and projects.   The curriculum also enables students to understand the societal uses and impact of technology on today's workplace and living habits.

Computer classes for all students are taught in the computer lab for one or two forty-five minute periods each week.  Pre-school through second grade students learn how to change type font and add clip- or word-art in Microsoft Word, make drawings using Kid Pix, learn to type using Kid Keys, begin to learn organizational skills using Kidspiration, and use the internet visiting a variety of educational websites.  These programs, supplemented by other skill programs and games, develop the requisite keyboarding and mouse skills for further computer literacy.

Third and fourth grade students continue their typing practice and computer skills using Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 15, Microsoft Word, Kid Pix, and Microsoft Publisher.  Basic internet research techniques are introduced and students create multimedia slide show presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint.  Computer lessons are designed as part of a cross-curricular approach to learning.  Fifth grade students continue to increase their skill level in these programs and are also introduced to spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel.

Middle school students use A Guide to Microsoft Office 2000 Professional as a learning tool through all three years.  They reach advanced levels in Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Publisher, and Microsoft Excel.  They use these skills through a variety of long term creative research projects and collaborative group assignments.  All assignments utilize the students' creative processes. 

Text: A Guide to Microsoft Office 2000 Professional - Lawrenceville Press

Software: Microsoft Office 2007
Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing 15, The Learning Company
Kid Pix Deluxe 4, Broderbund
Kidspiration, Inspiration Software, Inc.
Kid Keys 2.0, Knowledge Adventure