susan-croppedHi, you have probably seen me around campus but aren’t quite sure who I am or what I do, so I thought that a blog post would be a great opportunity to fill you all in! My name is Susan Winesmith and I’m the EdTech Specialist here at TBS. I work closely with our IT Director (Jose Arellano) to help teachers introduce technology that will meaningfully support learning goals. A few examples of tech that we’ve helped bring to students includes:  students using filming and editing tools; accessing sites like Khan Academy and Quizlet to consolidate skills taught in class; and the touch typing courses in Temescal, Cerrito, and Strawberry Creek.

As students use more technology in school and at home, the knowledge that they need to stay safe online increases. That’s why we are introducing a digital citizenship & literacy element to the current Information Literacy program. Students in grades 3-8 will have opportunities to learn about maintaining a positive digital footprint, creative commons and copyright, and internet safety among other topics throughout the year. You will also be able to find helpful resources on your child’s class blog under ‘Classroom Links’ called the ‘Family Tip Sheet’ and are created by Common Sense Media. The tips on the blog will directly relate to the work we are doing in class.

We have asked Jason Brand, a Berkeley-based family therapist (more about Jason here), to come and speak with parenting adults about digital safety and our children. He will be attending twice; once for parenting adults of students ECC-5th grade and again for our middle school parenting adults. Please read on for more details about these events. We look forward to seeing you at there and our growing partnership with your children and technology.

Best,
Susan

ECC & ELEMENTARY PARENTING ADULTS
Wednesday, October 26, 6:00-7:30p, UAC Depot
You, Your Child and The Screen: Accepting The Challenge with Jason Brand, LCSW
RSVP & Childcare Signup

Contrary to media accounts and fear-based messages, families do not have to be constantly at odds when it comes to video games, mobile devices and the internet. There are ways that we can thoughtfully approach the dilemmas parents and kids face as we rapidly transition to a digital culture. As a parent who knows about life before and after the internet, you are in a unique position to face this challenge. The answers are going to come from your ability to know how to support your child’s curiosity and enthusiasm, while remaining in your role as parent.  This workshop is designed to help you guide your preschool or elementary school child to better maximize the benefits and limit the areas of concern when it comes to life on and off the digital screen.

This workshop is an opportunity to:

  • Clarify your role as parent by getting everyone on the same page (even if that page is digital).
  • Understand your child’s enthusiasm about technology (and maybe your partner’s too).
  • Minimize tech conflicts at their source.
  • Improve your family’s ability to stay healthy and safe.
  • Get clear on setting tech guidelines that align with your values.

We are pleased to provide FREE childcare for TBS K-8th students for this event. The deadline for signing up for childcare is Monday, October 24, and we will need to know by then if you make other plans and do not need childcare. There will be a $5 charge for childcare dropouts after October 24, charged through SmartTuition.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTING ADULTS
Wednesday, November 2, 7:15-8:45p, UAC Depot
Your Connected Child: Safety, Trust and Respect in the Digital Age with Jason Brand, LCSW
RSVP & Childcare Signup

The middle school years have become the time when kids are allowed more freedom when it comes to cell phones, social networks, browsing the web and video games. This means that while young people are entering adolescence, their brains and bodies are also busy sending, receiving, downloading and uploading. It is a challenge for parents to know how to best support the social, emotional and physiological needs of their kids when so much of their attention and exploration is directed toward the digital screen.

“Your Connected Child” offers an approach to building, “Safety, Trust and Respect in The Digital Age” that puts everyone on the same page (even when that page is digital) around issues of health and safety as well as positive social and family values.

This workshop is an opportunity to:

  • Understand the powerful draw of new media and technology during early adolescence.
  • Learn how to tap into the your child’s enthusiasm while remaining in your role as parent.
  • Review current research about technology and brain development.
  • Figure out how much time is the “right ” amount of time for your child to spend in front of a screen.
  • Address physical health concerns and solutions.
  • Help your child to build a sense of good judgment when it comes to online manners and ethics.
  • Learn how to support your child in knowing what to do when inappropriate online activity comes their way.

We are pleased to provide FREE childcare for TBS K-8th students for this event. The deadline for signing up for childcare is Monday, Oct 31, and we will need to know by then if you make other plans and do not need childcare. There will be a $5 charge for childcare dropouts after October 31, charged through SmartTuition.