Final Words

 

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Final Word

 

 

 

 

We have been using the Casey the Caterpillar writing system, by Barbara Brann, this term.  I have found it has been invaluable, for the boys in particular.  The faces who used to stand in front of the blackboard with the regular printing of letter formations, and look imploringly at me, saying “I can’t do this”, now grab their books and sheets and say “Just like this, eh Miss” and “Look, I’ve finished already”.

 

When it comes to transferring over to other writing areas, the “caterpillar” language is a great tool for helping with the spelling.

“How do I write a ‘t’?” – “Remember, it is a tall stick with a twig.”

 

We are still in the “discovery” mode with the programme in our Junior department, and as yet have not unlocked all the treasures and wealth of learning that we are sure to gain from “Casey the Caterpillar”.

 

The children have developed many varied skills in creating this website.  Not only have they learned to work within the confines of tables, but they have also learned to discuss how to achieve the best layout of picture and text (although they were limited to only 2 layouts in this instance). 

 

They now know how to scan their artwork and some have learned how to create artwork using PaintShop Pro.  All the children have learned the basics in creating an animated .gif, with each of them attempting to animate the letters “l” and “i”.  Mrs Hughes helped us to make the other letter animations, and showed us how to test them all.  That was a LOT of work!

 

All this extra work has definitely paid off in the children’s interest in their writing and letter formation.

 

Helen Galvin – New Entrant teacher       .

 

 

Thanks and Credits

 

Thanks to: ARG! Cartoon Animation Studio at www.artie.com for their great little train animations

 

A huge vote of thanks to Barbara Brann for her fabulous Magic Caterpillar writing system, which has proven to be such a hit with the children.

 

Thanks to all the OpenSpace children for their super art work and little stories.  We’ve had a lot of fun making this site and will be continuing to use it at the school to extend our printing programme.

 

Thanks to Mrs Hughes, our computer teacher, for teaching us how to do neat things on the computer.  We can scan pictures, make links and make pictures move.  It’s cool.

 

Feel free to contact me for any further information and ideas on how we have incorporated this system into our daily routine

manunui@ihug.co.nz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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