Elementary

2-4

Word processing program with a drawing application.

After reading or writing plays within the classroom, the students will make a flier for the play they will be producing for the classroom. The flier will include: Staring, Time, Place, Written By and a picture about the play. The students will need to word-process these parts as well as insert a graphic from the image editor.

Adams 12 Technology Skills Continuum Standard 2: Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity.
- Uses drawing tools such as: lines, shapes, text tool, magnifying glass, etc.
- Uses special function keys such as: tab, number pad keys, keyboard shortcuts, alt, control and symbols ($, #, %, etc.).
- Edits text by using select /deselect, cut/copy/paste, delete, and undo.
- Places the cursor at a specific location.
- Begins using spell check and thesaurus.
- Changes character formatting such as: font, font size, and font style (B, I, U).
- Begins to utilize different document layouts. (i.e. letter, sign, banner, etc.)

The students will be expected to use the image tools to draw their picture. They will also be able to use the word-processing tools to complete the writing part of the task. Spelling and grammar corrections will be done on a printed hard copy. Students' computer editing skills will then be used for corrections of mistakes on their documents.

The teacher will assess the children's writing portion of their work by checking for proper grammar and spelling. The writing will need to be put in the proper place (set by the teacher) within the document. The writing needs to have font, size and color changes. The picture needs to have been placed in the proper place (set by the teacher) and be completed using a variety of tools and colors.

Students need to be able to use word processing applications with tools such as font, size and color. Within the drawing application, students will need to know the various tools of color fill and drawing. If two applications are used, students will need to know how to merge two documents.

Make sure students have an understanding of drawing and word-processing tools before starting the lesson. Having separate lessons on each area of the project will help this process. After reading or writing a play, have children draw and write a rough draft in the classroom of their project before starting their computer project. Teacher should show and discuss posters of plays. Have students draw their picture, (Keep it simple) Have students write their information of the play (Staring, Time, Place, Written By).

3 class periods. 45 Min. per class.

In the classroom
1. Show and discuss posters of plays.
2. Have students draw their picture. (Keep it simple)
3. Have students write their information of the play. (Staring, Time, Place, Written By).

In the computer lab
4. Open up a new writing document and insert a graphic from the image editor.
5. Resize and draw picture and place where wanted on the document.
6. Set the font and size of text.
7. Type text and place where directed by teacher.
8. Students may want to vary text size, font and color at this point.

StarOffice software, mini-lab for small groups working together, or regular lab for one student per computer.

You will need StarOffice software to view the attachment.

Younger students need a good understanding of the drawing tools. The teacher could let the younger students use clipart instead of the image drawing tools.