Brief Description

Microsoft Word is a basic computer program that many schools use.  It is the program that most of my students use as well.  It is important for the students to understand how the program works if they are to use the program to their advantage – even in the beginning stages.  Students will create a web for their story using the Draw tools in Microsoft Word.  After writing a story, students will create a title page using Microsoft Word.

Standards and Frameworks

Technology Standards

• 1T-F1. Communicate about internal technology operations using developmentally appropriate and accurate terminology.
• 1T-F2. Demonstrate functional operation of technology components.  Use developmentally appropriate technology resources to access information and communicate electronically.

• VP-F4. Interpret visual clues in cartoons, graphs, tables and charts that enhance the comprehension of text.
• W-F1. Use the writing process, including generating topics, drafting, revising ideas and editing, to complete effectively a variety of writing tasks.

Academic

• Students will brainstorm and generate topics for their story.
• Students will create a web to generate ideas for their topic.
• Students will write a first draft with the necessary components for their topic.
• Students will revise draft content (e.g., organization, relevant details, clarity).
• Students will edit revised draft using resources (e.g., dictionary, word lists and banks, thesaurus, spell checker, glossary, style manual, grammar and usage reference).
• Students will proofread revised draft.
• Students will evaluate a peer’s story.
• Students will present final copy to class.

• Students will apply basic vocabulary related to the operations of the technology (e.g., mouse, click etc.).
• Students will demonstrate correct ergonomic use of technology (e.g., correct posture, position of hands and feet, proper height of keyboard, proper lifting and moving of equipment).
• Students will access information sources (e.g., encyclopedias).
• Students will operate keyboard and other common input and output devices (including adaptive devices for special needs when necessary).
• Students will use device in response to software (e.g., point and click, arrow and enter/return keys).
• Students will use keyboard effectively (e.g., knows locations and function of keys, begins touch-typing strategies by grade three).
• Students will print the text and image on their title page.

Knowledge of mouse and how it works.

Materials

• Microsoft Word
• Computer

General

• Technology projects are routine in our class so all students feel more comfortable with technology activities.
• Students will brainstorm writing ideas to help all students.
• When individual work is to be completed in the lab, direction sheets are available for each student.
• A rubric is used to assess which enables all students to progress toward higher-level production.
• Students will complete a self-assessment sheet of their final product.

• A direction sheet is placed at the center.  When individual work is to be completed in the lab, direction sheets are available for each student.
• When students are working individually in the lab, they will be seated in an arrangement so that students needing some help are seated by students that are familiar with the program.
• Peer editing will follow self-editing.

• Students will be asked if anyone is familiar with Microsoft Word and if so, they will be set up as the experts for other students to go to for help.
• More advanced students will be asked to complete their entire story in Word. They will insert text boxes in their web as well as type their story and then use the spell checker to edit their work.
• Students will be asked to insert pictures to enhance their story.
• Students will be allowed to help other students when asked.

1. In the classroom we will brainstorm topics for stories for the students to compose.
2. Students will choose a topic.
3. On the Computer students will make a Story Web using the draw tools.  They will make a large shape of their choice in the center of their paper.  They must then make a minimum of 4 shapes that are different from the first shape.  They then draw a line from each of the four shapes to the first shape they drew.  (See Sample Web)

 
DIRECTIONS FOR USING THE DRAW TOOLS----


 
 
 

All students will be expected to use the line tool and shape tools.  Instructions will include:

Line:  Click on the line, place your cursor where you want the line to begin,  click and hold down the left side of the mouse.  Drag the curser and a line will begin.  Continue to drag until the desired line is complete.  (Hint: Holding down the shift key while drawing your line will cause the line to be straight.)
Shapes:  Click on the desired shape.  Place your cursor where you want the shape.  Click and hold down the left mouse.  Stop when you have reached the desired size.

Instructions for creating the Title Page:
After typing the title and your name, highlight the words you want to change by putting the cursor (mouse) in front of the first word.  Hold down on the left side of the mouse and drag it across the word.  This will put a dark box over the word.  Then the student must click on the box in the menu that is the Font Size box.  It contains the size that the print is presently seen.  Students should make the title font at least a size 36.  They must then highlight their name and change its size to a 16.  (Teacher must decide the size and instruct the students)

Assessment

• A rubric will be used for the end result project and presentation of the project.
• Anecdotal records will be kept while the students are working and during presentation.
• Notes will document discussions, classroom participation, cooperation with partner or peer evaluator.  Notes will be used to aid in scoring the rubric.
• Story will be collected and rated with the 6 traits rubric as well. A sample of this rubric can be found at :
http://www.edina.k12.mn.us/southview/buckley/6traitrubric.htm