Lists
- This is the very first form of writing that we do in class. I introduce the basics of word processing: text, delete, return, font, size, and center.
- This assignment goes along with a Rigby Big Book called I Spy. The students each come up with 3 clues as to their identity. They word process these clues and print the page. Each student colors the circles at the top of the page to look like their eyes. We use the digital camera to take pictures of each other for the second printed page for each student. These pages are then compiled into one class book that we read together. After reading the clues on each page, the students guess who it is. Then we turn the page to look at the photo of the student to see if the guess was correct. This book travels to the home of a student each night for the students to read it to someone. After traveling to each home it remains in our class library as one of their favorites.
- Student Example
- One of the first ext forms that we practice in second grade is writing captions. After classroom practice I give the students blank AppleWorks pages to create a captions slideshow. The students learn and practice their word processing skills, as well as, learn how to locate and insert photos from a folder.
- Student Example
- This is another form of writing to inform that is completed early in the year. Not only do the students learn the parts of an informative poster, they have very clear guidelines for the artwork. They must have a border, background color, and original drawing. These are printed and put on display. We use KidPix for this assignment.
- One of our vocabulary studies during the year is on homonyms, specifically homophones. At the end of the study, the students choose 4 sets of word pairs, ie. sale, sail. I enclose a AppleWorks form for the students to complete. Each page has space for the word pair, a sentence that demonstrates the meaning of each word, and an illustration for each.
- Scoring Rubric
- Student Example
- 1-2 times during the year the students word process a story for the publishing step in the writing process. We use Easy Book Deluxe, but any word processing program will do. The students print the pages and illustrate. The students share these from our author chair.
- The students choose 3 of their best poems to word process and print. Then they decorate the pages with crayons or colored pencils. These are then compiled into a class poetry anthology for the classroom library.
- This assignment came after many lessons on writing paragraphs using the 4-square model. Students chose from a short list of animals that they could research and report to the class about. The final project was completed using PowerPoint. It included multiple slides with a paragraph, a sound recording, and a photo on each slide. Students also drew a picture of their animal, scanned their drawing, and inserted it into the bibliography page of the project. Each student presented their work to the class. These are PowerPoint documents: if you don't have PowerPoint, you can download the viewer for free Windows Version, Mac Version
- G.R.A.S.P.S. (Assignment presentation)
- Checklist
- Scoring Rubric
- Student Example
- Each student selects a separate event from the school year. They compose a paragraph that describes the event, word process, and insert a photo using text wrap. The students are required to pay particular attention to layout with the text, font, and photo that they use. Copies are made and each student takes home a comb-bound set that includes a class photo on the cover.
- Student Example
- Many of us have students "publish" their stories and share them with the class. When students make or print a book with a story, it is special to include an "About the Author" section on the inside book cover. The page includes a small photo, as well as, information about the author's favorites, grade in school, and family.
- Student Sample
