Tools for Writing:

Word Processing
 
 
Over 95% of computer time is spent with word processing and email.
 
We often forget the importance of teaching process writing when using a word processor. The power of the word processor is flexibility. Too often students only have time to "type" their report.
  • Prewriting
  • Composing
  • Revising
  • Editing
  • Publishing
Explore topics for word processing projects.

Word Processing Activities
 
Open any word processor and try the following activities:
 
Activity One: Timelines
Play chronology. Write the name of an event in history. The next person adds another event under the first event. Go back and reorder the events in the correct order. Add information to particular events such as a description or date.
 
Activity Two: Inspiration
Download a demo copy of Inspiration. Explore their examples of visualizing projects.
 
Activity Three: Commenting
Explore the remarks or comments function of your word processor. Brainstorm other ways to mark student work such as colors for each contributor.
 
Activity Four: Authentic Documents, Audio, and Visuals
Go to the American Memories, Science Clipart, or Yahooligans Downloader site. Go to Documenting the American South, Great Speeches, or Douglass: Great Speeches site. Choose a visual, document, or audio to serve as the focal point for a project. Copy and paste the visual, document, or audio into your word processing file. React to the picture.
 
Activity Five: Extend
Write a short paragraph. Go to the Research-It site. Use the dictionaries and other references to expand your writing.
 
Activity Six: Reach Out
Use the Ask-An-Expert site or AskA+Locator site to locate an expert that could answer a question for your class. Write an email message that contains the following elements:
  • Your school, name, and grade level
  • Your interest in the topic
  • Your question
  • A thank you statement
 
Back to the Secondary Project Page


Developed by Annette Lamb, 7/99. Updated 10/99.