Early Childhood Technology Literacy Grant Literacy Activity

Developed By: Christine Miller

Overview: Early-fluent and fluent readers will create shape poems/stories using a word processing or draw and paint software using information collected from a prior activity (see Round Robin vignette).

Student Level: First or second grade Early-Fluent/Fluent Readers
Time Frame: 2-3 days
Objectives: The student s will: Communicate what they have learned about apples through the creation of a shape poem or story. Utilize word processing or paint and draw software to create their poems/stories. Revise and edit writing. Share and evaluate their poems/stories.

Materials:

• Lists from the round robin activity (See Round Robin Vignette)
• Word processing software such as The Writing Center and/or a paint and draw program such as Kid Pix
• Computer connected to TV or projection device
• Computer Lab
• Peer Revision Checklist
• A poem about apples (i.e. Apples by Helen H. Moore)

Procedures:

1. Begin the activity by reading a poem about apples (Apples by Helen H. Moore). After a brief discussion of the poem remind the students of the round robin activity completed the day before and review the lists with the students. Students may notice that there are some common elements in the poem and on the lists.
2. Model how to make a shape poem using information from the lists on a computer hooked up to a TV. Typing the text so that it creates the shape of an apple tree, write a simple poem about apples. Be sure to model how to change the color of the text to make the shape more realistic and how to use the return key to create the desired shape. You may also want to demonstrate how to use a paint and draw program to create the same effect.
3. After sharing the poem, ask the students what other shapes might be appropriate for writing about apples. At this time a rubric can be created by the class for evaluation purposes.
4. Provide the students with the lists that they created in the previous round robin Activity to use as a resource for writing. Or, if you have not done the round robin activity, have the students do a think-pair-share about what they know about apples and record their responses in a list format. If a KWL was started at the beginning of the unit, add to the L column and display this for students to refer to.
5. Students should work at the computer to create their writing about apples, writing their first drafts directly on the computer. They may work individually or in pairs.
6. As students finish the draft of their writing, place students in pairs. The pairs should evaluate each other's writing according to the rubric. A simple checklist can be provided to ensure that students are on task. After sharing with their partners, students should make any necessary changes at the computer, then ask the teacher to review it before printing.
7. Students should print their "final" copies in color if possible.
8. Have groups of 3-4 students share their writing with one another.
9. Finally, display the writing in a prominent place so that others can enjoy it.

Additional Resources:

An Apple a Day: A collection of Apple poems written by second grade students http://members.aol.com/Apples2nd/index.html