Digital Communication Tools

Chapter 9: Word Processing

Additional Activities

Water Cycle

Objective

Materials

Procedure

1. Review the water cycle with your teacher.
2. Create a visual representation of the water cycle using the word processing program using text boxes and clip art.
3. Create a text box. Label the first text box Evaporation.
4. Create a second text box. Label it Condensation.
5. Create an arrow connecting the two text boxes. Use the arrow function on the drawing tool bar. Create a smaller text box listing different types of condensation.
6. Continue to add text boxes to show the different aspects of the water cycle.
7. After the basic elements of the water cycle have been created, insert appropriate clip art to illustrate the elements of the water cycle.
8. You can also change the size, color, and type of font, or use other formatting skills learned in this chapter to create a chart that is easy to read.

Extension

Swap a Story

Objective

Materials

Procedure

1. Open a blank document on your computer screen.
2. Begin writing a story.
3. Write for two minutes, adding characters, developing the plot line, and adding dialogue, suspense, and description.
4. After two minutes, stand up and move to a new computer. Read what has been written and add details to the story. Save your work between swaps.
5. When you have completed 7 or 8 swaps, save your finished work
6. Read the completed stories. Look for common writing styles, themes, and characters.
7. Discuss the stories' outcomes with the class.

Extension

Literary Styles

Objective

Materials

Procedure

1. Look at several examples of different literary styles. You may want to consult an English textbook.
2. Brainstorm different types of literary styles, including stream of consciousness, humor, multiple viewpoints, and elaborate or meager description.
3. As a class, read aloud examples of these types of literary styles. Analyze what characterizes these types of styles.
4. Brainstorm one event that has happened to you that you would like to write about.
5. Using the word processing software, write three paragraphs. Retell the same incident three times, using three different types of literary styles.
6. Use different fonts and formatting with each paragraph to differentiate the different literary styles. You may want to include a key at the bottom of the page to show which style corresponds with which font.

Extension