Grade Levels:  5 - 6

Subjects:  Language Arts, Study Skills, and Computer Technology

Learner Outcomes:
Students will effectively use word processor software and the installed thesaurus.

Duration of Lesson:  one 45 minute period

Materials:  Printer paper and hard copy of nursery rhyme

Technology Tools/Courseware:  Computer, printer, Microsoft Word Software, and Internet access

Teacher Notes:
·    If younger or less experienced users have trouble typing in web addresses, the teacher could add these websites to the favorites list.
·    If you have a class monitor on your computer, you can show the entire class the thesaurus demonstration at the same time.
·    Students must have a signed Acceptable Use Policy on file with the school if applicable.

Procedures:
1. Have students work in pairs.
2. On the computers, students will open a blank word document.
3. Using the “left justification” button, students will record their name, class name, and date in the upper right corner and then save their document using their last names.
4. Demonstrate word thesaurus for two groups at a time.
5. Students will access the Internet and go to Enchanted Forest or Zelo.
6. They will select a nursery rhyme and click on it.
7. After the nursery rhyme comes on the screen, students will highlight, copy, and then minimize the website.
8. Students will paste the rhyme to the word document.
9. Using the Microsoft Word thesaurus, students will change nouns, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives to create a “new” nursery rhyme.
10. Students will print one copy of their finished nursery rhyme and turn it in to the teacher.
 

Modifications:

• Students who do not work well with a partner may need to work on the assignment independently.
• Schools without appropriate computers or software may use hard copy sources and hand write the rhymes.

Enrichment Activities:
Students will read their finished nursery rhymes to the class.  The class members will try to guess the original nursery rhyme.

Evaluation/Assessment:
Students will be graded on accuracy of spelling and word definition and their creativity.

West Virginia Standards :
Study Skills: 5.164, 6.136

Computer Technology: 5.179, 5.180, 5.181, 5.183, 6.154, 6.155, 6.156

Language Arts: 5.8, 5.13, 5.15, 5.27, 5.28, 5.30, 5.164, 6.6, 6.33, 6.39, 6.44, 6.56, 6.131, 6.136, 6.143

National Standards:
Computer Technology:
    Standard 1.  Knows the characteristics and uses of computer hardware and
    operating systems.
    Standard 2.  Knows the characteristics and uses of computer software programs.

Language Arts:
    Standard 1.  Uses the general skills and strategies of the writing process.
    Standard 5.  Uses the general skills and strategies of the reading process.

References:
Zelo
Enchanted Forest
Unit Resource Page