Susan Deaton
Bogue Sound Elementary
June 5, 2000

Approximate Time Required
       1 hour in April (National Poetry Month)

Brief Description:
This lesson integrates the study of plants using the desktop publishing and the computer to write poems and insert clip art.
Curriculum Areas NC Standard Course of Study:

Computer/Technology Skills
    Goal 1:  The learner will understand important issues o a techology-based society and will exhibit ethical behavior in the use of computer and other technologies.
        Objective 1.1 Identify uses of technology in the community.
        Objective 1.2  Recognize an individual's rights of ownership to computer generate work.
    Goal 2:  The learner will demonstrate knowledge and skills in using computer technology.
        Objective 2.1 Identify essential computer terms.
        Objective 2.2 Identify the functions of physical components of the computer system.
        Objective 2.3  Use correct finger placement for home row keys.
        Objective 2.4  Use word processing to enter, save, print, and retrieve text.
        Objective 2.7 Identify and use electronic drawing tools to combine graphics and text.

English/Language Arts
     Goal 2:  Spelling and Writing
          Objective 2.1 Correctly spells, using previously studied words and spelling patterns in one's own writing.
          Objective 2.2 Represents with appropriate letters all the sounds of a word when writing.
          Objective 2.3 Begins to use formal language and /or literary language in place of oral language patterns, as appropriate.
          Objective 2.5  With guided discussion, revises to clarify and refine writing.
          Objective 2.6 Given help with organization, writes structured, informative presentations and narratives.
          Objective 2.7  Attends to spelling, mechanics, and format for final products in one's own writing.

Science
    Goal 1:  The learner will build an understanding of plant and animal life cycles.
           Objective 1.2  Compare and contrast life cycles of different plants.
 

Teacher's Lesson Goals/Objectives:
The students should be able to write a poem and illustrate a previously studied plant.  They will learn how to use ClarisWorks for Kids to write their plant poems and draw their pictures.  They will also learn how to "cut" and "paste" their picture into their poem.

Materials/Resources Needed
Variety of teacher supplied pictures of studied plant.
Computer
ClarisWorks for Kids software
Printer Paper
Printer

Pre Activities:
This activity would take place toward the end of the unit on plants.  The students need to be familiar with poetry , writing, computer drawing programs, and comparing and contrasting various plants.

Activities:

1. Click on ClarisWorks for Kids
2. Click on Writing Pad
3. Click on Blank Paper
4. Students write their poems
5. Click on File
6. Click on New
7. Click on Save As...
8. Save work and name the file (the student's first name and last initial)
9. Make sure to save the file in the "Student" folder (use the pop-up menu in the save box to locate "Student" folder)
10. Click on Art Pad
11. Click on Blank Paper
12. Students draw their pictures using the drawing tools
13. When finished, click on the lasso icon and put it at the top left corner of the picture and drag to the bottom
14. Click on Edit
15. Click on Copy
16. Click on File
17. Click on Open
18. Save work by typing in first name and pic for picture
19. Click on Save As...
20. Save work and name the file (the student's first name and last initial)
21. Make sure to save the file in the "Student" folder (use the pop-up menu in the save box to locate "Student" folder)
22. Click on Open Other
23. Click on their name and open
24. Put the cursor at the beginning of the text
25. Click on Edit
26. Click on Paste
27. Click on File
28. Click on Save
29. Click on Print
30. Share poems by reading them aloud and posting them on the bulletin board.

What students work will be assessed?

• Their knowledge of the plants they write about in their descriptive poem.
• Correct grammar, punctuation, and capitalization in the poem.
• Students proper keyboarding skills will be observed by the teacher.
• Following directions when cutting and pasting.

Additional Comments from the Author of the Lesson:
The students in second grade should learn how to use the word processor, drawing program, and the cut/paste feature.
The ClarisWorks for Kids program is user friendly.  The lesson was taught so the children could apply their knowledge of plants in a creative way using a computer as a tool while also incorporating National Poetry Month in April.