Project #5

            This project involved using different features of Microsoft Word in order to make teaching and instruction more interesting.  We used WordArt, borders, watermarks, and tables to make the different parts of project #5.  These are parts of Microsoft Word that are not used all of the time but are good to know how to use.  Not only are the projects we worked on useful as teachers, the children can use Microsoft Word to create their own acrostic or trading cards.  By having the children create different projects using the features of Microsoft Word, they will be reviewing the content they are using and having fun while helping to engrain the material into their minds.  Whether teachers or children are producing projects using Word, the different features we have learned about will help the projects come to life. 

Product #1  Wordart Acrostic

            The first part of project #5 was a WordArt acrostic.  We learned how to use Microsoft Word to create acrostics using the WordArt feature.  We created an acrostic using our name and adjectives that described us.  We learned how to create vertical text and utilize different fill effects.  Although we used our names to create an acrostic from, it would be a great idea to use an acrostic for big ideas in a subject.  They could be used for any of the subjects to help children remember key concepts.  One example would be using the word photosynthesis for 5th or 6th grade science and creating an acrostic.  By giving a descriptive word for each letter of the word, children can give more meaning to the word and better understand the concept.  The children can also use the resources like the online thesaurus or the online acrostic tool to get them started.  I think the WordArt acrostics would be a very useful tool as a visual throughout the classroom.

Product #2  Educational Handout

            Teachers are always sending handouts home to let parents know what there students are doing.  This project offered us many ideas on how to create interesting handouts that parents will not forget to read.  We used Microsoft Word and learn how to create different width borders and use the watermark feature to create a washed out picture as the background.  I also incorporate the WordArt in my parent handout by using it as the title of the handout.  I know that I will have to make many different handouts in my career as a teacher.  I will be able to use the skills I have learned in order to create more unique handouts that will not get lost among a sea of papers. 

Product#3  Trading Cards

            The last component of project #5 was a set of trading cards.  The trading cards I created had pictures of shapes and their characteristics.  I created a table with two columns and four rows using Microsoft Word.  Then, I used the AutoShapes tool to create different shapes in four of the boxes and fill them different colors.  I was able to type different characteristics of each shape in the corresponding boxes.  I think that the trading cards would be very useful to students as a review tool in 3rd and 4th grades.  They are a great way for students to review concepts that they have been taught.  I can see the trading cards being used like a “memory” game.  The students could put them face down and try to match the correct cards.  I  would like to use them as an independent review tool that students could use when they had completed other assignments.