Whole
Class Activities
Group brainstorming - As class brainstorms a topic, one student
records information. Information can then be printed out and distributed;
uploaded to Inspiration; or used for categorizing activities.
Add onto story - Each student starts a story and after a set amount
of time, the AlphaSmarts are passed another student to continue
the story. Students can be directed in what to write about each
round. (i.e. Round One: describe the setting, Round Two: introduce
the character, Round Three: create a problem, Round Four: solve
the problem.)
Making bigger words - Students are given a vocabulary word
that is scrambled. They see how many words they can make using the
letters and ultimately try to identify the "big" word.
Students use categories to make words (2-letter words, 3-letter
words, etc.)
Pass and edit stories - After students write a story, they pass
the AlphaSmarts to another student to edit. Students can pass the
story several time, each time editing a specific area (spelling,
punctuation grammar, etc.)
Round Table brainstorming - Use AlphaSmarts as class brainstorms
a topic. Each table is given one AlphaSmart. Students type their
idea when given the AlphaSmart and then pass it to another student.
Meeting notes for class meetings - A student is assigned to take
notes during class meetings.
Small
Group Activities
Sentence Stretching - Begin with a short sentence or a group of
words on an AlphaSmart file. Pass AlphaSmart around to a group of
about six people with the rule that each person must add or change
one word to make the sentence more interesting.
Brainstorming - Groups brainstorm a topic and type return after
each new idea then open up
Articles for a class newspaper - Student groups work to create an
article for a class newspaper. Each group can be assigned a different
topic. These articles can be printed out and cut and paste to make
the paper. Get a mark up page from the Sentry News to show them
how a real page in the newspaper is made.
Write story problems or math stories - Groups create a math story
after being shown a picture, given an answer, or another prompt
from the teacher.
Field trip notes - Groups can record descriptions and other information
while on a field trip. Questions can be given beforehand.
Interviews - Students work in small groups to interview school workers,
community members, each other etc. Questions can be downloaded onto
the AlphaSmarts and responses can then be recorded.
Terms to describe self - Students use AlphaSmarts to write physical
traits and personality characteristics. Students then print their
responses and exchange papers. Students can then read each description
and guess who it is. The students can then get their sheet back
and use it for an art activity by cuting and pasting and drawing
or using pictures from magazines.
Literacy Center Activities
Book summaries - Students write summaries of books. These summaries
can be placed in a folder and used later in the year to identify
stories that they have read.
Interesting facts - Get
a collection of resource books from thes library on a particular
subject. Students can use the AlphaSmarts to record interesting
facts in complete sentences. Students can then share the facts with
the class or use them for other projects.
Publish stories - Students write stories and print them out. They
can illistrate their story and cut up the works to paste on the
pages of the book.
Writing letters - Students can be given a task (write a persuasive
letter to the principal) and use AlphaSmarts to complete the task.
The letter can then be printed and sent to the appropriate recipient.
Pyramiding - Students pyramid vocabulary words or spelling words.
l
li
lik
like
Typing name - Students can
practice typing their name.
Listen to music and write a story - Have a collection of music (music
can be based around a theme such as Halloween, spring, rainforests,
etc.). Students listen to the music with earphones on and then write
a story based on the music.
Independent
Activities
Journal- Students can use the AlphaSmarts for journal activities.
Students can take turns using the AlphaSmarts and then print out
and add to their paper journal. This would also help with their
typing skills.
Spelling Words - Students practice their spelling words using AlphaSmarts.
The class could also take thier weekly test on the words.
Use for daily assignments - A student can be selected to complete
all daily assignments using the AlphaSmarts.
Write word name for numbers - Students are given a list of numbers
and asked to write them in their word name.
Nature Senses - Take the AlphaSmarts outside and type what is observed-silently
exercise the senses and record.
Mystery Alphabet - Students can use numbers for letters (Example:
1 = A, 2= B, etc.) Have students create a paragraph of at least
three sentences using only numbers and include at least one adjective
and adverb in each sentence. Print them out and pass them out to
the students in the classroom. They may now decode the paragraph.
When finished, they may read them aloud to verify the accuracy.
This is also a good lesson to teach the children to use words in
a sentence that makes sense.
Primary
Grades
Write the Room - Walk around the room and type in words they find
in the room.
Letter of the Week - Given several numbered pictures, the student
shall type the number and spell the picture name or write a sentece
using the picture name.
Number Recognition - The students types as directed. Type 3 w's.
Type 5 p's. Type 7 e's...
Sight Word Center - Practice writing sight words then reading them
out loud. Have a friend spell a word to you, you type it, then read
it. Then have the friend read the sight word and you try to type
it.
Oral Language - Students pretend to write (type) a story. When they
are finished the student will tell the teacher or a friend whay
they typed. Option: The teacher could type the story with a postitive
comment and send a copy to the parent.
Matching Capital Letters with Lower Case Letters - Take a holiday
that is in progress. Write a word with each letter of that holiday
name. Example: Easter - E=eggs, a=action , s=search, t=treats, e=exciting,
r=racing
Letter Recognition - Show students pictures and students can press
the initial, beginning, or ending letter that they hear (depending
on what you ask for).
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