Lesson Plan with Wordle

This is one of the Wordles your class can create using the following lesson plan:
My teacher is having us make these in honor of Will Richardson's book. Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts

Lesson Plan with Wordle

Teacher: Katie Haire

Grade Level: 1st - 2nd grade

Title: Color Words

Brief History and Background:
Kids are extremely familiar with all the various names for "red" or "blue" that crayola has come up with. This lesson has the kids create their own into a fun Wordle!

PA Standards:
9.1.3 J: Know and use traditional and contemporary technologies for producing, performing and exhibiting works in the arts or the works of others.

9.1.3 K: Know and use traditional and contemporary technologies for furthering knowledge and understanding in the humanities.

9.3.3. B: Know that works in the arts can be described by using the arts elements, principles, and concepts.

9.4.3. D: Recognize that choices made by artists regarding subject matter and themes communicate ideas through works in the arts and humanities.

Goal: The child will create a Wordle using computer software in a chosen color.

Objectives:
 • Students will... be creative in coming up with multiple ways to describe one color.
 • Students will... learn how to use the Wordle software, increase typing skills.
 • Students will... increase brainstorming and collaborative skills.

Resource Materials/Visual Aides:
The teacher should have example Wordles for students to see for example. This is very important, as hardly anyone knows what a Wordle is. Also, wikipedia has pages devoted entirely to one color's name. Check out an example at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Shades_of_orange. This could be used as an aid.

Supplies/Materials:
-Computers
-Crayola Crayons (for inspiration)

Teacher Preparation:
The teacher should have example Wordles out for students to look at and ask questions about.

Teaching Introduction:
"Why can't everything that's red just be called "red?" Why do you think we have names for different shades?
What is the most interesting shade or tint name you have ever heard?
What are some other names you can think of for "orange?" "yellow?" etc...
Has anyone ever made a Wordle?
We're going to use the computer today to name our own colors!"

Directions:
1) Show students the box of crayola crayons and ask what is so interesting about their names
2) Read several names outloud, wait for comments, giggles, etc.
3) Show example Wordles and ask what elements students notice (they're each one color, different names of colors, etc.)
4) Pass out papers and have students write 10-15 different names for colors. SPECIAL ED MOD: Have student write out 10-15 ITEMS that are all the same color (apple, firetruck, car, fire, etc.)
5) Check everyone's lists and approve them, send them to computer.
6) Instruct students on how to access Wordle software onto the computer
http://www.wordle.net/create

Critique/Evaluation/Assessment:
When everyone is finished compare and read some words off of everyone's Wordle! Each student should have a completed Wordle at the end of the class period.

Time Budget: (Depending on the amount of computers. If each student has their own computer:)
Introduction/Directions: 10 minutes
Brainstorming/writing: 10 minutes
Creating Wordle: 15 minutes
Cleanup: Virtually none (pencils, paper) 3 min

Vocabulary:
tint
shade
synonyms
Wordle

Safety Concerns:
None.

Bibliography/References:
http://www.wordle.net/create
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Shades_of_orange