SUBJECT: Language Arts
GRADE: Kindergarten
TECHNOLOGY: Drawing Program
BY: Rachel Steele

Describing the Spring Using
Temporary Spelling and Illustrating

Rationale The purpose of this lesson is to develop in students an ability to observe and record those observations in a complete sentence using temporary spelling. Students at the kindergarten level are constantly making observations about their world. This will help them develop their observations into complete sentences so that they can communicate them with others. Temporary spelling is an important step in the beginning stages of the writing process. This lessons allows students to work on their spelling and think about the sounds they are hearing in words they want to write.

They will also illustrate their sentence using a drawing program on a computer. Students of all ages are using computers in classrooms and developing technology skills. This will help the students feel comfortable and familiar with a computer and help them improve their fine motor skills at the same time.

Objective Students will write a description sentence using invented spelling.
Students will illustrate their sentence using a draw program.

Procedure In early April, take the class on a nature walk looking for signs of spring. Point out animals and birds, flowers and leaves. When you return to the classroom, have each student write a sentence on sentence strip describing something they saw or heard. Have them use temporary spelling to write the sounds they hear to spell each word.
The second part may take several days for every student to complete depending on the number of available computers.
Have each child read their sentence to you and then ask them how they would illustrate it. Using a draw program on a computer, demonstrate using the mouse to make a shape. Then allow them to use the program to create their illustration. Unless you have a color printer, have them illustrate in clack and white. When they are done, print it and allow them to color their pictures. Attach the sentence strip to the illustration. They make good hallway decorations to show everyone what you have learned about spring.

Assessment
Have children read their sentence and tell you about their picture.

Materials
sentence strips
at least one computer