Wordle

** This is the Wordle instruction sheet that I have handed out to classes after my Wordle how-to lesson. Some Grade 9 and 10 English teachers have warmly embraced Wordles and integrated them into their projects, etc. My question to you is this: How do we promote Wordles to teachers to use in other parts of the curriculum? Have any of you taught Wordles to other classes? Also, some teachers just view Wordles as "one-off" lessons where kids create something colourful and pretty. Wordles can do much more than that. Any tried-and-true suggestions or lessons for the classroom? **
 * Wordles! **

** Getting Started **


 * 1) Go to the library web page by clicking on the Internet Explorer icon.


 * 1) Click on **Elementary School Web Site**. You’ll find it on the right-hand side of the page.


 * 1) Click on **Web 2.0 Tools**. It’s on the right-hand side of the page.


 * 1) Click on **Wordle**. It’s on the right-hand side of the page near the bottom.


 * 1) Click on the box labelled **Create Your Own**. Type in your words. The more often you type a word, the larger it will be in your wordle.


 * 1) To join words together, type **SHIFT and this character ~.** You’ll find it above the tab key.


 * 1) Copy and paste your words into a Microsoft Office Word document in case there is technological glitch with Wordle. That way, you have your backup list of words in case you have to start again.


 * 1) Look for this menu at the top. You will be able to experiment with colour, layout, font, and form.

** Saving Your Wordle in a Word Document **


 * 1) Take a screen shot of your wordle when you are finished creating it. **To take a screen shot, press the key that is labelled PrtScn (above the Insert key on the right-hand side of the keyboard).**


 * 1) Go to the start menu. Click on it.


 * 1) Go to **Programs**. Click on it.


 * 1) Find **Accessories**. Click on **Paint**.


 * 1) A white box surrounded by different icons will appear. Click on the white box.


 * 1) Press CTRL and V at the same time to paste in your wordle.


 * 1) Look for this icon **below Edit**. Click on it. A little crosshairs tool will appear.


 * 1) Drag the little crosshairs tool over the area of your wordle that you would like to save. The area should be surrounded by a broken-lined box.


 * 1) Click on the inside of the area you would like to save.


 * 1) Right click your mouse. Click on **Copy** of the menu that will appear.


 * 1) Open a Microsoft Office Word Document.


 * 1) Right click your mouse. Click on **Paste**. Your wordle should magically appear.


 * 1) You may stretch out your wordle.


 * 1) Remember to save your wordle.

Have fun!

Thanks for the instructions. This is a great web site. - Eva Wills

As an introduction to Wordles, I had the HSP students make a list of words to describe themselves, with their name being first. I had them do the list in a word document first and then cut and paste, to avoid the disappointment of a wordle glitch (which happened on 2 computers). I explained how the word they typed most will be largest - and that was to be their name. They loved the activity. It made them think about themselves in a positive way and they loved the results which are hanging in their room already! While we were doing this, I told the HSP teacher that a neat application is to put in a piece of writing so that students can see which word the use the most (a few students chimed in, 'and'). She thought this was interesting, and might try it??? With another group, I'm doing the same thing, but with an eco-message. With that group, the grade 4s, we've been working on eco posters in ComicLife and so I introduced this as another piece of media to get the message across in an interesting, visual way. That's it for me, so far. ~ Eva Rendek