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Things to Do > Computer Resource Center > Electronic Curricula

Shape Poems

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Subject: Art and Writing
Age Level: 7 years old and up

Performance Standards Information
Writing E2d

Activity Goals

  • Children will learn about different ways of writing and presenting their poetry in a creative and fun way. This project also encourages children to think about layout and spatial design.

Skills children will learn from the activity

    Children will:
  • Understand the relationship between text and drawing
  • Learn how to use the different features of KidPix
  • Experiment with different forms of poetry
Materials needed
  • Lined Paper
  • Pencils
  • Computers loaded with KidPix Deluxe software
Prerequisites
    Children must understand:
  • Rules of the computer room
  • That all materials and computers are meant to be shared
  • Behavioral expectations of the CRC

Procedure

  1. Have the students sit in a small group to discuss the assignment.
  2. After students have decided what sort of poem they will be writing, and after their draft has been proof-read, have the students go on to KidPix.
  3. When the children get to the Picker, have them click on the paintbrush (located on the vertical tool bar at the left of the screen). The selection at the bottom will have changed, click on the ABC option (found at the bottom).
  4. Go to the TOOLBOX (found at the top of the screen) and click on the Alphabet Text selection. When the window opens begin to type the text and then click OK.
  5. Then go to the blank page and begin painting the desired shape. However, make sure to hold the left click down as you drag, otherwise the poem will start from the beginning.
  6. If you would like to change the color of the font, just click on the color menu to make your selection.
  7. Compile the poems and create a book of shape poems for the recreation center library.
  8. Have children create theme based shape poems--like sports or nature and then display them throughout the center.
Extension Activities
  • Compile the poems and create a book of shape poems for the recreation center library.
  • Have children create theme based shape poems--like sports or nature and then display them throughout the center.