E-PALS
Curriculum Link:
Estimated completion time:
-Writing a friendly letter
1-2 hours of classroom prep time
-Write an acrostic poem
1 computer lab session
CSO’s:
RLA 4.1.1- To identify and apply grade level vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, homonyms), multiple meaning
words, and context clues
RLA 4.2.9- To apply proper sentence structure with the use of editing strategies using a variety of sentence types
and length
RLA 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.2.6, 4.2.7- To develop a written composition (3 – 5 paragraphs) using the writing process in
order to persuade, compare and contrast, write friendly letters, descriptions, instructions.
RLA 4.3.1- Use a variety of strategies to plan simple research using brainstorming methods, graphic organizers, and
develop a course of action for writing
RLA 4.3.2- Develop a proper paragraph form with a beginning, middle, and end, using indentations, and main ideas
with relevant details. Identify and produce grammatically correct sentences. Identify and apply conventions of
punctuation and capitalization in written composition.
GOALS:
1- Students must make an acronym of their name prior to the lab session
Ex. JACKIE- joyful, active, caring, kicking baby, into sports, excited about the baby
2- Students must write a letter telling about themselves
Web Ex.
I’m
Your Choice
My favorite subject is Math.
My favorite color is Carolina
blue.
27
All About
Me
My favorite team is UNC Tar
Heels.
I really enjoy watching movies.
My favorite vacation spot is
Wrightsville Beach, NC.
My favorite TV show is One
Tree Hill.
*After webbing, students must put everything together into sentences (8-10 sentences). This is to be done prior to lab time.
3- Optional: teacher will email letters to another teacher and allow students to read those sent to them
I am ___
years old.
My favorite subject is
_____________________.
My favorite vacation spot is
_____________________.
All About
_________
My favorite color is
_____________________.
My favorite team is
_____________________.
I really enjoy
_____________________.
My favorite TV show is
____________________.
LAB SESSION DIRECTIONS:
Open a new document in Microsoft Office Word
Set the top margins to 3” (*make sure students select 3 “ and not 0.3”)
Add a page border
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Click on the PAGE LAYOUT tab
Click on PAGE BACKGROUND group
Click PAGE BORDERS
In the BORDERS AND SHADING dialog box, click PAGE BORDER tab
Choose a SETTING, STYLE, COLOR and WIDTH
Students will type their name with their acronym into word.
EX:
B
R
I
A
Bubbly Runner Inspiring Athletic
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N
nutty
N
nutritious Adventurous
Use the tab key or space bar to space out letters and words to make it look correct
Students will type their name into Word Art.
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Click on INSERT tab.
TEXT group
Click WORD ART
Choose a style
In the EDIT WORD ART text, select FONT size and TEXT size
Type name into the text area
Click ok
Move your Word Art to the top right of the page by following these steps.
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A
Click FORMAT tab
Click the ARRANGE group
Click TEXT WRAPPING
Click THROUGH
Press enter
Click and drag the figure to the top left corner of the page
Use the expand handles to make the figure larger
Students will type their friendly letter (8-10 sentences).
At the end of the letter, press enter.
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On the HOME tab
In the PARAGRAPH group
Click ALIGN TEXT RIGHT icon
Type “Yours sincerely,”
Press ENTER twice
Type your first name
Revise/edit as a group
Click OFFICE button
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Save as
Word 2003-2007
Click MY COMPUTER
Click on your name
Type in EPAL
Click save
Demonstrate the rest using a projector.
Log in to your school email
Click compose
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Type in your address to send to yourself. You could also coordinate with another teacher in the building to send
the emails to each other and have students read letters from the other class(send letters as an attachment)
Type subject as : E-Pal Introduction Letter
Show students how to attach their documents
Click send!
*If you chose to coordinate with another teacher, you can extend the lesson by showing students how to open an
attachment from an email and then print the letters for students to read.