My computer is my canvas. Using computers can be used for beginning writers as well. By using the “writing” module in big universe, you have access to lesson plans as well as a “canvas” for writing student books. These can be class books or books that are published for all to see. You can decide! Have students draw pictures and upload them to the computer can be a great way to motivate students to express themselves. These pictures will be perfect when used with writing projects. Check out the various lesson plans and ideas for your classroom.
This is a sample book I made with my 3rd grade students. They loved learning and sharing what they learned with the world!
Each student was assigned a letter of the alphabet and researched an animal.
Our last page included our bibliography. This is where we gave credit for the information resources we used.
They were excited to have the world as their audience. They wanted to find interesting facts that not everyone knew already. Having a larger audience tends to motivate students to work harder and I found that they more committed to this project. When doing these types of projects, start by allowing your students time to explore other books written by students so they get an idea of all the possibilities. If I did this project again, I would have them use their own artwork done in a drawing program or original artwork. When students realize that the computer can be their canvas too, you have instilled a loved of learning and creating.