Creating+Graphic+Organizers+in+Inspiration

Return to iSquad Lessons = = ** In this session, participants will be able to create a graphic organizer in Inspiration that helps organize ideas. How can Inspiration improve my writing skills? Why would we like to train teachers on how to use Inspiration? What are the benefits of Inspiration over traditional pen and paper outlines? The following materials are used in this session: -Laptops -Projector -Inspiration Software -Smartboard The following resources are used in this session: Internet connection, laptop computer, and Smartboard. Writing is a key part of being successful in life. In the Middle School, we spend much of our time in class trying to improve our writing skills. The best way to improve our writing is by organizing our thoughts. Traditionally, a paper outline is the best approach. Now, we have Inspiration software, which allows us to organize our thoughts using graphics. It is a much more enjoyable way to organize our thoughts and improve our creativity. Watch me as I show you how to do the following: I am going to show you how to set up a graphic organizer. I will choose a theme and add three bubbles on the screen. Next, I will add text to the bubbles. Lastly, I will connect these bubbles to make a unique graphic organizer. Notice how my ideas are well organized now. - Use an example such as Reasons to Use Inspiration (Main Idea) – (Subtopics) 1. It is easy to use. 2. Makes Writing Fun 3. Great learning tool Now that you understand what Inspiration is used for, consider how teachers might use this software in the classroom. Think about how it would be useful for students. **WORK TIME** During this time, you will create a simple graphic organizer using Inspiration. Think of a main idea and create three subtopics under the main idea. “Take the next 30 minutes to complete the following steps and then we will come back together and share.” Participants will... Step 1- Load Inspiration software Step 2 – Click twice in Main idea bubble Step 3- Type the main idea; Example Reasons to Use Inspiration Step 4- Click on shape in side toolbar Step 5- Move the bubble beneath the main idea bubble Step 6- Click inside bubble twice and add text Step 7 – Click outside the box Step 8- Click on the bubble in the side toolbar Step 9- Repeat steps 5-8 until you have four completed bubbles Step 10 – Click link on top menu Step 11- Click one of the bubbles. Step 12- Drag the links to the Main ideas to make a connection Step 13- Connect each bubble with a link to the main idea Step 14- Click Top Menu – File—Save Step 15- Click outline to review your chart and outline format. Circulate around the room and assist student with topic ideas and creating the flow chart. Take note of particularly good examples of work that can be presented during the Share. Ask selected participants to share particularly good examples of their work. Why do you think we would use inspiration in the classroom? What did you find beneficial about using this software? Next time, we will learn to add graphics to Inspiration to improve the visual effects. Author: Joseph Pascarelli Email: jpascarelli@schools.nyc.gov School/Employer: MS 118 Title: Technology Coach/Coordinator
 * CREATING A GRAPHIC ORGANIZER IN INSPIRATION
 * SETTING THE STAGE **
 * Session Overview **
 * Focusing Questions **
 * Materials **
 * Resources **
 * INSTRUCTION **
 * Framing the Session **
 * Teaching **
 * Guided Practice **
 * Getting Started **
 * Participant Activity **
 * Facilitator Conferring **
 * SHARE **
 * Share **
 * ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS **