One of the neatest Web 2.0 tools I could use in an English Language Arts class is Wordle. It allows the student to paste a bunch of words into a text box. It thens generates a random "word cloud (wordle.net)."Wordle can be used many different lessons. One way is at the beginning of the school year as a "getting to know you" lesson. Students can compile a list of 25-30 adjectives, describing themselves. The students can use another Web 2.0 such as the visual thesaurus software to come up with their list. They can then type the words into the Wordle text box and then hit create to generate their Wordle.
The second lesson Wordle can be used for is to work on elements of a story. I taught Number the Stars by Lois Lowry. If I wanted to know how much the kids were picking up on the mood of the story. The students could compile a list of the words that came to mind when thinking of the mood, place the words in the text box and create their Wordle. Once the students are done we could print them and have a classroom discussion. Students are not allowed to talk during this activity because I would like them to sit with their own thoughts (they are of course allowed to share their thought during our discussions). I would like them to truly think about the words when thinking about the mood of the story. Later we can post the Wordle print outs to the classroom bulletin board.
Tamara, you listed an excellent idea. I love the thought of using Wordle as a beginning of the year game. The concept of adjectives can be introduced along with the students being able to signify themselves through words. This is another one I will definitely be passing on to the classroom teachers!
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