Part One Overview It is difficult for me to imagine what the world was like before the introduction of word

processing software. Yes, I learned to type on a manual typewriter and when I moved on to the IBM Selectric II, I thought it was so high tech. Since the early days of microcomputers, word processing and spreadsheet programs have served as two of the most basic components in the teachers technology toolkit (Robyler & Doering, 2013, p. 114). Unfortunately, many assume spreadsheets are for mathematical applications only. With this in mind, traditionally spreadsheets and databases have been primarily incorporated into math lessons however they can be most useful in all subject areas. Spreadsheet Uses Spreadsheets are programs designed to organize and manipulate numerical data (Robyler & Doering, 2013, p. 122). The freedom to manipulate data allows the user to create spreadsheets designed for specific purposes. Unfortunately spreadsheets are used primarily in mathematics and science, however with some creativity are useful in all subject areas. Using spreadsheets in language arts provides yet another tool for teachers and students alike. The following are examples of how to integrate language arts spreadsheets in the classroom.

Vocabulary

The Look, Cover, Check activity provides students with drill and practice on weekly spelling words. After inserting the weekly spelling words into the interactive Excel worksheet, the students will look at a word, cover the word, and then type the word in the space provided. Once all of the words have been completed, the interactive Excel worksheet will provide immediate feedback. This activity is easily scaffolded for students of all spelling levels.

Source: http://www.teachingandlearningresources.co.uk/nlshowto.shtml Mad-Libs with Excel

Most children by the time they have entered the fourth grade have completed a mad lib. A mad lib is a writing activity that has blanks where the students randomly fill in blanks. Focusing on parts of speech, the words usually consist of nouns, adjectives, & verbs. To make the activity more challenging, students may be directed to use more specific parts of speech such as: common nouns, proper nouns, action verbs, linking verbs, speech such as: common nouns, proper nouns, action verbs, linking verbs, mad libs that may have parts of speech like body part, or name of person in room.

Source: http://www.internet4classrooms.com/excel_non-mathematical_uses.html

Grammar Word List

The Grammar Word List is one example of a sorting activity that is easily adaptable depending on the subject matter being presented. After inserting the words and definitions, randomly sort one of the columns, and then have the students match the term with the definition. This is another activity, which can easily be adapted for all student ability levels.

Source: http://www.sbaran.net/excel/ Daily Journal Writing Activity

Students should be provided authentic writing activities daily. At times this is difficult to achieve however using the Advanced Diary students will be able to not only have an authentic experience but also have the opportunity to use technology in doing so.

Source: http://advanced-diary.software.informer.com/ Part Two Much of todays focus in education seems to be on STEM subjects, science, technology, engineering, and math. Without a solid foundation in language arts, these subjects will be difficult. Language skills, which include reading, writing, listening, and speaking, continue to develop throughout life. Schoolchildren are developing all of their language skills simultaneously. Expanded classroom experiences enhance this development (Roe, 2010). Writing involves communicating with others through the printed word or recording ideas for yourself. It is classified as an expressive skill and a written language skill (Roe, 2010). Developing good writing habits takes time and practice. Students must be able to recognize and identify the parts of speech. Teaching grammar may sound old fashioned. People associate grammar with errors and correctness. But knowing about grammar also helps us understand what makes sentences and paragraphs clear and interesting and precise (Nordquist, 2014). Understanding the parts of speech is one way for students to develop a solid foundation in basic sentence structure. Students must demonstrate a command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

Grammar in the 4th Grade Introduction Upon completion of the following exercise students in the fourth grade will be able to complete sentences by selecting the correct word and identify what part of speech the word is associated with in the context of the sentence. Students will complete this activity as a supplemental exercise for lessons taught in class. Common Core Standards L.4.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. L.4.1.g Correctly use frequently confused words (e.g., to, too, two; there, their). L.4.2.1 Use correct capitalization.

Objectives Data As a whole group, the students will each draft four sentences using proper grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. Columns A-E will be labeled Sentence, Select the Correct Word, Answer, Select the Part of Speech, Answer respectively. Students will use the Data Validation option to display possible answer choices. Students will practice identifying parts of speech. Students will select the complete sentences using the correct tense. Students will demonstrate a command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage. Students will correctly use frequently confused words. Students will use correct capitalization.

To view the activity, please go to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Aqb_pxQAshvcdDJpUnlMTkgxVjAyT0 xmbFhoMmRUcEE&usp=sharing

References: Nordquist, R. (2014). Why does grammar matter? Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/language-arts/ Roblyer, M.D. and Doering, A.H. (2013). Integrating Educational Technology Into Teaching, (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, Inc. Roe, B.D. (2010). The language arts. Retrieved from http://www.education.com/reference/article/language-arts/