Do Spiders Live on the World Wide Web?

Through use of a fun and informative online story, students will explore the parts of the computer, as well as discover that words have multiple meanings.

A lesson plan for grade K English Language Arts

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Related topics

• Learn more about English language arts, computer/technology skills, education technology, and reading.

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

• identify the parts of a computer: mouse, screen, window, mouse, net, window, screen, keyboard verbally and by using labels
• complete KWL chart regarding computer vocabulary
• navigate a virtual storybook using a mouse
• discuss multiple meanings of computer vocabulary

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

30–45 minutes

Materials/resources

• chart paper for KWL chart
• labels with computer vocabulary
• story, Do Spiders Live on the World Wide Web by Erica Christianson, Barbara Fowler, Patrick Misterovich, Antoinette Murphy, Josie Parker and Margie Styf, found at: Story Hour

Technology resources

Computer with internet access, with above website brought up at beginning of lesson.

Pre-activities

• Make a KWL chart and fill in the "know" section. Students can match pictures of computer vocabulary, or you can write down their responses to questions.
• Discuss computer handling with students. Remind them to use gentle touch when operating the mouse, and to leave buttons alone unless asked to touch them.

Activities

1. List computer vocabulary on "Want to Know" portion of KWL chart.
2. Demonstrate use of the mouse in virtual story. (Another story can be used from the same website.) Have students practice moving pages back and forth. Point out other functions on the website that can be operated by clicking the mouse.
3. Have students identify, verbally or by pointing which of the pictures on each page shows that particular vocabulary word. Point out that they both do, but the word has two different meanings. Ask students to find examples of the word in the classroom ("Where is the window?")
4. When finished with the story, use the labels with words or Boardmaker pictures to label the different parts of the computer.
5. To review concepts, fill in the "Learned" section of the KWL chart with student comments. Ask students to touch labeled parts of computer.

Assessment

• Observe students correctly using computer during lesson, as well as when interacting with learning programs.
• Use of computer vocabulary in speech, writing, or by touching corresponding pictures.
• Change in knowledge of computer vocabulary as measured through resposes recorded on KWL chart.
• Identify computer vocabulary as evidenced by performance-based vocabulary checklist.
• Verbalize or indicate through pictures appropriate use of computers.

Supplemental information

I used Boardmaker, a picture vocabulary program, to generate pictures from which my non-verbal students could choose when asked to identify a vocbulary word.

Comments

This lesson was designed for students with cognitive impairments. However, I think this lesson would be well-suited for a kindergarten or first grade class. The story is lots of fun, and can be a basis for wonderful discussion about the multiple meanings of words.