Alphabet Soup
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This project is organized in two sections:
Prep -- outlines the materials and preparations.
Steps -- recommends steps to follow to complete the project.



Computer Resources:
Access to several multimedia computers is needed. While many computer configurations will work, we recommend:

-- Macintosh computer: System 7.0 or above and at least 16 MB of RAM.
-- IBM-compatible computer: 386 or higher processor with at least 16 MB of RAM, running Windows 3.1. Or, a 486/66 or Pentium with at least 16 MB of RAM, running Windows 95.
-- One computer workstation with audio input.
-- Microphone (Macintosh computers have the facility for sound; IBM-compatible computers need to be equipped with a sound card for this portion of the lesson.)
-- HyperStudio.

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This project will take 2 class periods per week for 7 weeks. There are 5 components to this lesson:

Bullet Lesson I: HyperStudio Overview.
Allow students practice time with HyperStudio. Introduce the project.
(Weeks I and II)

bullet Lesson II: HyperStudio Review.
Review the use of paint brush tool and color palette. Assign each student a letter of the alphabet. Make first card.
(Week III)

Bullet Lesson III: Create Second Card.
Create a button to link the two cards.
(Weeks IV and V)

Bullet Lesson IV: Record A Sound.
Record the sound of each letter and the words each student's letter represents.
(Weeks VI and VII)

Bullet Lesson V: Presentation.
Have students present their work.
(Week VII)

Lesson I:  
Give an overview of HyperStudio. Allow students practice time with HyperStudio. Introduce the project. (Weeks I and II)

Step 1
Students will develop technical skill using the drawing tools and color palette. Give an overview of how HyperStudio works. In particular, focus on using the color palette and drawing tools.

Step 2
Allow students time to experiment with HyperStudio. Make sure that they have a clear understanding of all the resources available to them. This is particularly important because students will be using these resources for their projects.

Step 3
At the end of the second week, begin discussing the project with your students. Assign each student a letter of the alphabet. For homework, have them come up with 5 objects or items, the names of which start with the same letter as their assigned letter. Print and distribute the Assignment Sheet for this lesson.


Lesson II:  
Review use of HyperStudio's paint brush tool and color palette. Create first card. (Week III)

Step 1
Review with students how to use the painting tools and color palette. Show students how to write a letter of the alphabet on a page using the paint brush tool. Demonstrate how to use the drawing tools and color palette to decorate their page.

Step 2
Students' assignment for this week is to write the letter on the first card and decorate the page.


Lesson III:  
Create second card. Create a button to link the two cards. (Weeks IV and V)

Step 1
Teach students to create a second card. Then teach students to create an invisible button that links their first card to their second card.

Step 2
On the second card, students should draw the object that they chose in Week I. For example, a student with the letter A might draw an apple.


Lesson IV:  
Record the sound of each letter and the words each student's letter represents. (Weeks VI and VII)

Step 1
Using the Actions option (for a new button), select Play a Sound. Have students record the sound their letters make.

Step 2
Students should begin recording by stating the letter that they are studying. They should follow this up by saying the name of the object that they drew.

Step 3
Finally, they should record the sound that their letter makes. For example, "A, apple, ahhhhh." Students should finish decorating their pages.

Step 4
When students click on their invisible buttons, their first card will link to their second card, and the sound, which they have recorded, will play.


Lesson V:  
Presentations. (Week VII)

Step 1 		The teacher should create a title card with a button for each letter of the alphabet.

Step 2
Link the buttons to students' work. Allow students to present their work in class.
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Submit a Comment: We invite your comments and suggestions based on how you used the lesson in your classroom.

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