Performance Indicator # 4 Use technology resources (e.g., calculators, videos, educational software) for problem solving, self-directed learning, and extended learning activities.

(NETS: 5, 6; AZ 5, 6; MPS-TSS 6.1)

Curriculum Objectives:

• Language Arts Standard 2 Writing, W-F6: Write well organized communications, such as friendly letters, memos and invitations, for a specific audience and with a clear purpose.

Materials Needed:

• The story, The Armadillo from Amarillo
• computer lab,
• Kid Pix, any version
  construction paper, cut in half to about the size of two large postcards,
• a fictitious address for Armadillo,
• glue or tape
• Scissors
  

Procedure:

1. After reading the story, The Armadillo from Amarillo together, discuss the five parts to a letter. Identify them on the postcards in the story.
2. In the computer lab, launch Kid Pix and choose the Kid Pix part of the program.
3. Draw a line down the middle, starting from the top. This will be the back of the postcard, where the message, name and address, and stamp are located.
4. In the upper-right hand corner, use the rectangle tool to draw a stamp. Use one of the stamps from the stamp set as the picture, and include the cost.
5. On the left side, write a short letter to Armadillo.
6. On the right side, compose the name and address.
7. Save and print.
8. Open a new Kid Pix document.
9. Design the front of the postcard, after discussing from where you might be writing this postcard.
10. Save and print. (Before printing, you may want to direct the students to fill in large areas of color with white paint, if you're printing with color. Later on, they can color these objects with crayons or markers.)
11. Cut around the edges of the printed postcards.
12. Glue or tape them onto either side of the construction paper.
13. Display.