AlphaSmarts

Whole Class Activities
Group brainstorming - As class brainstorms a topic, one student records information. Information can then be printed out and distributed; uploaded to Inspiration; or used for categorizing activities.
Add onto story - Each student starts a story and after a set amount of time, the AlphaSmarts are passed another student to continue the story. Students can be directed in what to write about each round. (i.e. Round One: describe the setting, Round Two: introduce the character, Round Three: create a problem, Round Four: solve the problem.)
Repeat patterning - The teacher provides a beginning pattern. Students then complete the pattern on the AlphaSmart and share with a neighbor or print.

Making bigger words - Students are given a vocabulary word that is scrambled. They see how many words they can make using the letters and ultimately try to identify the "big" word. Students use categories to make words (2-letter words, 3-letter words, etc.)
Pass and edit stories - After students write a story, they pass the AlphaSmarts to another student to edit. Students can pass the story several time, each time editing a specific area (spelling, punctuation grammar, etc.)
Round Table brainstorming - Use AlphaSmarts as class brainstorms a topic. Each table is given one AlphaSmart. Students type their idea when given the AlphaSmart and then pass it to another student.
Meeting notes for class meetings - A student is assigned to take notes
during class meetings.
Newspaper - Create a class newspaper by having the students write different types of articles on their AlphaSmarts. Use the Newspaper Template by clicking into a text box and sending the article over add the title, author, and a picture.

Small Group Activities
Sentence Stretching - Begin with a short sentence or a group of words on an AlphaSmart file. Pass AlphaSmart around to a group of about six people with the rule that each person must add or change one word to make the sentence more interesting.
Brainstorming - Groups brainstorm a topic and type return after each new idea then open up Inspiration and set up rapid fire and send their topics over.
Articles for a class newspaper - Student groups work to create an article for a class newspaper. Each group can be assigned a different topic. These articles could then be uploaded into a newspaper template for publication.
Write story problems or math stories - Groups create a math story after being shown a picture, given an answer, or another prompt from the teacher.
Field trip notes - Groups can record descriptions and other information while on a field trip. Questions can be given beforehand.
Keypal letters - Students work in groups to write letters to keypals. Letters can then be uploaded to email and sent.
Interviews - Students work in small groups to interview school workers, community members, each other etc. Questions can be downloaded onto the AlphaSmarts and responses can then be recorded.
Terms to describe self - Students use AlphaSmarts to write physical traits and personality characteristics. Students then print their responses and exchange papers. Students can then read each description and guess who it is.

Literacy Center Activities
Book summaries - Students write summaries of books or download a response sheet and have students comment on questions.
Interesting facts - A collection of resource books or internet sites based on core curriculum are made available to students in centers. Students can use the AlphaSmarts to record interesting facts. Students can then share the facts with the class or use them for other projects.
Publish stories - Students write stories and upload them into a word processor or draw program for publication.
Writing letters - Students can be given a task (write a persuasive letter to the principal) and use AlphaSmarts to complete the task. The letter can then be printed and sent to the appropriate recipient.
Pyramiding - Students pyramid vocabulary words or spelling words.

Typing name - Students can practice typing their name.
Listen to music and write a story - Have a collection of music (music can be based around a theme such as Halloween, spring, rainforests, etc.). Students listen to the music with earphones on and then write a story based on the music.

Independent Activities
Research-Label each file as a research area such as "Habitats," "Food," "Birth," Characteristics," etc. and then as students do the research, they organize their notes into the various categories.
Journal- Students can use the AlphaSmarts for journal activities. Students can take turns using the AlphaSmarts and then print out and add to their paper journal.
Spelling Words - Students practice their spelling words using AlphaSmarts.
Publish Stories - Students write stories and upload them into a word processor or draw program for publication.
Use for daily assignments - A student can be selected to complete all daily assignments using the AlphaSmarts.
Write word name for numbers - Students are given a list of numbers and asked to write them in their word name.
DOL - Students can take turns completing their DOL on AlphaSmarts.
Homework - Students can check out the AlphaSmarts and use them to complete their homework. (Work with principal to determine procedures for check out.)
ESL students - Students can write word in their native language.
Nature Senses - Take the AlphaSmarts outside and type what is observed-silently exercise the senses and record.
Mystery Alphabet - Students can use numbers for letters (Example: 1 = A, 2= B, etc.) Have students create a paragraph of at least three sentences using only numbers and include at least one adjective and adverb in each sentence.
Then exchange AlphaSmarts and have students write out the sentences
using the number code as a guide. Read paragraphs aloud to verify correct
content.
Mystery Alphabet Expanded - Have students generate their own "mystery
alphabets" using another number pattern (example 2= A, 4= B, 6=C)
Exchange AlphaSmarts figure out the number pattern and write the
sentences using words instead of numbers. Print and read aloud or post.

Primary Grades
Write the Room - Walk around the room and type in words they find in the room.
Letter of the Week - Given several numbered pictures, the student shall type the number and spell the picture name or write a sentece using the picture name.
Number Recognition - The students types as directed. Type 3 w's. Type 5 p's. Type 7 e's...
Sight Word Center - Practice writing sight words then reading them out loud. Have a friend spell a word to you, you type it, then read it. Then have the friend read the sight word and you try to type it.
Oral Language - Students pretend to write (type) a story. When they are finished the student will tell the teacher or a friend whay they typed. Option: The teacher could type the story with a postitive comment and send a copy to the parent.
Matching Capital Letters with Lower Case Letters - Take a holiday that is in progress. Write a word with each letter of that holiday name. Example: Easter - E=eggs, a=action , s=search, t=treats, e=exciting, r=racing
Letter Recognition - Show students pictures and students can press the initial, beginning, or ending letter that they hear (depending on what you ask for).

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