The Positives of Word Processors

Chapter 4 was based solely on the basic three software tools: word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs. Out of those three with being a first grade teacher, I related to word processing the most. As the book states it offers a wide range of advantages. First of all, it saves time, enhances document appearance, and allows you to share documents with other writers. I use word processor for a variety of assignments mostly for myself. I use it to type my lesson plans on a weekly basis. I also use it to type my newsletter bi-weekly. Any note I send home that I know that I’m going to use again the next year I simply save it and just pull it up again the next year. At the beginning of the year we have a packet to give to our parents with an assortment of papers to be filled out. These are anywhere from classroom rules and management to what each folder will be used for in our classroom. However, I use some of the same procedures each school year so all I have to do is pull it up on my processor where I have it saved and change the dates. Talking about saving some major time? It has been a lifesaver for me in the past. The book suggests that word processing can be introduced to students as young as 4 or 5 and I completely agree. My student’s have computer lab time every other week, so most of the time we practice handwriting drills and write stories in class, but if they did not have that “special” I would incorporate something in my lesson where they would do some kind of work at the computer typing especially where our world is headed with technology these days. They would be lost in the future probably without practice at a young age! With that being said, I’m not surprised word processing has become the most commonly used software in education.