As part of readers and writers workshops, the students studied procedural ("How-To") texts as a genre.  After reading many how-to texts, using how-to texts, and analyzing the various features, the students were ready to write their own how-to texts.  They brainstormed topics on which they are experts, and picked their favorite, most interesting topics.  They then wrote detailed, sequential directions to teach their audience.  The students worked on crafting enticing introductions.  Then we introduced a technology component to the unit, and the students learned how to use Microsoft Powerpoint to share their how-to writing as exciting visual presentations. The students were particularly enthusiastic about adding visual design elements to their presentations.  They were exceedingly creative with transitions, backgrounds, and other stylistic flourishes.  The students also learned how to do a google image search to copy and paste appropriate images into their presentations.  Finally, the experts were ready to present.  On December 21, families and friends were invited to our "Expert Convention," during which the students simultaneously presented four presentations at a time on a rotating basis.  It was a spectacular way for the students to share their individual know-how expertise, as well as their public speaking skills, as well.

Below are the students' presentations from the Expert Convention.  While the students each created individual presentations independently, for the convention I combined their presentations into several composite files.  To simplify posting the presentations here, I'm have only posted the composite presentations.  I am also sorry to say that some of the formatting was lost when I converted the files to post on the website.  The students may notice that their spiffy animations and transitions are gone.  If you would like to see your child's presentation in with its original formatting, I can email you the powerpoint file.  If your child's presentation doesn't show immediately, just wait and it will cycle through all of the presentations.