Some time ago, in preparation for my first webinar, I discovered the joy of making Microsoft® PowerPoint presentations. Call me weird, but I found I love combining writing with techno-creativity—choosing a template, organizing my ideas into neat bullet points, and adding just the right clipart or photo to each page.
PowerPoint for Kids Who Hate to Write
It may not sound like your idea of fun, but if you have a reluctant writer, I can fairly guarantee that he’d rather make a PowerPoint slide show than write a report by hand. As a matter of fact, allowing your child to display his understanding of a subject in a fresh new way can spark tremendous enthusiasm and eagerness. Creating a PowerPoint presentation appeals to children on so many levels:
- Perfect for both visual and kinesthetic learners.
- Appeals to children who are artistic and creative.
- Appeals to children who love technology.
- Offers a break from more traditional schoolwork.
- Teaches important computer and keyboarding skills.
- Encourages research.
Making It Practical
Children can use a Microsoft® PowerPoint slide show to explain a scientific concept such as photosynthesis, volcanoes, or the water cycle. They can create reports about penguins, submarines, ancient Greece, ballet, or Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Adding photos, clipart, and tidbits of information in bullet-point form, they’re absorbing and applying knowledge. It’s fun, creative, novel, and interesting, making the PowerPoint a great way to mix up traditional report writing with technology. With a few months of the school year still remaining, perhaps the time is right to try something new. Why not introduce your children to PowerPoint?
For some basic tutorials on PowerPoint for kids, start here:
- Helping Kids Use PowerPoint for Presentations – TeachMama
- PowerPoint Tutorial for Kids – eHow
- Create Your First Presentation – Free Microsoft Course
- Other PowerPoint resources