Writing Aids

To help the student increase vocabulary, correct spelling, and ease the writing process, several additional software features are often available. They are often incorporated into comprehensive word processing software, such as Microsoft's Word or AppleWorks. Other stand-alone commercial programs provide opportunities for classroom activities such as dictionary or categorization activities. We list some examples below:

Examples (intermediate grades 4-5)

Children's Illustrated Encyclopedia (DK Publishing, Inc.)
The Children's Illustrated Encyclopedia includes 450 main entries, arranged in alphabetical order and written in clear, lively text. It includes 1,500 additional sub-entries on a wide range of topics.

Amazing Talking Dictionary (DK Publishing, Inc.)
Designed for young users, this dictionary offers many pictures. It includes the capability of reading definitions aloud to beginning readers.

Inspiration (Inspiration Software, Inc. )
Inspiration is a powerful visual learning tool that inspires students to use words in ways that organize their thinking. Students use Inspiration's Diagram view to dynamically create and modify concept maps, webs and other graphical organizers. You can download a free trial version!

Kidspiration (Inspiration Software, Inc.)
Designed for children in Kindergarten through 3rd grade, Kidspiration helps young students see, organize and develop their great ideas.

Draft Builder (Don Johnston, Inc. + Education Development Center)
Draft:Builder gives students a framework for organizing their thoughts and information so they can develop first drafts ready for editing and revising. Draft:Builder helps students with learning difficulties to learn and practice the writing process.

Spell Checkers
Many students have difficulty with spelling. Several tools can help, including handheld devices (such as the popular Franklin spelling tools) and software applications or features within writing programs. . Various features include:

• Student Control: Can the student choose when to check his spelling, or does the program control this?
• Contextual Spelling: Is the misspelled word shown within the context of the sentence?
• Homonyms: Can the program distinguish between similar-sounding words (i.e., two and too)?
• Hear the Choices: Text-to-speech features allow the student to hear the misspelled word and suggestion lists spoken by the computer.