Lesson Plan
Course Title: Principles of Information Technology
Session Title: Using the Tool Palette in Word Processing
Lesson Duration: 90 minutes (time approximate)
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this lesson, the student will be able to create a text document by creatively
utilizing the tool palette in the word-processing software.
Specific Objectives:
 Define terms associated with the lesson
 Identify the basic tool palette functions found in the word-processing software
 Determine a personal need for using the tool palette
 Build a personal document utilizing only the tool palette to convey a message
 Evaluate finished document
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of one or more of the TEKS listed.
§130.272(c) Principles of Information Technology
130.272(c)1(B)
identify and demonstrate positive personal qualities such as flexibility, open-mindedness,
initiative, listening attentively to speakers, and willingness to learn new knowledge and skills;
130.272(c)1(C)
employ effective reading and writing skills;
130.272(c)1(I)
demonstrate planning and time-management skills such as project management and
storyboarding.
130.272(c)7(C)
edit a variety of text documents using functions such as pagination, appropriate white space, tab
settings, and font style, size, and color;
130.272(c)7(D)
create professional letters using advanced word-processing features;
130.272(c)7 (F)
produce desktop publishing documents incorporating both text and graphics such as business
cards, newsletters with mastheads, and advertisement flyers
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Using The Tool Palette In Word Processing] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Instructor/Trainer
References:
Curriculum-developer knowledge
Instructional Aids:
 Using the Tool Palette Activities
 Tool Palette Vocabulary (handout)
 Tool Palette Vocabulary Presentation
 Tool Palette Outline Presentation
 Tool Palette Outline Organizer (handout)
 Tool Palette Vocabulary Review (handout)
 Using the Tool Palette Assignment Instructions/Evaluation Checklist
Materials Needed:
 Word Processing Software
 Instructional Aids
Equipment Needed:
 Projector for Presentation
 Computer Lab
 Internet Access
Learner
A prerequisite to this lesson is mastery of an Introduction to Word Processing lesson. Students
will review the Tool Palette Vocabulary Handout the night before class.
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
ASK, “Did you know that most word-processing software comes with some really
cool drawing tools? You will have access to some neat shape styles, shadow
effects, 3-D effects, graph, and diagram art capabilities.”
SAY, “Today, we’re going to take a look at these tools, and you are going to get to
create your own text document using ONLY the tool palette. As a class, we
will vote on the most creative use of the tools—so pay attention!”
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
I.
Instructor Notes:
Define terms/concepts associated with the
lesson
A. Tool Palette – A selection of tools that
allow you to insert shapes and choose
shape styles such as color fill, outline color
and line weight, size, layout, and even fill
effects.
B. Shapes – Graphics organized into
categories such as basic shapes, lines,
block arrows, flowcharts, callouts, and

Using the Tool Palette
Vocabulary Presentation,
review the vocabulary
terms previously given to
the student.

(*Option – Students do
not have to write in the
definition on their
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Using The Tool Palette In Word Processing] Plan
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stars and banners.
organizer since they
already have the
vocabulary handout and
will complete the Tool
Palette Vocabulary
Review activity as part of
the lesson summary.)
C. Shadow Effects – Allow you to enhance
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
II.
III.
the image with various drop shadows,
shadow styles, and shadow
colors/gradients.
3-D Effects – Allows you to add
dimension to a shape using depth,
direction, lighting, and surface parameters.
Charts – Visually organize information or
numbers in chart format such as line
charts, pie charts, bar charts, and even
scatter charts.
Diagram Art – Easy-to-create preformatted but customizable organizational
charts used to graphically display a critical
point in the document. This includes
diagrams to illustrate lists, processes,
cycles, hierarchies, relationships, matrices,
and pyramids.
Position/Text Wrapping – A layout
option that allows you to position the
image horizontally and vertically as well as
“wrap text” around an image, bring text in
front of an image, bring the image in front
of the text, put the image in line with the
text, etc.
Rotate – An option that allows you to
transform the image by rotating it to the
right or left 90 degrees, or by flipping it
vertically or horizontally.
Discuss the relevance of using the tool
palette
A. Enhancement of a message
i. Discuss how overwhelming
straight text can be for a
reader, and how visual stimuli
can be added to “break up”
text or enhance the overall
message.
ii. Show an example of a
document with just plain
straight text. Then, show an
example of a document with
text that is enhanced with
visual appeal.

Use the Tool Palette
Outline Presentation to
guide you as you
demonstrate the use of
the tool palette options.

Have the students
complete the Tool Palette
Outline Organizer as you
present II. and III. of this
lesson.
Demonstrate using the tool palette as
students watch
A. Demonstrate using the following
tools/features (See Guided Practice)
i. Insert a shape
ii. Navigate the tool palette
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Using The Tool Palette In Word Processing] Plan
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iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
IV.
Add a color fill
Add a shadow effect
Add a 3-D effect
Change the position/wrapping
Rotate the image
Insert a diagram or graph and
use the same formatting
options described above
Explain Independent Practice Activity
Students will create their own word
-processing document utilizing the tool
palette

Review the Independent
Document Creation
instructions with the
students (See the Using
the Tool Palette Activities
sheet). Give each
student a copy of the
Rubric for Using the Tool
Palette. Review the
rubric with the students.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
The teacher will demonstrate how to navigate through the tool palette; insert a
shape, diagram, and graph; add a color fill, a shadow effect, a 3-D effect; and
change the position/wrapping and rotation of the image. Ask for one or two
volunteers to re-demonstrate in front of peers. Encourage students watching to peercoach and evaluate the student demonstrator on model building techniques.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Students will work on their personal documents independently.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Q&A Session
Q: What is a tool palette?
A: A set of tools that allow you to insert shapes and choose shape styles such as color fill,
outline color and line weight, size, layout, and even fill effects.
Q: Why is it important to add visual appeal to a document?
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Using The Tool Palette In Word Processing] Plan
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A: A reader can be overwhelmed when trying to comprehend a large block of text without
any visual aid or break in the text.
Q: What’s the difference between shapes and diagram art?
A: Diagram Art includes pre-formatted but customizable organizational charts used to
graphically display a critical point in the document. This includes diagrams to illustrate
lists, processes, cycles, hierarchies, relationships, matrices, and pyramids. Shapes are a
separate option and are organized into categories such as basic shapes, lines, block
arrows, flowcharts, callouts, and stars and banners.
Tool Palette Vocabulary Review Activity
Students will use the fill-in-the-blank Tool Palette Vocabulary Review handout as a
review of the lesson. Afterwards, the teacher will go through the worksheet with the
class.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
1. The teacher will observe student demonstrators and observers during guided
practice to assess student understanding of concepts and techniques.
Revision/re-teaching will occur as needed before moving to the Independent
Practice portion of the lesson.
2. The teacher will circulate through the lab to redirect/re-teach as necessary as
students work independently.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
1. Teacher will use Tool Palette Rubric.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
1. As a “Just for Fun” activity and to encourage creativity, this assignment can
be presented as a “contest,” with the class voting on the most creative (and
extensive) use of the tool palette at the end of the lesson. They can evaluate
the “finalist” to determine who used all of the tools presented in the lesson in
the most creative manner.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Using The Tool Palette In Word Processing] Plan
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Icon
MI
Verbal/
Linguistic
Logical/
Mathematical
Visual/Spatial
Musical/
Rhythmic
Bodily/
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Teaching Strategies
Personal Development
Strategies
Lecture, discussion, journal
writing, cooperative learning,
word origins
Reading, highlighting, outlining,
teaching others, reciting information
Problem solving, number
games, critical thinking,
classifying and organizing,
Socratic questioning
Mind-mapping, reflective
time, graphic organizers,
color-coding systems,
drawings, designs, video,
DVD, charts, maps
Use music, compose songs
or raps, use musical
language or metaphors
Organizing material logically, explaining
things sequentially, finding patterns,
developing systems, outlining, charting,
graphing, analyzing information
Developing graphic organizers, mindmapping, charting, graphing, organizing
with color, mental imagery (drawing in
the mind’s eye)
Use manipulatives, hand
signals, pantomime, real life
situations, puzzles and board
games, activities, roleplaying, action problems
Reflective teaching,
interviews, reflective listening,
KWL charts
Cooperative learning, roleplaying, group brainstorming,
cross-cultural interactions
Natural objects as
manipulatives and as
background for learning
Socratic questions, real life
situations, global
problems/questions
Creating rhythms out of words, creating
rhythms with instruments, playing an
instrument, putting words to existing
songs
Moving while learning, pacing while
reciting, acting out scripts of material,
designing games, moving fingers under
words while reading
Reflecting on personal meaning of
information, studying in quiet settings,
imagining experiments, visualizing
information, journaling
Studying in a group, discussing
information, using flash cards with
other, teaching others
Connecting with nature, forming study
groups with like-minded people
Considering personal relationship to
larger context
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Using The Tool Palette In Word Processing] Plan
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Using the Tool Palette Activities
Class Brainstorm/Discussion:
Instructions for Teacher:
During the lesson, involve the entire class in discussions/brainstorms
about the relevance of using the tool palette and the need for visual stimuli
to “break-up” large blocks of text.
Class Participation in Teacher Demonstration:
Instructions for Teacher:
As you demonstrate using the tool palette, get student buy-in by involving
them in the process. Students will observe, but then ask for one or two
volunteers to re-demonstrate in front of peers. Encourage students
watching to peer coach and evaluate the student demonstrator on model
building techniques.
Independent Document Creation:
Instructions for Teacher:
Students will independently create a document utilizing just the tool palette
to convey a theme or message. If you’d like, you can present it as a type
of contest to see who can come up with the most creative and artistic uses
of the available drawing tools.
Instructions for Student:
Now that you’ve seen me use the tool palette, you’re going to get to create
your own personalized document and apply the drawing tools we’ve
learned today. First, you will need to decide what topic/theme you’d like to
use for your document. Next, use ONLY the tool palette to convey your
topic/theme.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Using The Tool Palette In Word Processing] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Tool Palette Vocabulary
Tool Palette –A selection of tools that allow you to insert shapes and choose shape
styles such as color fill, outline color and line weight, size, layout, and even fill
effects.
Shapes – Graphics organized into categories such as basic shapes, lines, block
arrows, flowcharts, callouts, and stars and banners.
Shadow Effects – Allow you to enhance the image with various drop shadows, shadow
styles, and shadow colors/gradients.
3-D Effects – Allows you to add dimension to a shape using depth, direction, lighting,
and surface parameters.
Charts – Visually organize information or numbers in chart format such as line charts,
pie charts, bar charts, and even scatter charts.
Diagram Art – Easy-to-create pre-formatted but customizable organizational charts
used to graphically display a critical point in the document. This includes
diagrams to illustrate lists, processes, cycles, hierarchies, relationships, matrices,
and pyramids.
Position/Text Wrapping – A layout option that allows you to position the image
horizontally and vertically as well as “wrap text” around an image, bring text in
front of an image, bring the image in front of the text, put the image in line with
the text, etc.
Rotate – An option that allows you to transform the image by rotating it to the right or
left 90 degrees, or by flipping it vertically or horizontally.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Using The Tool Palette In Word Processing] Plan
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
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Tool Palette Outline Organizer
I.
Terms/concepts associated with the lesson:
a. Tool Palette –
b. Shapes –
c. Shadow Effects d. 3-D Effects –
e. Charts –
f.
Diagram Art –
g. Position/Text Wrapping –
h. Rotate –
II.
Relevance of Using the Tool Palette
a. Enhancement of a Message
i. Straight text can be ______________ for a reader. __________
_________ can be added to “_______-up” text or __________ the overall
message.
III.
Teacher will Demonstrate Using the Tool Palette
i. Demonstrate Using the Tool Palette (See Guided Practice)
1. ___________ a shape
2. Navigate the tool ________
3. Add a color _____
4. Add a _________ effect
5. Add a 3-D _________
6. Change the __________/wrapping
7. ___________ the image
8. Insert a _______ or graph
IV.
Students will use creativity to make a document that utilizes the available tool palette. Fill
in your personal document topic here: __________________________________.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Using The Tool Palette In Word Processing] Plan
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Tool Palette Vocabulary Review
Tool Palette:
A selection of ______ that allow you to ________ shapes and choose
shape styles such as _______ ______, _________ ________and line
weight, size, layout, and even ______ _________.
Shapes:
Graphics organized into categories such as _______ shapes, ________,
block arrows, flowcharts, _________, and stars and banners.
Shadow Effects:
Allow you to ________ the image with various _____ shadows, shadow
styles, and shadow colors/____________.
3-D Effects:
Allows you to add __________ to a shape using _________, direction,
__________, and surface parameters.
Charts:
Allow you to visually ___________ information or numbers in ________
format such as line charts, pie charts, bar charts, and even ________
charts.
Diagram Art: Easy-to-create pre-formatted but customizable ______________ charts
used to graphically display a critical point in the document. This includes
diagrams to illustrate _______, ___________, cycles, hierarchies,
______________, matrices, and pyramids.
Position/Text
Wrapping:
A layout option that allows you to position the image _____________ and
_____________ as well as “__________” around an image, bring text in
front of an image, bring the image in front of the text, put the image in line
with the text, etc.
Rotate:
An option that allows you to ___________ the image by _________ it to
the right or left ____ degrees, or by flipping it vertically or horizontally.
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Using The Tool Palette In Word Processing] Plan
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Using the Tool Palette Assignment
Instructions/Evaluation Checklist
Create a document using the tool palette as demonstrated in class. First, decide what
topic/theme you would like to use for your document. Next, use ONLY the tool palette to
convey your topic/theme.
Evaluation Check Sheet
CRITERIA
YES
NO
1. The student correctly inserted a shape into his/her document.
2. The student added text to the shape.
3. The student correctly modified the fill color of the shape.
4. The student correctly modified the stroke weight of the shape.
5. The student correctly included a shadow effect to enhance the shape.
6. The student correctly included a 3-D effect to enhance the shape.
7. The student correctly used the position options in the document to rotate
or transform the image.
8. The student correctly inserted either a chart or a diagram into his/her
document.
9. The student added text to the chart or diagram.
10. The shapes communicated a theme or message.
Total Points:
________
/10
IT: [Principles of IT]: [Using The Tool Palette In Word Processing] Plan
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