Writing with Kidspiration

· Open Kidspiration · Select Pictures Brainstorming
		· Double click the Main Idea icon to edit the topic · To change the image of the icon, click on the Main Idea icon and then click an image on the left side of the screen. The arrows will take you to additional choices. · Create additional bullets to support the main idea. Do not write complete sentences at this point. Just brainstorming for ideas. · When you have completed all your supporting details, arrange them under the main idea. · Change the color of the details under each topic by clicking once on the symbol and then on the color icon on the lower right. · It is a good idea to save at this point and regularly after each step.
Making Connections
· Click on the first topic (cats) · Click the Link Symbols icon · Click the first detail · Repeat with each topic and detail · Sometimes if the symbols are too close, the arrow will not show. Click the symbol and drag it farther away.
Organizing
· Drag the details below the topic in the order they will appear.
Writing
· When your ideas are complete, click the Go to Writing icon to convert your ideas to a paragraph. · Expand your ideas into complete sentences.
· If you need to move details, click on the detail and drag it until the black line appears where you want it.
Publishing
· Click on the Publish icon
· Select Microsoft Word if it is not selected. · Click OK
· Edit out the extra spaces between sentences to make a paragraph.