Kidspiration and Inspiration are two computer programs.  Kidspiration is for use primarily with grades K-2 or 3.  Inspiration is best used with third grade and higher grades.  Both programs help students see, organize, and develop ideas.  Both programs are great for webbing, concept mapping, brainstorming, planning, organizing, and diagramming.  Students can see how ideas are related and how they can be grouped.

Here are a couple of examples of what a Kidspiration project might look like:

Here are some lesson ideas for integrating with Kidspiration and Inspiration.  Some of these examples were found on other web sites.  If one of them is your idea and you have not been given credit, please let us know and we will give you full credit for it.  Keep in mind that these are only a sampling of ideas of how to use Kidspiration and Inspiration.  There are no limits with these programs and what you and your students can do, so get creative and enjoy learning!

Make KWL charts for any subject area.

Let students create webs to review subject material taught. - Todd Slater

Use either program to illustrate your fire drill, or have students use it to illustrate it so that everyone knows what his/her job is as soon as the fire alarm is heard.

Use either program to make seating charts.  Here's how to do this:
Go to View. Select Rulers.
Go to Utility. Select Grid Snap.
Click on Main Menu (there will be boxes around the perimeter.) Select a rectangular box from the Symbol Palate. The oval should become a box.
Click inside Main Menu box to change text.
Type “Teacher’s Desk” or “Front of Room” into Main Menu Box.
Drag the rectangles from Symbol Palate and line them up on the grid to match the configuration of your classroom.
Type in the names of your students for your first period class. You can create a different seating chart for each period.
You can also change the colors of the desks by right clicking on them and choosing "fill color", then choosing another color.

Some lesson plans I created were: State Reports, Character Synoposis, What's In Our Lunches, Bugs/Reptiles/Amphibians, What I like About You, Heroes, Math Facts, Synonyms and Antonyms, and Jeopardy. - Jennifer Wagner

I have used it to teach the writing process.  Main topic. Related topics. Details of related topics, etc.  Then switch to outline view and demonstrate how to turn topic ideas in to sentences.  Then add transition sentences and topic sentences to each paragraph, change the order of topics, paragraphs, etc.  - Don Wilder, Computer Technology Educator, Lincoln Akerman School

Have ESOL students use Kidspiration and Inspiration to diagram words. For example, create a bubble with "red" in it, and then a connected bubble with "rojo" in it, and so on. Have students illustrate the words appropriately.

I use it with in conjunction with Breakthrough To Literacy program. We read a book such as Bugs, and then brainstorm different topics each day of the week. For example, you might talk about habitats one day, different types of bugs (flying, crawling) the next etc. The students use the pictures in Inspiration to assist them in brainstorming ideas on the different topics you are covering.  - Chris Westerfield, Technology Resource Teacher, Ohio County School District

Have students create mysteries using Kidspiration or Inspiration to break down the elements (suspects, clues, setting, conclusions, etc.).

Compare and contrast characters in stories, genres, settings, etc.  Illustrate the writing process.

Create vocabulary webs and spelling diagrams.

Create a web of the parts of speech and give examples of each.

Use the programs to illustrate math facts and make equations or number sentences.
   

Use Kidspiration or Inspiration to create your own charts for observing weather. Have the students use the symbols for clouds, rain, sun, etc., to fill in a template that you make. Chart the weather patterns every day.

A project done by a fifth grade student involves describing a salt marsh ecosystem.  The student used Inspiration to map out his ideas.  This made writing the paragraph much easier.  His work is shown here, with his permission.  Great job, Scott!

Salt Marsh Ecosystem

Use the programs to diagram various body systems, such as the heart and circulatory system - Brad Helland, Crescent Park Elementary

Use either program to have students illustrate life cycles (butterflies, frogs, etc.)

Illustrate the water cycle.

Create a web of the planets.  Include information about each one.

I use Inspiration to help pupils create computer programs. It is excellent for showing program flow as well as documenting each step of the process. - John Orban

I put a large EGG in the middle of the screen with the words "I hatch from eggs."  The students had to search for various animals that hatch from eggs, drag them to the screen, and link them to the center Egg picture.  They had to find 8 different animals -- only 2 could be the kinds of birds that fly around their home (so as to force them to search for other animals!).  We did a similar thing during our Farm Unit --- a large barn was in the middle and they searched for animals commonly found on farms. - Ardisk

As an introductory activity, have kids do their family trees with Inspiration.  They love doing it and it requires some personal research.  You can also use Inspiration and Kidspiration to diagram ecosystems like the rain forest, diagram state governments (with your officials), and outline book reports. - Sue Harper, St. Paul School

Use either program to compare and contrast states.

Have students diagram and illustrate community helpers.

Create a web of Native American tribes.  Compare and contrast each of them.

Have students create diagrams to distinguish between qualities or characteristics. For example, a physical characteristic could be a smile, while an inner quality would be cheerfulness.

Compare and contrast life now with life in the 1800s (or any other time period being studied).

Use the programs to map kinds of government, or branches of government at the Federal or State level. - Brad Helland, Crescent Park Elementary

Kindergarten

Use Kidspiration to create flashcards. Have students type each letter in upper case and lower case (they will have to learn Shift and/or Capslock for this). Print the letters on card stock, and then let students practice recognizing the letters and repeating the appropriate sounds. Use the cards to make simple sight words. Show how the letters are blended by "blending" the cards.

Use Kidspiration to sequence. Students can choose appropriate pictures for parts of books, and then drag the pictures into the correct order. You can also choose pictures for the students and have them retell the stories (including beginning, middle, and end) in the proper sequence.

Create templates in Kidspiration with sets of objects. Have students drag and drop objects to change the sets according to directions you give.

Use Kidspiration to make the appropriate number of coins for certain items (again, based on directions you give).

In Kidspiration, have students type the name of a season. Have them add pictures to represent each season.

Use Kidspiration to type times of the day and add pictures of what happens at that time. For instance, 7:50 and a flag for the Pledge of Allegiance. 11:30 and a piece of chicken for lunch. Make a template for students to use to practice dragging and dropping the pictures beside the correct times. Make another template with days of the week and pictures for the students to drag (such as a book on Wednesday to represent a trip to the library).

Have students use KidPix, Kidspiration, or Word (with guidance) to find pictures to represent each holiday. Assist students in typing two or three words to go along with each picture as further description of the holiday's importance.
a. Labor Day
b. Columbus Day (Christopher Columbus)
c. Veterans’ Day
d. Thanksgiving Day
e. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
f. Presidents’ Day (George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and the current President)
g. Memorial Day
h. Flag Day
i. Independence Day

Have students use Kidspiration to find pictures to represent each of these items. Record students talking about the items and their importance. Add the recording to Kidspiration, or do this project in PowerPoint.

Use Kidspiration to print out pretend dollars and coins. Make a chart in Word with prices for different classroom chores (cleaning off tables, putting away books). As students do these chores, pay them. If they don't do the chores, fine them that amount of money. Talk about this exchange of money for resources.

Print out pages with coins and bills. Have students cut them out and identify each. Take the pictures you printed out and write prices on each one. Let the students use their "money" to purchase goods and services. Talk about what happens when they don't have enough coins or bills to buy what they want.

Use Kidspiration or KidPix to find a picture to represent each sense (students will need guidance for this). Add two or three pictures to depict something that sense does. For example, a mouth for taste, and pictures of a strawberry and ice cream to go with it.

Make a book about "Me" in Kidspiration. Make a book about vegetables. Make a book about flowers. The topics are limitless.

First Grade

Have the pair of students complete a graphic organizer in Kidspiration to identify the plot, setting, characters. Let them compare these elements to those in another story in the same Kidspiration document.

Have them use Kidspiration to practice working with money (Kidspiration has graphics of bills). You call out a price and see if the students can correctly identify the bills needed for that amount.

Have students use Kidspiration to create a bubble for each person. Around that, have the students organize bubbles with important facts about each person. Have them change the main bubble to an appropriate picture.
Benjamin Franklin (inventor/author/statesman); Thomas Jefferson (Declaration of Independence); Meriwether Lewis & William Clark with Sacagawea (exploration); Harriett Tubman (Underground Railroad); Theodore Roosevelt (National Parks and the environment); George Washington Carver (science)

Create a template in Kidspiration with two sets of bubbles, one on the right and one on the left. Give each bubble a title "food, clothing, homes, transportation, communication, recreation"). Have students change the bubbles into pictures.  The left hand side should be pictures of what a historical figure might have used. The right hand side should have pictures of what the student uses.

As a group, using a projection device, have students complete a Kidspiration document to identify at least five traits these folk tale heroes had that they admire and believe to characterize our heritage. (You will have to do a lot of guidance with this activity.)
John Henry, Johnny Appleseed, Davy Crockett, Paul Bunyan, and Annie Oakley

Have students use Kidspiration to identify an animal and include pictures of things that represent each of that animal's needs (air, water, food, shelter).

Second Grade

Have them use Kidspiration to practice working with money (Kidspiration has graphics of bills). You call out a price and see if the students can correctly identify the bills needed for that amount.

Have students use Kidspiration to create a bubble for each person. Around that, have the students organize bubbles with important facts about each person. Have them change the main bubble to an appropriate picture. People:  James Oglethorpe, Tomochichi, and Mary Musgrove (founding of Georgia); Sequoyah (development of a Cherokee alphabet); Jackie Robinson and Martin Luther King, Jr. (civil rights); Jimmy Carter (leadership and human rights)

Create a template in Kidspiration with two sets of bubbles, one on the right and one on the left. Give each bubble a title "food, clothing, homes, transportation, communication, recreation, rights and freedoms"). Have students change the bubbles into pictures.  The left hand side should be pictures of what a historical figure might have used. The right hand side should have pictures of what the student uses.

Create a template in Kidspiration for students to fill in. Include bubbles for them to compare and contrast the Native Americans of the past to Georgians today. Work through this template in small groups or as a whole group.

Use Inspiration or KidPix to find a picture to represent each sense. Add five pictures per sense to depict something that sense does. For example, a mouth for taste, and pictures of a strawberry and ice cream to go with it.

Have students create graphic organizers in Kidspiration or Inspiration to show things that can be pushed, things that can be pulled, or things that fall into both categories.

Third Grade

After reading the latest assigned story from their reading book, pair the students and have them complete a graphic organizer in Kidspiration or Inspiration to identify the plot, setting, characters, facts, opinions, etc. Show them how to include a text box with a summary of the story. (Note:  Kidspiration and Inspiration include a lot of language arts templates that might be helpful for this activity.)

Give the students a story starter idea.
http://www.kinderkorner.com/starters.html
Have them brainstorm and organize their story ideas in a Kidspiration or Inspiration template, and then type the complete stories in Word or other word processing software. Give them a rubric to self-check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, editing, etc.

Have students use Inspiration to create a Venn diagram to compare and contrast the two democracies.

Have students use Inspiration to create a bubble for each person. Around that, have the students organize bubbles with important facts about each person. Have them change the main bubble to an appropriate picture. People:  Paul Revere (independence), Frederick Douglass (civil rights), Susan B. Anthony (women’s rights), Mary McLeod Bethune (education), Franklin D. Roosevelt (New Deal & World War II), Eleanor Roosevelt (United Nations & human rights), Thurgood Marshall (civil rights), Lyndon B. Johnson (Great Society & voting rights), and Cesar Chavez (worker’s rights).

Create a template in Inspiration with various bubbles. Give each bubble a title "social barriers, restrictions, obstacles"). Have students change the bubbles into pictures and work in pairs to type information into each bubble. Information should explain social barriers, restrictions, and obstacles that the above historical figures had to overcome, and describe how they overcame them.

Use Kidspiration or Inspiration to diagram the branches of government and information about each one.

Have students create documents in Inspiration to illustrate each of these four resources. Have them choose at least three pictures as examples of each resource. Resources: 
a. natural (land)
b. human (labor)
c. capital (capital goods)
d. entrepreneurship (used to create goods and services)

Have students use Inspiration or Word to create illustrations of consumers and producers. For example, in Inspiration, the student would choose at least 5 pictures that demonstrate how people are consumers (people eating, cash register, etc.). They would then choose at least 5 pictures that demonstrate how people are producers (a farmer, a sales clerk, etc.).

Have students use Inspiration to create organizers or Venn diagrams with the attributes of rocks and minerals. Have them include bubbles with ways rocks and minerals are similar and ways they are different. Have them complete similar diagrams with types of soil.

Have students create Venn diagrams in Inspiration to compare and contrast the organisms found in their areas with those found in other parts of Georgia.

Fourth Grade

Create a template in Inspiration with sentences broken into subjects and predicates (subject in one bubble, predicate in another). Mix up the bubbles. Have students try to match them back up.

Have students create Inspiration documents with the four parts of speech, examples, and sentences with each.

Have students create charts in Inspiration with examples of cooperation and conflict between Europeans and Native Americans during the time of exploration. They can find facts using their textbooks and the Internet (Yahooligans). Be sure to help them identify key words to use when searching.

Have students create charts in Inspiration with three columns of bubbles. Give each top bubble a title "New England, Mid-Atlantic, Southern").  Have students fill in the blank bubbles with examples of life in each of these places.

Have students create documents in Inspiration. They should include bubbles for each major event in the Revolution, and bubbles for how each event contributed to the American victory and the British defeat. Events should include Battles of Lexington and Concord, and Yorktown.

Have students create documents in Inspiration that list the three branches of U.S. government. They should also include bubbles that describe what each branch does. They should include arrows to show how each branch relates to the other (include text boxes with these arrows for checks and balances, separation of power).

Have students create documents in Inspiration that outline the process of making and enforcing laws.

Have students create documents in Inspiration to give examples of conflicts and what rights are involved. Have the students include valid arguments as to why those rights should be protected.

Have students create documents in Inspiration to outline (use the outlining tool) possible ways to defend the nation.

Have students use Inspiration to create documents about how prices affected people's behavior and choices. For example, they would create a bubble about Colonial farmers, and bubbles about the crops they grew and products they produced. They should also include text boxes with reasons why the people made those choices (how prices affected the choices).

Have students create Venn diagrams in Inspiration. The diagrams should show benefits for buyers and benefits for sellers during a given time period (such as colonial trade in North America). Have students include facts to show how the standards of living were affected by buying or selling certain items. For example, the sellers of tea helped their government make money because of the taxes that were collected. The buyers of the tea did not make much money because of the high taxes paid.

Have students use the Outline feature in Inspiration to create instructions/directions for scientific procedures. Create flowcharts in Inspiration to show progression of steps in scientific process as students work through a project.

Illustrate and define the parts of the water cycle in KidPix or Inspiration.

Have students create Venn diagrams in Inspiration to show the differences between weather and climate.

Have students use Inspiration to make a chart of simple machines. They should include pictures and text boxes with examples of their uses (lever, pulley, wedge, inclined plane, screw, wheel, axle).

Have students use Inspiration to create Venn diagrams to explain the differences found in experiments.

Have students create a chart in Inspiration to show the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers, and how those roles interact. Have students include pictures of examples of each of these.

Fifth Grade

Once you open Inspiration, if you click on "File" and then go to "Template" there are a lot of wonderful templates to use:
Language Arts
Science
Social Studies
Teacher Files
Substitute Lesson Plan
Thinking Organizers
Thanks to Sarah Cohen for this tip!

Be sure to check out the outline feature of either program.  Students can easily do a map or web, then view it as an outline, and then turn the outline into complete sentences to create a report on any topic.

We use Inspiration as a way to plan and organize slides in PowerPoint before they create the presentation. PowerPoint certainly allows you to organize, but after the student creates the slides. I want them to have a good idea about how many slides and what their content and purpose will be before they make slides. Then often they cut and paste the Inspiration icons and make them into a splash page introductory slide, with each icon a hyperlink to the slide it relates to. This process affords the viewer more control and it has the
feel of a web page. The students are in 4th, 5th and 6th grades. - Joy Hogg

You also can export an Inspiration outline directly into PowerPoint where each topic is a slide and each subtopic is a bullet.  I use this feature all the time. - Pam Barber

Inspiration Workshop Resources - From the Inspiration web site - Includes a PDF booklet to download to use in training sessions, as well as ideas for each subject area.

Kidspiration Workshop Resources - From the Inspiration/Kidspiration web site - Includes a PDF booklet to download, and ideas for projects to do.

Visual Learning With Inspiration and Kidspiration

Together Kidspiration Templates

Port Washington School District's Inspiration Website

Kidspiration Making It Work

Educational Software Tutorials - Check out the Graphic Organizers section for tutorials on Inspiration and Kidspiration and lots of other links to pages with ideas for using the programs. (Thanks to Mark Exworthy for this site!)

Strategic Transitions - Offers eight free templates for you to use:  Character, comparison, a time in the past, elephant concept map, which critter is which, ducklings journey to the pond.

Links from Daniel Kurz:
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/inspiration_template.htm - Tutorial for using Inspiration
http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/DSSSE/its/howtos/inspir/inspiration.htm - A few templates to use with Inspiration 

Be sure to check out Teacher Created materials web site.  They have a great resource kit.

Home        Email      Wacona Elementary School

These pages created by Lori Miller, copyright 2004.

Last updated May 24, 2007.

Home        Email      Wacona Elementary School

These pages created by Lori Miller, copyright 2004.

Last updated May 24, 2007.