Using a Word Processor

A word processor allows a user to create texts which can be saved, altered and enhanced. These notes refer to ClarisWorks version 4, but skills used for one word processor are easily transferred to similar programs.

The Work Area   A word processing document will open with a blank page ready for text and images to be added. The tools can be displayed down the left hand side of the page by selecting SHOW TOOLS from the VIEW (or Window) menu. To find out what each tool does click on the tool bar. The colour palette is beneath the tools.   To find out what each palette contains, click on the colour palette.

Using a word processing document

Open ClarisWorks and select Word Processing. Type your text onto the page. Only use the Return or Enter key to start a new paragraph. The word wrap feature in all word processors will move words to a new line automatically if they do not fit. (Children need constant reminding of word wrap/) Once all the text has been typed edit on the screen or print it out and mark the position of headings, bolding, additional spacing and graphics.

Changing the Font

Highlight the text to be changed. To do this, place the cursor at the beginning of your text. Hold down the mouse button while moving the cursor to the end of the text. Release the mouse button. From the Font menu select the new font.

Changing the size

Ensure the text you want to change is highlighted. From the Size menu select the new size. The higher the number, the larger the font.

Changing the style

Ensure the text you want to change is highlighted. From the Style menu, select the style to be used.

Aligning the text

Ensure the text you want to change is highlighted. From the menu bar, locate the alignment buttons. The first button aligns the text to the left. The second button centres the text. The third button aligns the text to the right and the last button fully justifies the text. Click in the required box to change the alignment.

Using the Spell Checker

Before printing a document, encourage the use of the spell checker, being aware of the differences that may occur due to the use of American spelling eg color/colour. From the Edit menu select Writing Tools then Check Document Spelling or use the keyboard shortcut Command =. Any word which is not in the application's dictionary will appear in the box labeled Word. A list of suggested alternatives will appear beneath. From the list, click the correct word and the Replace button. If the word is spelt correctly but not in the dictionary (eg names) click the Skip button. When the spelling has been checked click the Done button. Using the Thesaurus Highlight the word to be checked. From the Edit menu select Writing Tools then Thesaurus. A list of alternative words will be displayed. Select the alternative word then the Replace button. or Just open the Thesaurus window and type a word in the Find box and Click Lookup.

Some layout considerations

Use one or two fonts. Multiple fonts can cause confusion to the reader. Upper case letters are harder to read and they give the impression of shouting and are best used for headings. Use italics and bold rather than underlining to add emphasis to a word. Leave some white space on the page and make sure lines of text are not too wide. A crowded page is difficult to read.

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