Wordle (http://www.wordle.net) is an internet word cloud generator. It is a free site and anyone can access it and create word clouds. The only requirement is Java. Wordle is a very simple site. Upon entering the site, you are given a brief description of the site and then a CREATE button to start your own Wordle. Once you click the button, the "text box" is in plain site to start creating your Wordle. The directions are simple as well. The more times you enter a word, the larger it becomes as opposed to those words entered only once or twice. You may paste or type in your words into the top text box, or copy a URL into the bottom box. Once you are ready, click the "submit" button and there you go, your Wordle is created and you can view it in the Wordle Applet screen. From there, you are given the opportunity to "play" with your Wordle and change the font, color scheme and direction of your text.
This is a nice and simple site to infuse into any classroom. Students can have the opportunity to create outstanding and meaningful word clouds that they can either print or add to the Wordle public gallery. According to the author of the site, word clouds are able to be saved into a PDF or SVG format if you have software such as Adobe Acrobat or Windows SVGMaker.
Here is a simple word cloud I created.
If there is time in the school year to fit this in, maybe student created word clouds will become future 5th grade t-shirts for us. Just a thought. Have fun creating!!!
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