Lesson Plan

• Identify the purpose of styles in word processing.
• Differentiate between paragraph spacing (before/after) and line spacing.
• Create and modify a style to apply specific paragraph and line spacing.
• Apply a custom style to text and verify correct spacing.
• Evaluate document formatting against given requirements.

• Computer with word‑processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word)
• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• Sample document handout
• Worksheet with style‑creation tasks
• Internet access for tutorial video (optional)

Begin with a quick visual of a poorly formatted paragraph and ask students how it feels to read. Recall previous learning about fonts and alignment, linking it to today’s focus on spacing. Explain that by the end of the lesson they will be able to set paragraph and line spacing using styles and will demonstrate their work on a short report.

1. Do‑Now (5') – Examine two short paragraphs, note readability differences, record observations.
2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Explain styles, paragraph spacing vs line spacing, and show the Styles pane.
3. Guided demo (12') – Teacher creates a new style “Report Body” (6 pt before/after, 1.5 line spacing); students follow on their computers.
4. Independent practice (15') – Students create their own style for a provided report template, apply it to three paragraphs, and adjust spacing as required.
5. Check for understanding (8') – Pair‑share explanations of chosen spacing; teacher circulates with probing questions.
6. Quick quiz (5') – Three multiple‑choice questions on spacing terminology (self‑check).

Summarise that styles provide a fast way to maintain consistent spacing across a document. Ask a few volunteers to share one tip they discovered. Collect exit tickets where students state the spacing settings they would use for an essay. Assign homework to format a one‑page essay using a custom style with double line spacing.