Holiday Lights Writing using Google Docs and Google Slides

Eric Curts created another amazing resource to use, this time it deals with Holiday writing and being able to have it look as if the lights are blinking. Below is my example and a 3 minute and 26 second YouTube tutorial, followed by the steps to create. Please note this was again created by Eric Curts. While I adjusted some of his steps - they are his work. You can follow his steps by clicking here.

Below are the steps you need to take.

• Make a copy of the Google Docs "Holiday Lights Writing" template - Google Docs template.

•  If you are sharing through Google Classroom - you may want to use this link as it shows a template and students just need to select use template.

• Use the space below the instructions to write the story.

• You will then need to install the Add-on Rainbow maker.

• Click "Add-ons" then "Get add-ons" then search for "Rainbow Maker", or go directly to the add-on here: Rainbow Maker add-on link

Rainbow Maker Add-on Instructions

• Click "Add-ons" then "Rainbow Maker" then "Advanced options".

• Eric recommends choosing "Random colors" and then further specific the "Hue" or "Luminosity". The best match for the holiday lights on a black background would be a luminosity of "Bright" or "Light".

• Click "Save and Close" when done.

How to apply colors to your writing

• Select all of your text.
• Then click "Add-ons" - "Rainbow Maker" - "Style selection".
• Your text will now have random colors assigned. If you would like to change the colors associated with your text you can run the Rainbow Maker Add-on again until you get the desired result.

Animated Slideshow using Google Slides

This really is fun and does not take long to learn.

• Make copy of the Google Slides "Holiday Lights Writing" template - Google Slides template.
• I would recommend using this link as it shows a template and you can post it in Google Classroom. Students will just nee to select Use Template. 
• Copy and paste your colored text into the first slide - you may need to adjust the size of the text.
• Now go back to your writing in your Google Doc and re-run the "Rainbow Maker" add-on to re-color your text.
• Copy and paste the new re-colored text into the second slide and adjust the size of your text.
• Eric recommends using three slides should be good for the lights effect.

To make text appear animated - Publish to the Web

• Click File - Publish to the Web - then publish and ok
• You will then need to adjust in Auto-advance slides
• Check - Start slideshow as soon as the player loads (choose every second instead of default every 3 seconds)
• Check - Restart the slideshow after the last slide
• Copy the published link and paste it into your web browser to see how it looks. Adjust where needed and then share it!

Take care,
Brad