“Write the vision, and make it plain.” — Habakkuk 2:2
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Choose the right chart type for the data
- Create and format column, bar, line, and pie charts
- Set print areas, orientation, scaling, and titles
- Prepare a one-page printed report
Lesson Notes
Choosing a Chart
- Column or bar: compare amounts across categories.
- Line: show change over time.
- Pie: show parts of a whole (use only with a few categories).
Ask: What one message should the reader get? Choose the chart that shows it most clearly.
Creating and Formatting
Select the data including headers, then Insert > Chart. Add a clear title that states the message (Supply Costs Rose in March), label axes, remove clutter, and use consistent colors. Move a chart to its own sheet if it needs space.
Printing Spreadsheets
Use Page Layout: set the Print Area, choose orientation, use Fit to 1 page wide, and repeat title rows on every page. Always check Print Preview. Add a header or footer with the report name and date.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Column chart | Compares values across categories |
| Line chart | Shows trends over time |
| Print Area | The part of a sheet set to print |
| Fit to page | Scales content to fit the page width |
In-Class Activities
Chart Match
Match each data set to the best chart type: monthly phone calls for a year; spending by category this month; visitors by department; share of budget by program.
Expense Chart
From your expense category summary, create a column chart with a message title and labeled axes. Set up the sheet to print on one page with a footer.
Assignment: One-Page Monthly Report
Create a printable one-page report from your Office Operations Workbook:
- A summary table of expenses by category.
- One chart with a message title.
- Three bullet points (in a text box or cells) explaining what the numbers show.
- Correct print settings (one page, footer with date).
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Habakkuk was told to make the vision plain. A good chart makes the truth easy to see. How can you make important truths plain to the people you serve, in words and in example?
Prayer focus: Ask God to help you communicate truth clearly and honestly.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Making the Truth Visible
A good chart tells the truth at a glance. A misleading chart, with a squeezed axis or too many colors, can distort it. Integrity in presentation matters as much as integrity in calculation.
Choose the chart that shows your message: column charts compare, line charts show change over time, and pie charts show parts of a whole. Give the chart a title that states the message, such as Supply Costs Rose in March.
Printing well is part of professionalism. Check Print Preview, set print areas, fit to one page wide, and add a footer. Wasted paper and cut-off columns cost time and money.
God made His truth visible in creation and ultimately in Christ. Our small efforts to make truth clear and honest reflect that heart.
Think About It
- When have you seen numbers used to mislead? ______________________
- What message would your monthly report tell? ______________________
- How does honesty apply to presentation? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 5
Make It Plain
Write the vision, and make it plain.— Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV)
Clear charts make truth plain for busy readers.
Reflect: What truth needs to be made plain?
Pray: Lord, help me communicate clearly.
Do: Create one simple chart.
Truth Revealed
For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest.— Luke 8:17 (KJV)
Truth eventually comes to light. Honest reports have nothing to fear.
Reflect: What would it mean to live with nothing to hide?
Pray: Lord, let my life be open and honest.
Do: Choose honesty in one small matter.
Seeing God's Works
The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.— Psalm 111:2 (KJV)
Studying patterns in data can remind us of the order in God's works.
Reflect: Where do you see God's works?
Pray: Lord, open my eyes to Your works.
Do: Notice a pattern of God's faithfulness in your life.
Not Wasteful
Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.— John 6:12 (KJV)
Jesus cared about not wasting. Careful printing respects resources.
Reflect: Where can you reduce waste?
Pray: Lord, help me use resources wisely.
Do: Check Print Preview before printing.
A Faithful Witness
A faithful witness will not lie.— Proverbs 14:5 (KJV)
Reports and charts are witnesses; they should be faithful.
Reflect: How can your work be a faithful witness?
Pray: Lord, make me a faithful witness.
Do: Review a report for accuracy.
Module Quiz
- 1.
Which chart best shows change over time?
- 2.
A pie chart works best when:
- 3.
To make a wide sheet print on one page width, use:
- 4.
A chart title should state the main message when possible.
- 5.
Name two print settings to check before printing a spreadsheet.