Year 1 – Technology around us

Lesson 4 – Using a computer keyboard

Lesson plan

Lesson 4: Using a computer keyboard

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Introduction
Learners will begin to use the computer keyboard for a purpose. They will understand
that writing on a keyboard is called typing and will begin to demonstrate their ability to
write their name. Learners will then save their work using the save icon and understand
that this icon is used in lots of different programs.

Learning objectives
To use a keyboard to type on a computer
● I can say what a keyboard is for
● I can type my name on a computer
● I can save my work to a file

Key vocabulary
Computer, keyboard, mouse, typing

Preparation
Subject knowledge:
Teachers will need to be aware that typing is the process of using a keyboard to write
words, letters or numbers on a screen.

You will need:

● L4 Slides
● A1 – Desktop or laptop computers (tablet devices could be used as an
alternative)
● A1 – Learner access to paintz.app

Assessment opportunities
Introduction: Assess whether learners can explain that the process of writing using a
keyboard is called typing.
Activity 1: Assess whether learners are able to type their name using a keyboard.
Activity 2: Assess learners’ ability to save a file.

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 Year 1 – Technology around us
Lesson 4 – Using a computer keyboard
Lesson plan

Outline plan
Please note that the slide deck labels the activities in the top right-hand corner to help
you navigate the lesson.

*Timings are rough guides

Introduction Introducing the keyboard
(Slides 2–5)
Share the learning objective with the learners.
10 mins
Share slide 3 and remind the learners that computer mice come in
different varieties. Explain that in this lesson, learners will be using a
keyboard to write using a computer.

Share slide 4 and ask the learners to think, pair, share, ‘What do you use
a keyboard for?’ Explain that keyboards are used for writing words,
letters or numbers on a screen.

Display slide 5 and ask learners to comment on any similarities and

differences. As with the computer mice and trackpads, emphasise that
keyboards can look different, but they all perform the same function.

Activity 1 Typing on a keyboard

(Slides 6–10)
Note: This part of the activity is best modelled for the learners within the
20 mins program, however screenshots of the program have been provided on
slides 7-9 as an alternative.

Display slide 6 and explain that learners will be using the paint program
they used in Lesson 3. Model opening the program for the learners and
explain that the program allows them to create pictures and add
text/words.

Highlight the text function on the toolbar (dotted square with a T in the
middle). Select this function with a single click. Demonstrate clicking and
dragging a text box onto the paint area. Explain that you can now write
text in the box. Model this by writing your name or a word.

Note: To finalise a text box, learners will need to click outside of the box
or a different tool on the toolbar. It is important to emphasise that once
learners click away from their text box, they will not be able to edit the
text, including moving the text box.

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 Year 1 – Technology around us
Lesson 4 – Using a computer keyboard
Lesson plan

Display slide 10 and ask learners to log on to the computer and open the
paint program in a browser. Ask them to write their name into a text box
at the bottom of the page. If the learners are working with a partner,
ensure both learners have the opportunity to perform this task.

Note: Expectations for capital letters in the learners’ names should be

considered for this activity. This will depend on whether the learners have
been taught this skill in your setting. This skill is introduced in the Y1 –
Digital writing unit.

Once learners have written their name, they can use the remaining time
to practise their mouse skills by drawing a simple self-portrait. Explain
that this will be very simple and does not need too much detail.

Explorer task: Ask learners to alter the size, colour and font of the text in
a text box. Remind the learners that they will need to do this before they
click away from their text box.

Activity 2 Saving my work

(Slides 11–14)
Note: This part of the activity is best modelled for the learners within the
10 mins program, however screenshots of the program have been provided on
slides 12-14 as an alternative.

Display slide 11 and ask learners to think, pair, share, ‘How could you keep
the work you have created so you can add to it another day?’ Open the
paint program and highlight the ‘save’ icon. Explain that this is used to
save their work and will be visible in lots of programs they use.

Model clicking the save icon in the paint program, and explain that they
need to write their name into the box that appears. They don’t need to
remove the ‘.png’ part.

Display slide 14 and ask the learners, ‘Why is it important to name the
files you save sensibly?’
● It helps you to find it more easily
● You know what a saved file is without having to open it
Ask the learners to return to their computers to save their work, by
naming their file with their name.

Note: By default, the files in Paintz.app will be saved to the Downloads

folder of the local computer.

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 Year 1 – Technology around us
Lesson 4 – Using a computer keyboard
Lesson plan

Plenary What functions have been used?

(Slide 15)
Review and share an example of the learners’ work. Can learners identify
5 mins which functions were used to create the picture? Questions could include:
● Has more than one colour been used?
● Has text been added?
● Have any other tools been used?

Next time This time, next time

(Slides 16–17)
Review the ‘Assessment’ and ‘Summary’ slides.
5 mins

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Page 4 Last updated: 03-06-21