Computer Skills Curriculum
Keyboarding Lesson Plan

Title: Copy It!

Other Curriculum Objectives that can be addressed by this lesson plan
English Language Arts 1.1, 1.2, 1.3; Computer Skills: (Gr. 1) 2.3

Grade: 1
Competency 2.3: On a keyboard, demonstrate the use of letter keys, number keys and special keys (e.g., shift key, delete/backspace, space bar, arrow keys).

Measure 2.3.1: Given a row of appropriate sight words on the computer screen, type the same words on a line below (e.g., Cat, Dog, Red, Blue, Two, Me).

Materials Needed: Computer with word processing software, teacher-prepared word processing data diskette with words or keyboarding software (such as MicroType, The Wonderful World of PAWS), teacher-made BINGO game.

Time: Five to ten minutes for each activity, repeated as necessary.

Terms: Computer, Keyboard, Letter keys, Arrow keys, Space bar

Glossary

Activities

Pre-Activities: Teacher Preparation

  • 1. Choose appropriate words based on current vocabulary lists (e.g., words from stories being read).
  • 2. Prepare word processing data diskette with vocabulary words if not using keyboarding software. Place two or three words on each line with two blank lines between each line of words.
  • 3. Prepare a Bingo-type game for vocabulary practice.

Activity 1:

  • 1. Provide each student with a Bingo card and paper or plastic chips to cover words.
  • 2. Call out words and hold up word cards for students to see.
  • 3. Play the Bingo-type game for students to practice vocabulary.

Activity 2:

  • 1. Prepare the computers with vocabulary words on the screen. (If keyboarding software is used, the "open screen" should be selected at the main menu.)
  • 2. Demonstrate the use of the space bar to space between the vocabulary words on the same line and the arrow keys to move to the line below the next line of vocabulary words.
  • 3. Tell students to key in, on the line below and using the index finger, the words shown on the screen. Remind them that they should use the arrow keys and space bar appropriately.
  • 4. Have students practice keying the words.
  • 5. Monitor the students as they key in the words.

Measure

Given a row of appropriate vocabulary words already on the screen, students should key in the same words on the line below as the teacher monitors and records progress. The teacher should provide additional instruction and practice as necessary.