Keys to the Keyboard: A 1st Grade Adventure!

Computer Science Grades 1st Grade 4:42 Video
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Lesson Description

Let's explore the computer keyboard! We'll learn about different keys and what they do, making computer time fun and easy!

Video Resource

The Keyboard for Kids| A Fun and Interactive Guide|Kidz Korner Creative Learning|How to use Keyboard

Kidz Korner Creative learning

Duration: 4:42
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Alphabet Keys
  • Number Keys
  • Special Keys (Spacebar, Enter, Backspace, Caps Lock)
  • Cursor

Learning Objectives

  • Identify alphabet keys on the keyboard.
  • Identify number keys on the keyboard.
  • Describe the function of the spacebar, enter key, backspace key, and caps lock key.
  • Understand what the cursor is and its purpose.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students if they have ever used a computer keyboard. Discuss what they use it for (e.g., playing games, typing stories). Introduce the video and explain they will be learning about the different keys.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the YouTube video: 'The Keyboard for Kids| A Fun and Interactive Guide|Kidz Korner Creative Learning|How to use Keyboard'. Encourage students to watch carefully and identify the different types of keys mentioned.
  • Key Identification (10 mins)
    After the video, ask students to point out alphabet keys, number keys, the spacebar, the enter key, the backspace key, and the caps lock key on a real keyboard (if available) or a picture of one. Have them explain what each key does.
  • Typing Practice (10 mins)
    Using a computer or tablet, have students practice typing their names and simple words. Encourage them to use the spacebar to create spaces between words and the enter key to start a new line. Demonstrate the use of the backspace and caps lock keys as needed.
  • Review and Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the different types of keys and their functions. Ask students what they learned about the keyboard. Remind them how important the keyboard is for using computers.

Interactive Exercises

  • Keyboard Scavenger Hunt
    Give students a list of keys (e.g., 'A', '7', 'Spacebar') and have them find them on a keyboard as quickly as possible. Time them or have them compete against each other.
  • Typing Game
    Use an online typing game designed for young children to help them practice their keyboard skills in a fun and engaging way. Suggested resources: ABCya!

Discussion Questions

  • What is your favorite thing to type on the computer?
  • Why is the spacebar so long?
  • What happens if you press the enter key?
  • How does the backspace key help you?

Skills Developed

  • Keyboard recognition
  • Fine motor skills
  • Computer literacy
  • Following instructions

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which keys have letters on them?

Correct Answer: Alphabet Keys

Question 2:

Which keys have numbers on them?

Correct Answer: Number Keys

Question 3:

Which key makes a space between words?

Correct Answer: Spacebar

Question 4:

Which key moves you to the next line?

Correct Answer: Enter Key

Question 5:

Which key erases what you typed?

Correct Answer: Backspace Key

Question 6:

Which key makes all the letters BIG?

Correct Answer: Caps Lock Key

Question 7:

What is the blinking line on the screen called?

Correct Answer: Cursor

Question 8:

How many alphabet keys are there?

Correct Answer: 26

Question 9:

The number keys have numbers from...

Correct Answer: 0 to 9

Question 10:

Which of these is a computer part?

Correct Answer: Keyboard

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The __________ keys have letters on them.

Correct Answer: alphabet

Question 2:

The __________ keys have numbers on them.

Correct Answer: number

Question 3:

The ___________ key makes a space.

Correct Answer: spacebar

Question 4:

The ___________ key moves you to the next line.

Correct Answer: enter

Question 5:

The __________ key erases what you typed.

Correct Answer: backspace

Question 6:

Pressing the Caps Lock makes the letters __________.

Correct Answer: big

Question 7:

The blinking line on the screen is called the __________.

Correct Answer: cursor

Question 8:

There are 26 ___________ keys.

Correct Answer: alphabet

Question 9:

The keyboard helps you __________ on the computer.

Correct Answer: type

Question 10:

The special keys are __________, __________, __________ and __________.

Correct Answer: spacebar, enter, backspace, caps lock

Educational Standards

1.CS.D.01:With guidance, select and use a computing device to perform a variety of tasks for an intended outcome. K.CS.D.01:Use appropriate terminology in naming and describing the function of common computing devices and components (e.g., mouse is used to control the cursor). 1.AP.A.01:With guidance, model daily processes and follow algorithms (sets of stepby-step instructions) to complete tasks verbally, kinesthetically, with robot devices, or a programming language.

Teaching Materials

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