Computer alphabet

Students will use the computer to create, save, open and print a file called "ABCs." For each letter of the alphabet the student is expected to create a capital (using the shift key), a lowercase, insert a picture that begins with the corresponding letter, and press the spacebar before repeating this process for the remaining letters of the alphabet.

A lesson plan for grade K Computer/Technology Skills and Information Skills

By Patricia SullivanHall

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Related topics

• Learn more about alphabet, keyboarding skills, technology skills, and word processing.

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Learning outcomes

Students will:

• use the shift key and the spacebar on the keyboard.
• learn about text wrap.
• move the cursor and insert a picture.
• create, save, open and print a file.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

2.5 hours

Materials/resources

• A chart of the alphabet displayed near the computer
• The word “shift” written on a sentence card and later displayed where it is easily seen by students who are working on the computer.

Technology resources

Any computer with a word processing program and clip art. With this particular age level, I prefer to use KidWorks 2 by Davidson. Because of its graphics, students with minimal reading ability find it easy to create, save, open and print files.

It is also quite helpful to have an AV converter to connect your computer to your television. This allows the image on the computer to be displayed on the television which is helpful during whole group instruction.

Pre-activities

Students must know that each letter of the alphabet can be typed in capital or lowercase. Students need to have some exposure to using the computer, the keyboard, the mouse, and the word processing program they will be using.

Activities

Day 1

1. In whole group instruction, ask a student (who writes his/her name beginning with a capital letter but types without using the shift key) to write their name on a piece of paper and then to type their name on the computer. As a class, compare the two names and figure out that on the paper, the first letter of the child’s name is capital but on the computer it is not.
2. Ask if anyone knows how to create a capital letter on the computer. Then explain the shift key, how it is spelled (show the word “shift” written on a sentence card) and its location on the keyboard.
3. Demonstrate how to make a capital using the shift key. When I demonstrate making a capital letter, I first have the students use their right pointer finger to press and hold down the palm of their left hand as I press the shift key on the keyboard. Then I explain that I am going to use my other pointer finger to press the letter I want to capitalize. Finally, I release the shift key. This helps students understand that you can press the shift key alone without making something appear on the screen.
4. Next, tell the students that they are going to have a chance to make their own custom alphabet!
5. Demonstrate how to open the word processing program and begin to type Aa.
6. Show the students where to find pictures (that have the picture’s name spelled) and find a picture that begins with a. Press the space bar and repeat the process for the next letter of the alphabet. Remind the students to refer to the chart of the alphabet if they are uncertain of the next letter.
7. Next, show the students how to save their work and call the file “ABCs” or the child’s name followed by ABCs.
8. Students now independently begin their work and save at the end of class.

Day 2

1. In whole group instruction, review the material from the previous class emphasizing the shift key.
2. Demonstrate opening a saved file and moving the cursor to continue with their work.
3. Have the students independently continue their work and again save at the end of class.

Day 3

1. In whole group instruction, review the material from the previous class emphasizing how to open a saved file and move the cursor to continue with their work.
2. Demonstrate how to print a file.
3. Have the students independently continue their work, save and print before the end of class.

Note: When students finish early, I suggest they try to add a second picture for each letter. This gives the child further practice with placing the cursor at a specified location. Even if a student does not finish, let the child print and then encourage him/her to finish at home with a pencil.

Assessment

Look at each child’s printed ABCs.

Supplemental information

Comments

I use this lesson in January with my kindergarteners. The lesson can also be use with first graders in the beginning half of the school year.

Note: This lesson can be used without adding a graphic for each letter of the alphabet.