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New
New
Year 1

Exploring the keyboard

I can use a computer to write.

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New
New
Year 1

Exploring the keyboard

I can use a computer to write.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A keyboard is a common way to enter text on a computer.
  2. Keys on a keyboard have a special order.
  3. A word processor is an application designed for writing.

Keywords

  • Keyboard - device used to send information into a computer

  • Typing - writing with a computer

  • Word processor - what we use to write documents and stories on a computer

  • Text - words or numbers written or printed to share information or tell a story

Common misconception

A computer keyboard only has letters.

Keyboards include keys for numbers, a space, and other special characters.


To help you plan your year 1 computing lesson on: Exploring the keyboard, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

The keyboard layout that pupils may be using might look different to the slides. Generic terms and pictures have been used but pupils will benefit from these being replaced with layouts that match what pupils will be expected to use.
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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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4 Questions

Q1.
Which of these is a letter of the alphabet?
5
Correct answer: A
*
@
Q2.
Which of these is a number?
Correct answer: 7
B
f
£
Q3.
What do you use between words when writing?
eraser
pencil
Correct answer: finger space
ruler
Q4.
What can computers help you do?
eat food
sleep
fly
Correct answer: do tasks

4 Questions

Q1.
What is a common way to enter text on a computer?
mouse
monitor
Correct answer: keyboard
printer
Q2.
Which key is used to add a new line in a word processor?
spacebar
Correct answer: enter
A
*
Q3.
What does a word processor help you do?
Correct answer: write documents
draw pictures
play music
browse the internet
Q4.
What type of keys are not found on a keyboard?
letters
numbers
spaces
Correct answer: paint