7th Grade Computer Skills

LMS Keyboarding Symbaloo

Keyboarding Glossary

Unit 1: Basic Knowledge

1. Alternate key (Alt) – executes commands with other key(s)

2. Arrow keys – move the insertion point in the direction indicated by the arrow on each key

3. Backspace – deletes the character to the left of the insertion point

4. Caps lock – capitalizes all letters when locked down

5. Control key (Ctrl) – executes commands with other key(s)

6. Delete – removes the character to the right of the insertion point

7. Enter/Return – causes the insertion point to move to the left margin and down to the next line

8. Escape key (Esc) – closes a software menu or dialog box

9. Function keys – special keys located at the top of the keyboard (F1, F2, F3, etc.) that are used alone or with the Ctrl, Alt, and Shift keys to execute software commands

10. Gross words a minute (GWAM) – the number of standard words keyed in one minute

11. Hardware – the physical parts of a computer system, such as the monitor, keyboard, and hard drive

12. Home keys – the keys where you place your fingers to begin keying; a s d f for the left hand and j k l ; for the right hand

13. Keyboarding posture – the correct seating position taught when developing typing skills

14. Service keys – special keys that allow you to use the computer to perform specific functions. Examples are: space bar, tab key, caps lock key, control key, shift key, delete key, return key, and arrow keys.

15. Shift key – makes capital letters and certain symbols when used with those keys

16. Software – programs and routines that control the functioning of a computer

17. Space bar – inserts space between words and sentences

18. Tab key – moves the insertion point to a preset position

19. Word wrap – causes text to move automatically to a new line when the current line is full

Unit 2: Text Formatting

1. Alignment – the horizontal positioning of text (such as left, right, center, or justify)

2. Bold – a print enhancement used to make characters appear darker than other text to add emphasis

3. Bullets/Numbering – used to arrange items in a list with each item beginning with a bullet or a number

4. Cut/Copy/Paste – a feature that enables you to move or copy text from one place to another

5. Font size – determines the height of characters in units called points

6. Font style – the type of character format that determines the look or artistic style of the characters

7. Font type – the design and appearance of printed characters

8. Footer – text such as title, page numbers, and dates printed at the bottom of a page

9. Header – text such as title, page numbers, and dates printed at the top of a page

10. Indentation – to move one or more lines inward from the margins

11. Insertion mode – an input mode in which the existing text moves to the right as new text is added

12. Italics – text that is slanted to the right

13. Landscape orientation – page orientation in which data prints across the wider portion of the page

14. Line spacing – the vertical distance between two lines of type

15. Margins – blank spaces between the edge of the paper and the printed text

16. Page numbering – method of arranging pages in numerical order

17. Portrait orientation – page orientation in which data prints across the narrower portion of a page

18. Print – to make a hard copy of a document

19. Reveal/Show codes – show nonprinting or formatting characters

20. Spell check – used to check the spelling of a document after keying

21. Tab settings – allow you to line up text at a certain point

22. Typeover mode – replaces existing text with new text as it is keyed

23. Underline – a feature that underlines text as it is keyed

Unit 3: Document Formatting Skills

1. Addressee – the person to whom you are sending the memorandum

2. Attachment notation – indicates that another document is attached to a letter

3. Block format – all parts of a letter (including paragraphs) begin at the left margin

4. Body – the paragraphs that make up the main message

5. Columns – information arranged vertically

6. Complimentary close – the closing or the farewell of the letter

7. E-mail – an electronic message used by individuals to communicate with one another

8. Enclosure notation – indicates that another document is enclosed with a letter

9. Hard return – a code entered into a document by pressing the Enter key that indicates the end of a paragraph or sentence

10. Letter address – the address to which the letter is being sent

11. Memorandum (memo) – a written message used by individuals within an organization to communicate with one another

12. Mixed punctuation – a punctuation style for letters in which a colon follows the salutation/greeting and a comma follows the complimentary closing

13. Open punctuation – a punctuation style for letters in which there is no punctuation following the salutation and complimentary close of the letter

14. Proofreader's marks – symbols used to indicate errors that need correcting when re-keying copy

15. Reference initials – indicate who keyed the document

16. Reference list – authors cited in reports are listed alphabetically by author surnames at the end of the report (often on a separate page) under the headingREFERENCES (or BIBLIOGRAPHY or WORKS CITED )

17. Return address – the address of the person sending the letter

18. Salutation – the greeting of the letter

19. Soft return – a return that the application inserts automatically when you reach the end of a line

20. Source document – copy from which you are keying

21. Subject line – alerts the reader immediately to the content of the document

22. Table – a grid of rows and columns that intersect to form cells into which information can be typed

23. Textual citations – parentheses used in the report body to give credit (cite) to authors for quotes taken from their works

24. Unbound reports – short reports that are often prepared without covers and binders and, if longer than one page, are usually fastened together in the upper left corner by a staple or paper clip

25. Writer – the author of the document

Keyboarding Lesson Plans

Week 1

The student will demonstrate correct touch keyboarding techniques.

Students will demonstrate eyes on copy, correct fingering, good techniques, and appropriate posture while operating the keyboard.

• Feet placed appropriately for balance.

• Center body to the “h” key with elbows at sides.

• Sit up straight. • Curve fingers over the home keys.

• Keep wrists off the keyboard.

• Keep eyes on print.


Alphabetic Keys and Symbols- Edutyping.com

This unit consists of the following parts:

  • Home Row and Reaches

  • More Reaches

  • Caps Lock and Additional Punctuation Marks

The Alphabetic Keys and Symbols unit is recommended as the starting point for all secondary grade levels. It is assumed that students have not had formal touch typing instruction, as the unit begins by introducing the foundations of touch typing: mastering home row techniques and proper finger placement. Through a series of introductory, review, and reinforcement lessons, students learn and practice two new keys in each lesson as they progress outward from the home row. Reach keys are targeted systematically to develop dexterity skills and muscle memory through high-frequency patterns.

BEST PRACTICES

As students begin mastering keyboarding skills, it is important to emphasize the following:

1. Maintain proper technique. Encourage students to always practice using proper technique so that correct habits are reinforced. While good form may be challenging at first, it will lead to greater speed and accuracy in the future.

2. Establish connection to home row keys. Emphasize the importance of keeping fingers “anchored” to home row keys in order to maintain proper technique as more keys are introduced. Point out the raised bump on the F and J keys.

3. Practice proper reach. Introduce and demonstrate the correct reach technique for each key, and encourage students to use the proper reach each time.

RECOMMENDED INSTRUCTION

To master touch typing skills, students should be presented with approximately 25–35 minutes of keyboarding instruction per day at a minimum of three times a week (if instructional time allows). As proper home row key techniques are essential to progressing in touch typing, it is encouraged that students in grades 6–8 repeat lessons 1–3 until mastery of proper finger placement is observed. If instructional time allows, with consistent practice and instructor observation, students in grades 6–8 should complete all parts within the Alphabetic Keys and Symbols unit.

  • With keyboarding repetition and not looking at the keys it becomes muscle memory: just as you know how to touch your nose with your eyes closed, you know how to find the "F" and "J" because these keys have a raised bump.


Week 2

Students will develop touch keystroking speed and accuracy.

Students develop and improve keystroking speed and accuracy.

Continue working on the

Alphabetic Keys and Symbols- Edutyping.com

  • Completea minimum of 3 Edutyping lessons a week and 1 Timed Test.

• Complete a program of customized drills, exercises, and timings to reinforce touch operation of the keyboard and to increase speed and accuracy.

• End of first nine weeks: Using 95% high frequency words (hfw) straight‐copy material and 2 minute timed writings, key by touch at 35 wpm with 6 or fewer errors.

• End of 9 weeks: Using 90% high frequency words (hfw) straight‐copy material and 1‐minute timed writings, key by touch at 35 wpm with 4 or fewer errors.

Week 3

Students will demonstrate skill in using numbers, symbols and punctuation marks.

Go to Edutyping.com and select Numeric Pad Lessons

  • Complete a minimum of 3 Edutyping lessons a week and 1 Timed Test.

• Key numbers by touch using the 10‐key pad.

• Use the fourth row to key numbers and symbols using correct fingering.

Numbers & Symbols

This unit consists of the following parts:

Upon completion of the Alphabetic Keys and Symbols unit, students should progress to the Numbers & Symbols unit. This unit covers the number and symbol keys located on the top row. Each lesson begins with a warmup, allowing students to review the letter and number keys introduced in prior lessons, and concludes with a text-based typing exercise integrating the numbers and symbols learned. The lessons in this unit identify the correct finger to use for each key, reinforcing proper technique as students practice each pair of keys.

BEST PRACTICES

As students begin improving their speed and accuracy, it is important to emphasize the following:

1. Consistent technique through observation. As students' speed and accuracy improve, instructors should continually observe to ensure consistent use of proper touch typing technique.

2. Practice proper reach. Point out that lessons identify the correct finger to use based on its home row key. Students should be sure to consistently use the correct finger when reaching for keys on the top row.

RECOMMENDED INSTRUCTION

To master touch typing skills, students should be presented with approximately 25–35 minutes of keyboarding instruction per day at a minimum of three times a week (if instructional time allows). It is recommended that students in grades 6–8 master the proper finger placement and technique for the number keys before learning to key symbols. Repeat lessons 1–6 as needed before progressing to lessons 7 and beyond. If instructional time allows, with consistent practice and instructor observation, students in grades 6–8 should complete all new lessons within the Numbers & Symbols unit. Assign the review lessons 6 and 13 as needed.


Week 4

The student will demonstrate correct touch keyboarding techniques.

Continue working on the

Alphabetic Keys and Symbols- Edutyping.com

  • Completea minimum of 3 Edutyping lessons a week and 1 Timed Test.

Students will demonstrate a working knowledge of basic word processing functions and proofreading.

Students will apply basic word processing functions using a variety of documents.

• Utilize basic functions: open, close, save, save as and print.

• Utilize basic editing and formatting functions: copy, move, paste, font, line spacing, alignment, margins and word wrap.

• Utilize outlines, bullets, and numbering functions.

Edutyping Add On Lessons

Week 5

The student will demonstrate correct touch keyboarding techniques.

Continue working on the

Alphabetic Keys and Symbols- Edutyping.com

  • Complete a minimum of 3 Edutyping lessons a week and 1 Timed Test.

Students will be able to proofread and make corrections using word processing software.

  • Complete 3 Edutyping lessons a week and 1 Timed Test.

• Edit documents using proofreader’s marks.

• Make spelling and punctuation corrections on a variety of documents.

Week 6

The student will demonstrate correct touch keyboarding techniques.

Continue working on the

Alphabetic Keys and Symbols- Edutyping.com

  • Complete a minimum of 3 Edutyping lessons a week and 1 Timed Test.

Students will develop skill composing at the keyboard.

Students will demonstrate composition skills at the keyboard.

  • Complete 3 Edutyping lessons a week and 1 Timed Test.

• Key composition exercises from teacher prompt.

• Compose sentences, short paragraphs, and stories.

  • Use Scholastic Story Starters for students to practice story writing.

  • Use story starters with Musical Chairs typing for practicing writing across the curriuculum.

Story Marathon: Students start typing a story about a crazy situation. I give them two minutes to type what they can. At that time, I shut of the music video off and then they have to switch (like musical chairs) to a different computer and read the story started by their classmate (give them about a minute to read at least the preceding paragraph or two) and then I time again for two minutes. We continue this several times. Then, have the students assigned to each computer return to their starting station, complete the story, and proofread for errors. Below are videos I use from Youtube. I also let the students select current songs.

Week 7

The student will demonstrate correct touch keyboarding techniques.

Continue working on the

Alphabetic Keys and Symbols- Edutyping.com

  • Complete at least 3 Edutyping lessons a week and 1 Timed Test.

  • Numeric Keypad

  • This unit consists of the following parts:

  • It is not recommended that students in grades 6–8 complete the Numeric Keypad unit. This unit covers a new section of the keyboard that some students may not be familiar with. Students are introduced to each row of numbers, as well as the operation keys, and will practice entering numbers using proper reach techniques. The lessons in this unit are restricted to the keys on the numeric keypad, however students will key increasingly complex strings of data common in real-world data entry situations.

  • BEST PRACTICES

  • As students are introduced to the numeric keypad, it is important to emphasize the following:

  • 1. Consistent technique through observation. As students' speed and accuracy improve, instructors should continually observe to ensure consistent use of proper touch typing technique.

  • 2. Numeric keypad is used for data entry. Provide context for this unit by explaining real-world, career-based applications for learning the numeric keypad.

  • 3. Engage the number lock. Remind students to use the NUM LOCK key when entering data.

  • 4. Think of the 4-5-6 row as another home row. Point out that, like the F and J keys on the home row, the 5 key has a raised bump.

  • RECOMMENDED INSTRUCTION

  • It is not recommended that students in grades 6–8 complete the Numeric Keypad unit. The unit may be introduced as a supplement to the other Foundation Units, however it should be emphasized that the numeric keypad is used for very specific purposes. Instructors should observe mastery of proper alphabetic, numeric, and symbol key techniques before introducing the numeric keypad.

  • NOTE: Standard words per minute and accuracy benchmarks may not apply to numeric keypad lessons.

Weeks 8 and 9

Continue working on the

Alphabetic Keys and Symbols- Edutyping.com

  • Complete at least 3 Edutyping lessons a week and 1 Timed Test.

  • Complete the Timed Test Post-test and compare it with the Timed Pre-test.

Word Processing

This unit consists of the following parts:

  • Skill Building

  • Creating Professional Documents

With over 20 lessons, the Word Processing unit will allow students to demonstrate the essential skills necessary for success in communication and productivity in the classroom, the workplace, and beyond. In the Skill Building section, students learn and demonstrate skills such as working with tabs, tables, and images; in the Creating Professional Documents section, students produce some of the most common documents seen in the business world today, such as block style letters and formal reports.

These non-version specific lessons allow instructors the flexibility to teach word processing using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or any equivalent software.

It is recommended that you assign these lessons once students have completed the Alphabetic Keys and Symbols unit.

DOWNLOADABLE LESSONS

Each lesson in the Word Processing unit includes a downloadable PDF where students follow instructions to demonstrate the skills presented in each lesson. The answer keys to the lessons are located in the Teacher Portal.


Edutyping Word Processing Assignments

Complete a minimum of 1 1/2 lessons daily for the last two weeks. Upload a picture to Schoology. These lessons are password protected. Passwords will be given out to students.

Videos for Musical Chair Typing-Story Starters

Disclaimer: Please listen to each video, there are a few spots that need to be edited out before using with students. I don't show the videos to the students.

Story Marathon: Students start typing a story about a crazy situation. I give them two minutes to type what they can. At that time, I shut of the music video off and then they have to switch (like musical chairs) to a different computer and read the story started by their classmate (give them about a minute to read at least the preceding paragraph or two) and then I time again for two minutes. We continue this several times. Then, have the students assigned to each computer return to their starting station, complete the story, and proofread for errors. Below are videos I use from Youtube. I also let the students select current songs.

Story Starters: Creative Writing Prompts for Kids | Scholastic.com


My Favorite

Teaching Keyboarding Lesson Plans

--B.T. Skinner

Keyboarding Resources/Websites

Classroom Clash Keyboarding Game

This is a great game to break up the monotony in a keyboarding class! Fashioned after the popular game Family Feud, Classroom Clash is played together as a classroom. Students will need..

Tech Bundle - 3 Giant Keyboards + 3 Posters (for PC + Chromebook + Mac)

The Giant Keyboard display is the perfect resource to help students learn typing and computer skills, while brightening your classroom wall. The Giant Keyboard is accompanied by color.

Keyboarding Commotions

Lisa Kerns –Lincoln Middle School

Online Games

· LMS Keyboarding Symbaloos

· Spider Typer has three different levels of difficulty on this free typing game to make it great for kids of all skill levels.

· KeyMan KeyMan is a free typing game that's a play on Pacman and is perfect for the beginner typer.

· Alphattack is a free typing games that challenges you to kill the enemies on the screen by pressing the corresponding letters on your keyboard.

· KeyBricks is an addictive typing game where you'll need to locate certain letters on your keyboard to eliminate groups of colored bricks.

· Typing Chef This free typing game is set in a kitchen. You'll need to type the words that appear in the bubbles that float up from the sink.

· Spacebar Invaders In the free typing game Spacebar Invaders, you'll need to type the letters that appear under the aliens before they reach the bottom of the screen and the game is over.

· Cup Stacking Cup stacking is a basic typing game that's a great way to learn or reinforce the keys on the home row.

· Zombie Defender Zombies are taking over! Help save humanity playing this typing game with three levels and five word lists.

· Fire Typer Type words before apartments burn.

· Qwerty Town Fabulous keyboarding lessons entice kids with social rewards

Review Games

· Lisa Kerns Quia Web page: quia.com/pages/lkerns/keyboarding7th

· TpT Classroom Clash Keyboarding Game

· TpT Tech Bundle - 3 Giant Keyboards + 3 Posters (for PC + Chromebook + Mac)

· Bingo: terms of things like letter parts or technique.

· Human Tick Tack Toe: ask True/False questions if right stand/pick where to go (can make board on shower curtain and stand on it, or just draw on the board.) -- Amy Schuster

· Human Keyboard: create posters representing the fingers (8 fingers). (right hand pinky, etc.) Divide the students into groups of 8. Give one poster to each student. Read words and have the students line up in the correct order to make words. --Amy Schuster

Technique Reviews

· Have person sitting next to them watch technique and give suggestions.

· Put a piece of candy on hand. They get to eat it at the end of the activity if it is still on the hand.

· They get three pieces of candy. Each time they mess up on technique you take one. At the end of the period they get what is left over.

Stretching exercises body and fingers

Accuracy Reviews

· Type a sentence with no looking at keyboard or screen, if someone does, everyone starts over.

· Type sentences, alphabet, etc. backwards.

· Spider Typing: One student types one hand; another student the other hand.

· Create a short document. Have the students code the document it into fingers and rows. Give different ones to partners. After the student has handwritten the encoded message. Trade with partner. Type the encoded message back into letters. (complete lesson plan available)

· Can turn off screen, cover, or cover with towel to stop worrying about accuracy, and therefore, help speed or work on accuracy without a chance to “repent”.

Speed Reviews

Dinosaur Names: --B.T. Skinner

http://lessonplans.btskinner.com/kbdino.html

Quick Letters Handout: Type as quickly as possible. Winner gets prize. Should make some limit on acceptable errors

Typing Composition --B.T. Skinner

· Each student types the beginning of a story. They all move after about 3 minutes right one seat and add to that story. Keep adding and moving, but make sure to let the students know when to work on the end of the story. Could also use random music stops so that it is like musical chairs.

http://lessonplans.btskinner.com/kbstopthemusic.html

· Have the students spend 5-10 minutes composing a hypothetical problem and address the letter to “Dear “I Need Help” who solves problems. Students describe a problem and use a fictitious name. Collect letters; screen them. Select some to be answered. Duplicate and hand to students. Have them answer. This idea came from teaching English before, but I know that many of you are probably using it already because I have heard it many times since! (complete lesson plan available)

· Story starters and endings

http://www.berkeleyprep.org/lower/fourth/writing/story_starters.htm

· Topics to write about

http://www.berkeleyprep.org/lower/fourth/writing/journal_writing.htm

· Thanksgiving activities

http://lessonplans.btskinner.com/kbthanksgiving.html

· Topics for lists by alphabet

http://lessonplans.btskinner.com/kbalphalistrelay.html great game!

· Alphabetic Soup Poem Handout

http://lessonplans.btskinner.com/keybrd.html choose lesson

· Think of Sink

http://lessonplans.btskinner.com/kbthinkorsink.html

Other Ideas

http://lessonplans.btskinner.com/kbideas.html

Stop the Music