Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v3 - Primary 6
Learning Word Processing With the Computer
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Learning Word Processing With the Computer
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Subject: Information Technology (IT)
Class: Primary 6
Term: 1st Term
Week: 7
Theme: Basic Computer Operations
This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.
For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.
identify Word processing Software mention some of the uses of Word Processing software identify and use the Title Bar, Menu Bar and To ol Bars create and edit documents save and retrieve documents
As (to save a copy or save with a new name/location).
3. In the "Save As" dialog box: Choose a location: Select a folder where the document will be stored (e.g., "Documents", "Desktop", a specific folder for school work).
Enter a File Name: Type a descriptive name for the document (e.g., "My First Letter", "Primary 6 Assignment"). Avoid special characters like /, \, :, , ?, ", , |. Click Save.
Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl + S to quickly save.
Retrieving (Opening) a Document:
1. Open the word processing software.
2. Click the File tab/menu.
3. Select Open.
4. In the "Open" dialog box: Navigate to the location where the document was saved. Select the document by clicking its name. Click Open. The document will load and display on the screen.
Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl + O to quickly open the dialog box. Worked Example for Creating, Editing, Saving, and Retrieving: Scenario: A Primary 6 student, Emeka, needs to type a short note to his teacher, Mrs. Adeola, requesting a textbook.
Step-by-step:
1. Open Word Processor: Emeka opens Microsoft Word. A new blank document appears.
2. Type Content: Emeka types the following: ``` Date: October 12, 2023 Dear Mrs. Adeola, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to respectfully request for a new Mathematics textbook. My current textbook is old and some pages are missing. Thank you for your consideration. Yours sincerely, Emeka Obi Primary 6 ```
3. Edit Content (Format): Emeka wants to make "Mathematics textbook" bold. He selects "Mathematics textbook" and clicks the B icon on the Home tab. He wants to change the font of his name to "Arial" and size to "14". He selects "Emeka Obi" and uses the Font dropdown to choose "Arial" and the Font Size dropdown to choose "14".
4. Save Document: Emeka clicks File > Save As. He navigates to his "Documents" folder. He types "Emeka's Textbook Request" as the file name. He clicks Save. The Title Bar now shows "Emeka's Textbook Request - Word".
5. Close Document: Emeka clicks the 'X' button on the Title Bar to close the document.
6. Retrieve Document: Later, Emeka needs to review his letter. He opens Microsoft Word again. He clicks File > Open. He navigates to the "Documents" folder. He finds and clicks on "Emeka's Textbook Request.docx". * He clicks Open*. The letter reappears on the screen, exactly as he saved it. displayed (Print Layout, Web Layout, Zoom).
Example: To save a document, a student would typically click on the "File" tab/menu and then select "Save." Toolbars (Quick Access Toolbar and Ribbon groups): Location: Quick Access Toolbar (QAT): Usually above or below the Ribbon/Menu Bar, on the left side of the Title Bar.
Ribbon Groups: Commands on the Ribbon are organized into logical groups (e.g., "Font" group, "Paragraph" group within the "Home" tab).
Purpose: Provide quick access to frequently used commands, often represented by icons.
Common icons on QAT: Save (floppy disk icon), Undo (curved arrow left), Redo (curved arrow right). Common icons on Home Tab (Formatting Toolbar equivalents): Bold (B), Italic (I), Underline (U), Font Type (dropdown with font names like 'Calibri'), Font Size (dropdown with numbers like '12'), Text Color (A with a colored bar underneath), Align Left, Center, Align Right, Justify (icons representing text alignment).
Example: To make text bold, a student would select the text and click the 'B' icon on the Home tab. 2.
5. Creating and Editing Documents Creating a New Document:
1. Open the word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word).
2. If it doesn't open a blank document automatically, click on the File tab/menu.
3. Select New.
4. Choose Blank document and click Create or Open. A new, empty document will appear.
Typing Text: Simply start typing on the blank document. The cursor (a blinking vertical line) indicates where the text will appear.
Editing Documents: Editing involves making changes to existing text.
Selecting Text: Before editing, text usually needs to be selected.
To select a word: Double-click the word.
To select a line/sentence: Click and drag the mouse over the text.
To select an entire paragraph: Triple-click anywhere within the paragraph.
To select all text: Press Ctrl +
A. Deleting Text: To delete characters to the left of the cursor: Press the Backspace key. To delete characters to the right of the cursor: Press the Delete key.
To delete selected text: Press Backspace or Delete.
Copying Text: Duplicates selected text without removing it from its original location.
1. Select the text.
2. Click the Copy icon (two overlapping papers) on the Home tab, or press Ctrl +
C. Cutting Text: Removes selected text from its original location.
1. Select the text.
2. Click the Cut icon (scissors) on the Home tab, or press Ctrl +
X. Pasting Text: Inserts copied or cut text at the cursor's current position.
1. Place the cursor where the text should be inserted.
2. Click the Paste icon (clipboard) on the Home tab, or press Ctrl +
V. Formatting Text (Basic): Bold (B): Makes text darker and thicker. Select text, click 'B' icon.
Italic (I): Slants text. Select text, click 'I' icon.
Underline (U): Places a line beneath text. Select text, click 'U' icon.
Font Type/Style: Changes the appearance of characters (e.g., Arial, Times New Roman, Calibri). Select text, choose from the 'Font' dropdown.
Font Size: Changes the size of characters (e.g., 10, 12, 14 points). Select text, choose from the 'Font Size' dropdown.
Text Color: Changes the color of the text. Select text, click the 'Text Color' icon (A with a colored bar) and choose a color. 2.
6. Saving and Retrieving Documents Saving a Document: It is crucial to save documents regularly to prevent loss of work.
1. Click the File tab/menu.
2. Select Save (for the first time, it will act like Save As) or Save As (to save a copy or save with a new name/location).
3. In the "Save As" dialog box: Choose a location: Select a folder where the document will be stored (e.g., "Documents", "Desktop", a specific folder for school work).
Enter a File Name: Type a descriptive name for the document (e.g., "My First Letter", "Primary 6 Assignment"). Avoid special characters like /, \, :, , ?, ", , |. Click Save.
Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl + S to quickly save. * Retrieving (Opening) a Document:
1. Open the 2.
1. What is Word Processing? Word processing refers to the creation, editing, formatting, saving, and printing of text documents using a computer. It involves manipulating text, symbols, and graphics to produce professional-looking documents. Unlike traditional handwriting, word processing allows for easy corrections, revisions, and various formatting options, making document creation faster and more efficient. 2.
2. Word Processing Software Word processing software (often called a word processor) is an application program that enables users to perform word processing tasks. These programs provide tools for typing, editing, formatting, and saving documents.
Examples of Word Processing Software: Microsoft Word: The most widely used word processing software, especially prevalent in Nigeria for both educational and business purposes. It is part of the Microsoft Office suite.
Google Docs: A free, web-based word processor offered by Google, accessible with a Google account. It allows for collaborative editing.
WPS Office Writer: A free office suite that includes a word processor, compatible with Microsoft Word documents. Popular on mobile devices and some personal computers in Nigeria due to its free availability.
LibreOffice Writer: A free and open-source word processor that is part of the LibreOffice suite.
Pages (Apple): Word processing software for Apple devices. For this lesson, the focus will primarily be on concepts applicable to most word processors, with practical demonstrations leaning towards Microsoft Word due to its prevalence. 2.
3. Uses of Word Processing Software Word processing software has numerous applications, making it indispensable in modern communication and documentation.
Some key uses include: Creating Letters: For personal, official, or business correspondence (e.g., a letter to the school principal, a job application letter, a letter of complaint to a service provider like PHCN).
Preparing Reports: For academic assignments, business proposals, or project documentation (e.g., a science project report, a school excursion report).
Writing Essays and Stories: For school assignments, creative writing, or journaling.
Designing Invitations and Fliers: For events like birthdays, weddings, community meetings, or church programmes.
Creating Resumes/CVs: For future job applications (though this is more advanced, students should understand the potential).
Developing Newsletters and Brochures: For schools, churches, or small businesses. 2.
4. Identifying Key Components of the Word Processing Interface (using MS Word as an example) When a word processing program like Microsoft Word is opened, several key components are visible on the screen: Title Bar: Location: Always at the very top of the program window.
Purpose: Displays the name of the currently open document (e.g., "Document1" for a new, unsaved document, or "My Letter.docx" for a saved document) and the name of the application (e.g., "Microsoft Word"). It also contains the Minimize, Maximize/Restore Down, and Close buttons on the far right.
Example: When a student opens MS Word for the first time, they might see "Document1 - Word" in the Title Bar. Menu Bar (or Ribbon in newer MS Word versions): Location: Typically located directly below the Title Bar. In newer versions of MS Word (2007 and later), the traditional Menu Bar is replaced by the "Ribbon," which organizes commands into tabs (e.g., File, Home, Insert, Page Layout, References, Mailings, Review, View).
Purpose: Provides access to various commands and functions of the word processor.
File Menu/Tab: Contains commands for managing documents (New, Open, Save, Save As, Print, Close, Exit).
Home Tab (Ribbon): Contains common formatting tools like Font, Paragraph, Styles, and Editing options (Cut, Copy, Paste).
Insert Tab (Ribbon): Contains commands for adding elements like pictures, tables, shapes, headers, footers, page numbers.
View Menu/Tab: Contains commands for changing how the document is displayed (Print Layout, Web Layout, Zoom).
Example: To save a document, a student would typically click on the "File" tab/menu and then select "Save." Toolbars (Quick Access Toolbar and Ribbon groups): Location: Quick Access Toolbar (QAT): Usually above or below the Ribbon/Menu Bar, on the left side of the Title Bar.
Ribbon Groups: Commands on the Ribbon are organized into logical groups (e.g., "Font" group, "Paragraph" group within the "Home" tab).
Purpose: Provide quick access to frequently used commands, often represented by icons. *Common icons 3.
1. Teacher Activities: Introduction (10 minutes): Begin by asking students how they usually write letters, notes, or school assignments (e.g., pen and paper, slate). Introduce the concept of using a computer for writing, explaining its advantages (neatness, ease of correction, speed). Introduce "Word Processing" as the act of creating text documents on a computer. Ask students if they know any software used for this purpose. List student suggestions on the board. State the specific learning objectives for the lesson. Explanation and Demonstration (25-30 minutes): Project a computer screen with a word processing software (preferably MS Word) opened.
Identify Word Processing Software: Point to the software icon and name it (e.g., "This is Microsoft Word, a popular word processing software."). Briefly mention others like Google Docs, WPS Office.
Uses of Word Processing: Discuss and elicit examples of uses relevant to Nigerian context (e.g., writing a letter to a relative in the village, typing a school report, designing an invitation for a child dedication ceremony).
Interface Elements: Clearly point to and label the Title Bar, Menu Bar (or Ribbon tabs), and Toolbars (or Ribbon groups/Quick Access Toolbar) on the projected screen. Explain the function of each bar/toolbar, demonstrating a simple action for each (e.g., clicking 'File' on the Menu Bar, showing the document name on the Title Bar, clicking 'B' on the toolbar).
Creating and Editing: Demonstrate creating a new document (File > New > Blank document). Type a short sentence (e.g., "Nigeria is my country."). Demonstrate selecting text (double-click word, click and drag).
Demonstrate basic editing: deleting text (Backspace/Delete), copying/cutting/pasting text (Ctrl+C, Ctrl+X, Ctrl+V, or using icons).
Demonstrate basic formatting: applying Bold, Italic, Underline; changing Font Type and Size; changing Text Color.
Saving and Retrieving: Demonstrate saving the document (File > Save As, choosing a location like "Documents," giving a file name like "My First Document"). Emphasize the importance of remembering the file name and location. Close the document. Demonstrate retrieving the document (File > Open, navigating to the saved location, selecting the file). Guided Practice (20-25 minutes - If computers are available; adjust if not): If individual computers are available: Guide students step-by-step through the process on their machines. "Open MS Word." "Type your name and school name." "Make your name bold and your school name italic." "Save your document as 'My Name_P6_IT' in the 'Documents' folder." "Close the document." "Open your saved document." If limited computers: Form small groups. Have one student demonstrate while others observe and verbally guide. Rotate roles.
If no computers: Use the projected screen. Ask students to verbally describe the steps as if they were performing them. Draw a simple word processor screen on the board and label parts, then ask students to indicate actions.
Review and Q&A (5-10 minutes): Recap the main points of the lesson. Ask questions to check understanding. 3.
2. Student Activities: Actively observe teacher demonstrations, asking questions for clarification. Participate in discussions about the uses of word processing and identifying interface elements. Hands-on Practice (if computers are available): Open and close a word processing application. Identify the Title Bar, Menu Bar/Ribbon, and Toolbars/Ribbon groups. Create a new blank document. Type a short paragraph about their family, school, or a Nigerian festival. Select text and apply bold, italic, and underline formatting. Change font type and size for specific words or sentences. Practice deleting and inserting text. Save their document with a unique name in a designated folder. Close the document. Open their saved document. Verbal/Group Practice (if computers are limited/unavailable): Students describe the steps to perform tasks (e.g., "How would you save this document?"). Students point out and name interface elements on a projected screen or drawn diagram. Students act out "typing," "saving," "opening" on imaginary computers.
Community Development: Students can use word processing to type formal letters to community leaders (e.g., the Oba, Sarki, Eze, or Council Chairman) proposing solutions to local issues like waste management, or requesting support for school projects. They could also design simple public awareness flyers about sanitation, polio vaccination drives, or local market days.
School Administration and Academics: Teachers and school administrators use word processing daily to prepare lesson notes, examination questions, report cards, school newsletters, and official circulars. Students, in turn, can use it to type their assignments, essays, and project reports, ensuring neatness and readability, which is especially helpful for group projects where different parts can be compiled easily.
Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship: In Nigeria, many small businesses (e.g., local tailors, provisions shops, salon owners) can utilize word processing for simple tasks like creating invoices, receipts, price lists, or business letters. For instance, a local seamstress could type a list of her services and prices, or a provisions seller could print out a simple daily sales record. This introduces students to practical business applications.