**Lesson Plan for Junior Secondary 1 (Grade 7)**
**Subject:** Business Studies
**Topic:** Home Row Keys
---
### **Lesson Objectives:**
1. **Understanding Home Row Keys:** Students will understand the concept and importance of the home row keys on a keyboard.
2. **Identifying Home Row Keys:** Students will identify the specific keys that constitute the home row on a QWERTY keyboard.
3. **Proper Typing Technique:** Students will learn the correct finger placement and practice typing using proper technique.
4. **Increasing Typing Speed and Accuracy:** Students will practice typing to increase their speed and accuracy using home row keys.
---
### **Materials Needed:**
- Computers with QWERTY keyboards
- Projector and screen for demonstrations
- Interactive Typing Tutor software or online typing tools (e.g., TypingClub, BBC Dance Mat Typing)
- Printouts or digital copies of keyboard diagrams
- Typing practice sheets
---
### **Lesson Structure:**
#### **Introduction (10 minutes)**
1. **Greeting and Introduction:**
- Welcome the students and introduce the lesson topic.
- Briefly explain the importance of learning to type efficiently using the home row keys in today's digital world, especially in business settings.
2. **Overview of Objectives:**
- Explain the objectives of the lesson and what the students are expected to learn and practice.
#### **Instructional Input (15 minutes)**
1. **Demonstration of Home Row Keys:**
- Project a QWERTY keyboard diagram on the screen.
- Identify and explain the keys on the home row: A, S, D, F, J, K, L, ; (semicolon).
- Discuss the concept of “home row” where fingers rest when not typing.
2. **Proper Finger Placement:**
- Demonstrate the correct finger placement on the home row keys:
- Left hand: Little finger on A, ring finger on S, middle finger on D, index finger on F.
- Right hand: Index finger on J, middle finger on K, ring finger on L, little finger on ; (semicolon).
- Emphasize the importance of keeping fingers on these keys and reaching up or down to other keys as needed.
#### **Guided Practice (15 minutes)**
1. **Interactive Typing Tutor:**
- Have students log onto a typing tutor software or website.
- Guide students through initial exercises focusing on home row keys.
- Monitor progress and provide assistance as needed.
2. **Keyboard Diagrams:**
- Provide students with printouts or digital diagrams of the keyboard.
- Have them practice identifying and touching each key on their keyboards while referring to the diagrams.
#### **Independent Practice (10 minutes)**
1. **Typing Drills:**
- Students will complete a series of typing drills focusing on home row keys using the interactive typing tutor or a provided worksheet.
- Emphasize accuracy before speed – encourage students to focus on hitting the correct keys with the appropriate fingers.
#### **Review and Assessment (10 minutes)**
1. **Typing Test:**
- Conduct a short typing test using the home row keys to gauge students' progress in accuracy and speed.
- Use online tools or pre-prepared typing tests to assess their performance.
2. **Feedback:**
- Provide individual feedback on their performance, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
#### **Closure (5 minutes)**
1. **Recap:**
- Summarize the key points covered in the lesson – the home row keys, proper finger placement, and the benefit of practicing typing.
2. **Home Practice:**
- Encourage students to practice at home using their keyboards or online typing tutors.
- Provide additional resources or websites where students can continue their practice.
3. **Q&A:**
- Open the floor for any questions or concerns the students might have about the lesson.
4. **Preview Next Lesson:**
- Briefly introduce the next topic to keep students engaged and create a connection to the upcoming lesson.
---
### **Evaluation:**
- **Observation:** During the guided and independent practice sessions.
- **Typing Test Results:** Comparing pre-lesson and post-lesson speeds and accuracy.
- **Participation:** Engagement and participation during the lesson activities and Q&A session.
---
### **Homework/Extension Activity:**
- Practice for 10-15 minutes each day on an online typing tutor focusing on home row keys.
- Create a paragraph using as many home row keys as possible. Bring this paragraph typed out to the next class for a peer review exercise.
---
**Note:** Adjust time allocations and activities based on the specific needs and progress of your students.