Grade 2 · Technology Applications
Quarter 4 · Week 9 · TEKS
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This lesson introduces Grade 2 students to the keyboard, focusing on identifying and locating keys, including those with secondary actions such as @, #, $, and ?. Students will practice using these keys and understand how to access their secondary symbols, building foundational technology skills aligned with TEKS standards.
Students should be familiar with basic keyboard layout, including letter and number keys, and have some experience using a computer or tablet keyboard.
A keyboard has many keys, each with a primary action (usually typing a letter or number) and some have secondary actions, which are symbols typed by pressing the Shift key along with the key. For example, the number 2 key has the @ symbol as its secondary action. Knowing how to use these secondary actions helps students type important symbols used in email addresses, passwords, and writing.
Keys such as 2, 3, 4, and / have secondary symbols @, #, $, and ? respectively. These symbols are not typed by pressing the key alone but by holding the Shift key and pressing the key. For example, to type @, hold Shift and press 2. Teaching students to locate these keys visually and physically on the keyboard is essential.
The Shift key is a modifier key that changes the output of another key when pressed together. It is usually found on both sides of the keyboard. When students press and hold Shift and then press a key with a secondary symbol, the symbol appears instead of the primary character. This is how symbols like @, #, $, and ? are typed.
- @ (at symbol): Used in email addresses (e.g., [email protected]). It is found on the 2 key. - # (hash or pound sign): Used in social media hashtags and numbering. It is found on the 3 key. - $ (dollar sign): Used in money amounts. It is found on the 4 key. - ? (question mark): Used at the end of questions. It is found on the / key. Understanding these symbols helps students recognize their importance in digital communication.
Students should practice typing these symbols in simple words or sentences to become comfortable. Teachers should emphasize safe and respectful use of technology, reminding students to use keyboards appropriately and ask for help if unsure.
If you want to type the @ symbol, which key do you press along with the Shift key?
The @ symbol is the secondary action on the 2 key. To type it, you hold down the Shift key and press the 2 key.
Hold Shift and press the 2 key to type @.
How do you type the question mark symbol on the keyboard?
The question mark is the secondary action on the / key. Press and hold Shift and then press the / key to type the question mark.
Hold Shift and press the / key to type ?.
Show a large image of a keyboard and ask students if they recognize any keys with special symbols. Point out the keys with @, #, $, and ? symbols and ask if anyone knows how to type them.
Students share if they have seen these symbols before and where (e.g., in emails, signs, or books). They try to find these keys on their own keyboards or on the diagram.
This phase activates prior knowledge and introduces the focus on keys with secondary actions, making students curious about how to type these symbols.
Demonstrate pressing the Shift key and then the 2 key to type @ on the computer. Repeat for #, $, and ?. Guide students to try this on their own devices or with a keyboard diagram.
Students practice pressing Shift plus the keys for @, #, $, and ? and observe the symbols appearing on the screen or paper.
Students learn the physical action needed to type secondary symbols and see the result of their actions.
Explain the concept of primary and secondary key actions. Use the keyboard diagram to show which keys have secondary symbols and how the Shift key modifies the output.
Students listen and ask questions about how to find and use secondary symbols on the keyboard.
Clarifies the function of the Shift key and secondary actions, reinforcing the skill with visual support.
Provide practice worksheets and typing exercises that include words and sentences with @, #, $, and ? symbols. Circulate to assist and encourage correct use of the Shift key.
Students complete typing exercises, practicing the keys and symbols learned. They explain their process to the teacher or peers.
Students apply their knowledge in a practical context, reinforcing learning through hands-on typing and verbal explanation.
Ask students to demonstrate typing the symbols @, #, $, and ? on their keyboard or explain how to do it. Use a short exit ticket where students type or write the symbols.
Students demonstrate or explain how to type the symbols. They complete the exit ticket independently.
Assessment confirms students have learned to identify, locate, and use keys with secondary actions as required by TEKS.TECH.2.10E.
Students practice pressing Shift plus the keys for @, #, $, and ? and observe the symbols appearing on the screen or paper.
Point to the key on the keyboard that has the @ symbol as its secondary action.
The key with the number 2 has the @ symbol as its secondary action.
Explain how to type the # symbol on the keyboard.
Hold down the Shift key and press the 3 key to type the # symbol.
Type a simple sentence that includes the $ symbol and the ? symbol using the keyboard.
Example: "How much does it cost? $5." The student holds Shift and presses 4 for $, and Shift and / for ?.
Describe the difference between pressing a key alone and pressing it with the Shift key, using the 4 key as an example.
Pressing the 4 key alone types the number 4. Pressing Shift and the 4 key together types the $ symbol, which is the secondary action of that key.
If you want to type an email address like [email protected], which key with a secondary action do you need to use and how?
You need to use the @ symbol, which is the secondary action on the 2 key. Hold Shift and press 2 to type @.
Provide labeled keyboard diagrams for students who need visual support. Use physical keyboard overlays or stickers to highlight keys with secondary symbols. Allow students to practice typing symbols with teacher guidance and repeated modeling.
Use clear, simple language and visuals to explain the Shift key and symbols. Demonstrate typing symbols slowly and repeat key vocabulary. Pair ELL students with peers for guided practice and verbal explanation.
Challenge students to type sentences including multiple symbols and explain their use. Introduce other secondary symbols on the keyboard for exploration. Encourage students to create a short message using symbols and share with the class.
Encourage students to practice typing their name and simple sentences including symbols like @ and ? at home with a family member. Parents can help by showing them the keyboard and supporting safe technology use.
In this lesson, students learned to identify and locate keys on the keyboard that have secondary actions, such as @, #, $, and ?. They practiced using the Shift key to type these symbols and understood their importance in digital communication. Through guided practice and assessment, students demonstrated their ability to use these keys correctly, building essential technology skills aligned with TEKS standards.
Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.