Kindergarten · Technology Applications
Quarter 4 · Week 1 · TEKS
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This lesson introduces kindergarten students to basic software application functions including opening an application, modifying digital artifacts, printing, and saving their work using developmentally appropriate digital tools. It also teaches ergonomically correct keyboarding techniques and proper hand and body positions to promote safe and effective technology use. Students will engage in guided practice with digital tools and reflect on their learning while developing foundational technology skills aligned with TEKS standards.
Students should have basic familiarity with using a computer or tablet, including turning the device on and off and using a mouse or touchscreen.
Software applications are programs on a computer or tablet that allow users to create, modify, save, and print digital work, called digital artifacts. Examples include drawing apps, word processors, or simple educational games. Opening an application means starting the program so you can use it. Modifying means changing or adding to your work, such as drawing a picture or typing words. Saving means storing your work so you can find it later. Printing means making a paper copy of your digital work.
To open an application, students locate the app icon on the device and tap or click it. To modify a digital artifact, they use tools within the app, such as drawing with a finger or typing text. Saving involves selecting the save option, often represented by a floppy disk icon or a menu command, and choosing a location to store the file. Printing requires selecting the print option and confirming the printer settings before producing a paper copy.
Proper keyboarding posture helps prevent discomfort and injury. Students should sit with feet flat on the floor or a footrest, back straight against the chair, and elbows bent at about 90 degrees. Hands should float above the keyboard with fingers curved and wrists straight, not resting heavily on the desk. The screen should be at eye level to avoid neck strain. Teaching these habits early helps students develop safe technology use.
Students might think that closing an application deletes their work; clarify that saving is necessary to keep changes. Some may believe printing is automatic after saving; explain the separate step to print. Children might rest wrists heavily on the desk; demonstrate how to keep wrists elevated and relaxed. Emphasize that digital tools are safe and fun when used properly and respectfully.
Teachers should demonstrate each software function slowly, narrating each step and showing the corresponding action on the screen. Then, guide students through opening an app, modifying a simple artifact, saving their work, and printing with assistance. For keyboarding, model correct posture and hand placement, then have students practice while providing feedback. Use positive reinforcement to encourage safe and confident technology use.
Show students a simple digital drawing application open on the screen. Ask: How do you open this application on your device?
Opening an application involves locating the app icon on the device's home screen or desktop and tapping or clicking it. This starts the program so you can use its tools.
I find the app icon on the screen and tap or click it to open the application.
After opening the drawing app, how would you add a new shape or color to your picture?
Modifying a digital artifact means using the app's tools to change the content. For example, selecting a shape tool and tapping on the canvas adds a shape, or choosing a color changes the drawing's color.
I select the shape tool and tap on the drawing area to add a shape or choose a color to change part of my picture.
Once you finish your drawing, how do you save it so you can look at it later?
Saving involves selecting the save option, often shown as a floppy disk icon or under a menu, and choosing a place to store the file so it can be reopened later.
I tap the save button and choose a folder or location to keep my drawing.
If you want a paper copy of your drawing, what do you do?
Printing means sending the digital file to a printer. You select the print option in the app, confirm the printer is ready, and then the printer produces a paper copy.
I select the print option and then wait for the printer to make a paper copy of my drawing.
How should you sit and place your hands when using the keyboard to be comfortable and safe?
Proper ergonomic posture includes sitting with feet flat, back straight, elbows bent at 90 degrees, and hands hovering over the keyboard with fingers curved and wrists straight to avoid strain.
I sit up straight with my feet on the floor, elbows bent, and my hands above the keyboard with my fingers curved.
Introduce the lesson by showing a colorful digital drawing or document on the screen. Ask students if they know how to open an app to create something like this.
Students share experiences with using tablets or computers and discuss what they think it means to open an application or save their work.
Engaging students with familiar digital images connects prior experiences to new learning about software functions.
Demonstrate opening a drawing application on the device. Show how to select a tool to modify the drawing, then save and print the work.
Students follow along on their devices to open the app, try modifying a simple digital artifact, and practice saving it with help.
Hands-on exploration allows students to connect actions with software functions and build confidence using digital tools.
Explain each step clearly: opening an app, modifying content, saving, and printing. Show visual aids for ergonomic keyboarding and demonstrate correct hand and body positions.
Students listen and observe the demonstrations, then practice correct posture and hand placement on the keyboard or touchscreen.
Clear explanation reinforces understanding of software functions and the importance of ergonomic safety during keyboarding.
Provide a short task where students open the app, create or modify a digital artifact, save it, and prepare it for printing. Monitor posture and provide feedback on keyboarding technique.
Students complete the task independently or with minimal help, demonstrating the software functions and ergonomic practices learned.
Applying the skills in a structured task helps solidify learning and encourages independence with technology.
Observe students as they demonstrate opening an app, modifying, saving, and printing a digital artifact. Ask them to explain the steps and show correct keyboarding posture.
Students demonstrate the learned skills and explain their process to the teacher or peers.
Assessment through demonstration and explanation confirms student understanding and skill mastery.
Students follow along on their devices to open the app, try modifying a simple digital artifact, and practice saving it with help.
What is the first step to use a software application?
Find and open the application by tapping or clicking its icon.
How do you change a digital artifact?
Use the tools in the app to add or modify content like drawing or typing.
How do you save your work?
Select the save option and choose a location to store the file.
What do you do to print your work?
Select the print option and confirm the printer to make a paper copy.
Describe the correct hand and body position for keyboarding.
Sit straight with feet flat, elbows bent, and hands hovering over the keyboard with fingers curved and wrists straight.
Provide step-by-step visual guides with pictures for each software function. Use paired work so students can help each other during practice. Allow extra time for students to complete tasks with adult assistance.
Use simple, clear language and repeat key vocabulary with visuals. Demonstrate each step slowly and use gestures to support understanding. Provide bilingual labels or translations for key terms if possible.
Challenge students to create a more complex digital artifact with multiple modifications. Encourage students to explain the steps they took in their own words. Introduce basic troubleshooting steps if an application does not open or save properly.
Encourage families to explore digital applications at home with their child, practicing opening apps, creating simple digital artifacts, saving work, and discussing safe and ergonomic technology use.
In this lesson, kindergarten students learned how to open software applications, modify digital artifacts, save their work, and print using developmentally appropriate digital tools. They also practiced ergonomic keyboarding techniques including proper hand and body positions to promote safe and comfortable technology use. Through guided demonstrations, hands-on practice, and reflection, students developed foundational technology skills aligned with TEKS standards.
Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.