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An introduction to the keyboard as a tool for telling the computer what to do using letters and numbers.
Imagine you want to tell your computer your name, but you can't speak to it. How do you give it the letters? You use a magical board full of buttons!
A keyboard is a tool we use to talk to the computer. In the world of computers, we call it an input tool. This is because we put information into the computer by pressing buttons. Each button is called a key. When you press a key, the computer sees what you picked and shows it on the screen. It is like sending a secret code to your computer friend!
Quick Check
What do we call a tool that sends information into the computer?
Answer
An input tool.
The keyboard has many different keys. The most important ones are the letter keys and the number keys. The letters through are usually in the middle of the keyboard. They are not in the same order as the alphabet song! The number keys from to are usually in a long row at the very top. We use these to tell the computer how many of something we want or to write down the date.
Let's find the keys to type the name 'SAM': 1. Look at the middle of the keyboard for the letter . 2. Look nearby for the letter . 3. Find the letter to finish the name. 4. You have just used the letter keys!
Quick Check
Where do you usually find the number keys on a keyboard?
Answer
In a row at the very top.
You might also use a mouse with your computer. A mouse is for pointing and clicking on things you see. But if you want to write a story or type your name, the mouse cannot help you. You need the keyboard for that! The keyboard is for words and numbers, while the mouse is for moving around the screen.
Decide which tool to use for these tasks: 1. To click on a 'Start' button: Use the mouse. 2. To type the number : Use the keyboard. 3. To write the word 'DOG': Use the keyboard.
There are two very special keys you should know. The Space Bar is the longest key at the bottom. It puts a tiny invisible gap between words so they don't get squished together. The Enter Key is usually a big key on the right side. When you press it, it tells the computer, 'I am finished!' or 'Go!' It is like the 'Please' at the end of a sentence.
Imagine typing 'I LIKE CATS': 1. Press . 2. Press the Space Bar so the next word isn't stuck to the . 3. Press . 4. Press the Space Bar again. 5. Press . 6. Press Enter to tell the computer you are done!
What is the keyboard used for?
Which key is the longest key on the keyboard?
You should use a mouse if you want to type your name.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow, try to remember the name of the 'Go' key and the 'Gap' key.
Practice Activity
Find a keyboard and try to locate the first letter of your name and the number of how old you are!