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Combining typing skills to write and format a short story.
Did you know that your computer is like a magic notebook that never runs out of paper? What if you could write a story today and read it again in a hundred years?
To write on a computer, we use a keyboard. It is covered in buttons called keys. Each key has a letter or a symbol on it. When you tap a key, that letter appears on your screen! To make a 'breath' between your words so they don't get squished, we use the longest key at the very bottom. This is called the Space Bar. Think of it like a tiny invisible bridge that keeps your words from bumping into each other.
Let's type the word 'Cat' step-by-step: 1. Find the letter 'C' and tap it. 2. Find the letter 'a' and tap it. 3. Find the letter 't' and tap it. 4. Tap the long Space Bar once to finish the word.
Quick Check
What is the name of the longest key on the keyboard that puts a space between words?
Answer
The Space Bar
When we talk, we take a breath at the end of a sentence. When we write digitally, we use a period. A period looks like a tiny dot `.` on your keyboard. It tells the reader, 'Stop! This sentence is finished.' After you type a period, you must always press the Space Bar one time. This creates a clean path for your next sentence to start. Remember: Period first, then Space!
Let's type: 'The dog is big.' 1. Type the words: 'The dog is big' 2. Find the period key `.` and tap it once. 3. Tap the Space Bar once. 4. Now you are ready for sentence number 2!
Quick Check
What two things do you do when you finish a sentence?
Answer
Type a period and then press the Space Bar.
Imagine you built a beautiful tower out of blocks. You wouldn't want someone to knock it down! On a computer, we use the Save button to keep our writing safe. Saving puts your story into a digital folder so you can find it tomorrow. Because there are many places to put files, always ask an adult to help you pick a name for your story and click the save icon, which often looks like a small square disk.
Try this full project: 1. Type: 'My cat is fast.' 2. Type: 'He likes to jump.' 3. Look at your screen to make sure there is a `.` and a space after each sentence. 4. Ask an adult, 'Can you help me save this as MyStory?'
Which key do you press to put a space between words?
What symbol goes at the very end of a sentence?
You should ask an adult to help you save your work so it stays safe.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to remember: Where is the period key located on your keyboard?
Practice Activity
Try this on your own: Open a blank document and type two sentences about what you ate for lunch. Don't forget the periods!