JSS 1 First Term

Lesson objectives

By the end of the week, learners should be able to:

1. Plan a one-page document with a title, headings, body text and a numbered list.
2. Apply paragraph spacing, line spacing and a readable font consistently.
3. Insert a page number and check spelling and word count.
4. Save a document as .docx and export the same document as .pdf.
5. Organise files by creating a folder, renaming, copying, moving and deleting correctly.
6. Use print preview and state two ways to reduce printing cost.

Key vocabulary

• Formatting: changing how text looks, including font, size, spacing, alignment and colour.
• Line spacing: the vertical distance between lines of text.
• Header and footer: areas repeated at the top or bottom of every page.
• Page number field: an automatically updating number inserted in a header or footer.
• Export: saving a document in another format, such as PDF.
• PDF: a fixed-layout file that looks the same on any device and is difficult to edit.
• Print preview: a view showing exactly how the printed pages will look.
• File management: creating, naming, moving, copying and deleting files and folders.

Common misconceptions

• "The file extension does not matter." It tells the computer which program opens the file. Renaming it can stop the file opening.
• "A PDF can be edited in Word just like a DOCX." A PDF is fixed layout and needs special tools to edit.
• "A saved file is automatically backed up." A file on one computer can still be lost. A second copy is needed.

Teacher activities

1. Starter: show a messy folder of files named Document1, Document2 and new and ask what problems this causes.
2. Model planning on paper: title, two headings, one numbered list, one closing line.
3. Demonstrate consistent formatting: one font, size 12 body, size 16 headings, 1.5 line spacing, space after paragraphs.
4. Show spelling and grammar check, word count and the insertion of a page number in the footer.
5. Demonstrate Save As to .docx, then export to .pdf, and show print preview and page setup.
6. Run the file-management drill: create a folder, rename a file, copy it to a flash drive, then delete the copy and restore it from the Recycle Bin.

Student activities

1. List three problems caused by poor filenames.
2. Plan the one-page document on paper before typing.
3. Type and format the document to the stated specification.
4. Run the spelling check, record the word count and insert a page number.
5. Save as .docx, export as .pdf, and confirm both files exist in the class folder.
6. Complete the folder, rename, copy, delete and restore drill, and open the print preview.

Practical / learning evidence

A one-page document titled Computer Laboratory Rules, containing a title, two headings, at least five numbered rules, a footer page number and a saved PDF copy. Both files must be named jss1_lab_rules_surname.docx and .pdf and must open correctly from the folder. Marked against the practical rubric: task interpretation, layout, formatting accuracy, file naming, saving and explanation.

Resources and preparation

Computers with Word and a PDF export option, or LibreOffice Writer with Export as PDF. A class folder and one flash drive per group for the file-management drill. Printed planning sheets. Offline route: plan and lay out the document on paper with a printed rubric, and assess the digital version in a later rotation. Confirm that PDF export works before the lesson.

Assessment for learning

Assess against the practical rubric with marks for layout, formatting consistency, page number, correct filenames, both formats present and the learner's oral explanation. Check that the PDF opens independently of Word. Record which learners cannot yet find the class folder for a short reteach.

Inclusion and homework

Provide a template with the title and headings already typed for learners who type slowly, and allow a scribed plan. Extend confident learners with a header, a simple table of rules and a coloured heading. Homework: design a folder structure for your school work with three folders and five correct filenames.