Sparklabs Learning / Digital Technology

JSS 1 First Term

Week 9: Introduction to MS Word

School: Creative Brains Academy
Subject: Digital Technology
Pack: Full pack
Prepared: 7 November 2026

Week index

01Introduction to ICT and Information Ages
02History, Evolution and Generations of Computers
03What Is a Computer and Its Parts
04Functions of Parts, Hardware and Software
05Input and Output Devices
06Basic Typing Skills
07Storage Devices
08Simple Uses of the Internet
09Introduction to MS Word
10Creating and Saving Documents
11Revision and Examination Preparation
12Examination

Week 9 / First Term

Introduction to MS Word

Monday 2 November 2026 to Friday 6 November 2026

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

State what a word processor is and name its uses.
Identify the parts of the Microsoft Word window.
Start Word, create a new document and type text.
Use the basic editing keys to correct a document.

What a Word Processor Is

A word processor is application software used to create, edit, format and print documents made of text. Microsoft Word is the most widely used word processor. Others include LibreOffice Writer, Google Docs and WPS Office.

A word processor replaces the typewriter. It lets you correct a mistake anywhere in a document, change the font at any point, copy a passage and paste it somewhere else, and print the result without retyping.

Editing means changing the text in a document.

Formatting means changing the appearance of text.

Uses of a Word Processor

Word processors are used to write letters, reports, essays and assignments. They are used to produce forms such as school report cards and admission forms. They are used to write business letters, invoices and memos.

They are used to prepare notices, programmes and newsletters. They can also include tables, pictures and charts, and they can correct spelling as you type.

Parts of the Word Window

The title bar at the top shows the name of the open document. The ribbon below it holds tabs such as Home, Insert and Layout. Each tab contains groups of related commands.

The ruler shows margins and indents. The document area is the white space where text is typed. The vertical bar on the right is the scroll bar. The status bar at the bottom shows the word count and the current page.

Creating a Document

To start, open Word from the desktop icon or from the Start menu. A blank document appears. Type your text in the document area. The cursor, shown as a blinking line, marks where the next character will appear.

To correct, select the wrong word and type the right one. Backspace deletes the character before the cursor. Press Enter to start a new line or paragraph. Use the mouse or the arrow keys to move around the document.

Save means copying the document from memory to storage.

Part of the window	Function
Title bar	Shows the name of the open document
Ribbon and tabs	Holds the commands used to format and insert
Ruler	Shows margins, indents and tab stops
Document area	The white space where text is typed
Scroll bar	Moves through the document up and down
Status bar	Shows the word count and the page number

Practical Work

Start Microsoft Word and identify the title bar, ribbon, ruler, document area, scroll bar and status bar.
Type your full name, address, school and date on separate lines.
Correct two typing errors using Backspace and by selecting and replacing text.
Insert three new paragraphs using the Enter key and move the cursor back using the arrow keys.
Save the document and reopen it to confirm the work was kept.

Scenario-Based Questions

A school secretary is typing a list of examination results. Explain two ways a word processor is faster and neater than a typewriter.
Name four uses of a word processor in a school office.
Explain the difference between editing and formatting a document.
A pupil has typed a long assignment but the cursor is at the top of the document while the mistake is at the bottom. Explain how to reach the mistake.
Name four parts of the Microsoft Word window and state what each one does.
Explain why the status bar is useful when writing an essay of a specified length.
Give two reasons why a school would prefer typed report cards to handwritten ones.

Teacher plan

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON PUPILS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

Cognitive	i. State what a word processor is and name its uses. ii. Identify the parts of the Microsoft Word window. iii. Start Word, create a new document and type text. iv. Use the basic editing keys to correct a document.
Affective	i. Appreciate the value of Introduction to MS Word in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly.
Psychomotor	i. Start Microsoft Word and identify the title bar, ribbon, ruler, document area, scroll bar and status bar. ii. Type your full name, address, school and date on separate lines. iii. Correct two typing errors using Backspace and by selecting and replacing text. iv. Insert three new paragraphs using the Enter key and move the cursor back using the arrow keys.

Rationale: A word processor is application software used to create, edit, format and print documents made of text. Understanding what a Word Processor Is, uses of a Word Processor, parts of the Word Window, creating a Document helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.

Pre-requisite Knowledge: In Week 8, learners studied Simple Uses of the Internet, including what the Internet Is, uses of the Internet, getting on the Internet. The knowledge from that week is used again in this lesson.

Learning Material/Teaching Aid: Whiteboard, markers, computer or laptop where available, printed notes and charts on Introduction to MS Word, practical task sheets, learners' notebooks and pens.

Reference Materials: Digital Technology for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS 1); NERDC Digital Technology Curriculum; Digital Technology JSS 1 First Term Notes (Week 9); First Term examination and Continuous Assessment question papers.

LESSON DEVELOPMENT

Stage/Step (Time)	Teacher's Activities	Student's Activities	Learning Points
Introduction 5 MINUTES	Welcomes learners, revises Week 8 (Simple Uses of the Internet) with two quick oral questions, and asks what they already know about Introduction to MS Word. Elicits responses and writes the topic on the board.	Recall the previous lesson and share what they already know about Introduction to MS Word.	Connecting prior knowledge to Introduction to MS Word.
Step 1 6 MINUTES	Covers What a Word Processor Is: A word processor is application software used to create, edit, format and print documents made of text. Microsoft Word is the most widely used word processor. Others include LibreOffice Writer, Google Docs and WPS Office.	Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "What a Word Processor Is".	Understanding: What a Word Processor Is.
Step 2 6 MINUTES	Covers Uses of a Word Processor: Word processors are used to write letters, reports, essays and assignments. They are used to produce forms such as school report cards and admission forms. They are used to write business letters, invoices and memos.	Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "Uses of a Word Processor".	Understanding: Uses of a Word Processor.
Step 3 6 MINUTES	Covers Parts of the Word Window: The title bar at the top shows the name of the open document. The ribbon below it holds tabs such as Home, Insert and Layout. Each tab contains groups of related commands.	Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Parts of the Word Window" to the class.	Understanding: Parts of the Word Window.
Step 4 6 MINUTES	Covers Creating a Document: To start, open Word from the desktop icon or from the Start menu. A blank document appears. Type your text in the document area.	Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Creating a Document".	Understanding: Creating a Document.
Practical Work 6 MINUTES	Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Start Microsoft Word and identify the title bar, ribbon, ruler, document area, scroll bar and status bar. (ii) Type your full name, address, school and date on separate lines. (iii) Correct two typing errors using Backspace and by selecting and replacing text. Moves round the class to check progress and correct unsafe or careless use.	Carry out the practical tasks individually or in pairs and record what they did in their notebooks.	Applying the lesson through hands-on practice.
Evaluation 3 MINUTES	Asks learners to: i. State what a word processor is and name its uses. ii. Identify the parts of the Microsoft Word window. iii. Start Word, create a new document and type text. iv. Use the basic editing keys to correct a document.	Respond verbally and in writing to the evaluation questions.	Assessment and consolidation of the lesson content.
Conclusion 2 MINUTES	Recaps the main points: what a Word Processor Is, uses of a Word Processor, parts of the Word Window, creating a Document. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 10: Creating and Saving Documents.	Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment.	Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson.

Assignment: i. A school secretary is typing a list of examination results. Explain two ways a word processor is faster and neater than a typewriter. ii. Name four uses of a word processor in a school office.