Using a Keyboard and Mouse

Grade 1 · Technology · Study Guide

Learn how to use a keyboard and mouse to work on a computer.

A computer has special tools that help you talk to it. Two of the most important tools are the keyboard and the mouse.

The keyboard is like a big set of buttons called keys. Each key has a letter, number, or symbol on it. When you press a key, that letter or number shows up on the screen. The big long key at the bottom is called the spacebar. You press it to make a space between words.

The mouse is a small tool you move with your hand. When you slide the mouse on the desk, a little arrow on the screen moves too. That arrow is called the cursor. You can click the mouse button to pick things on the screen. A single click selects something, and a double click opens it.

When you type on the keyboard, sit up straight and keep your feet flat on the floor. Use your fingers gently — you do not need to press hard. Always ask a grown-up before using the computer, and wash your hands before you start so the keys stay clean.

Key terms

keyboard: A set of buttons with letters and numbers used to type on a computer
mouse: A small tool you move with your hand to control the cursor on the screen
cursor: The small arrow on the screen that moves when you move the mouse
spacebar: The long key at the bottom of the keyboard used to make spaces between words
click: Pressing the button on the mouse to select or open something on the screen

Flashcards

keyboard: The set of keys you press to type letters and numbers on a computer
mouse: A hand tool that moves the cursor on the screen
cursor: The arrow on the screen that follows your mouse
spacebar: The long bottom key that adds a space when typing
click: Pressing the mouse button once to select something
double click: Pressing the mouse button twice quickly to open something
keys: The buttons on a keyboard that you press to type

Questions

What do you use to type letters on a computer?
1. Mouse
2. Keyboard
3. Screen
4. Speaker
Show answer
Answer: Keyboard
The keyboard has keys with letters and numbers that you press to type.
The cursor is the arrow on the screen that moves when you move the mouse.
Show answer
Answer: True
The cursor is the on-screen arrow that moves when you slide the mouse.
What is the name of the long key at the bottom of the keyboard?
1. Enter key
2. Shift key
3. Spacebar
4. Delete key
Show answer
Answer: Spacebar
The spacebar is the long key at the bottom of the keyboard used to add spaces.
You need to press the keyboard keys very hard to make them work.
Show answer
Answer: False
You only need to press keyboard keys gently — pressing hard is not needed.
You move the _____ with your hand to control what happens on the screen.
Show answer
Answer: mouse
Moving the mouse on the desk moves the cursor on the screen.

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