Word Processing I – JSS1 Computer Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Word processing means using a computer program to create, edit, save, and print text documents. A word processor is like a very smart typewriter. It helps you write letters, reports, stories, and many other kinds of documents on your computer.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Explain what word processing is and name some word processing programs.
• Start a word processor and name the parts of its screen.
• Create, save, open, and close a document.
• Edit text by selecting, cutting, copying, and pasting.
• Format text by changing the font, size, colour, style, and alignment.
• Print a document.

What are the common word processing programs?

There are many word processing programs you can use:

• Microsoft Word: a very popular word processor
• Google Docs: a word processor that works on the internet
• LibreOffice Writer: a free word processor
• Apple Pages: a word processor for Apple computers
• WordPad: a simple word processor that comes with Windows

How do you start a word processor?

Starting a word processor

To start using a word processor:

1. Turn on your computer.
2. Find the word processor icon (picture).
3. Click on the icon.
4. Wait for the program to open.
5. You will see a blank page where you can type.

The word processor screen

When you open a word processor, you will see:

• A blank white page in the middle
• A blinking line called a cursor that shows where you will type
• Toolbars at the top with buttons for different tasks
• Menus with more options
• Rulers at the top and side of the page

How do you type in a word processor?

To type in a word processor:

• Sit up straight with your hands on the keyboard.
• Use your fingers to press the keys.
• Press the spacebar (long key at the bottom) to make spaces.
• Press the Enter (or Return) key to start a new line.
• Use the Shift key to make capital letters.
• Use the Backspace key to erase mistakes.

How do you create, save, open, and close a document?

Creating a new document

When you start a word processor, it usually shows a new blank document. If you want to create another new document:

1. Click on “File” in the top menu.
2. Click “New” or “New Document”.
3. A new blank page will appear.

Saving your work

Saving means keeping your work so you can use it later. To save:

1. Click on “File” in the top menu.
2. Click “Save” or “Save As”.
3. Choose where to save your work (like the Documents folder).
4. Type a name for your document.
5. Click the “Save” button.

Save your work often so you do not lose it.

Opening a saved document

To open a document you saved before:

1. Click on “File” in the top menu.
2. Click “Open”.
3. Find and click on your document.
4. Click the “Open” button.

Closing a document

When you are done with your document:

1. Save your work.
2. Click “File” in the top menu.
3. Click “Close”.

How do you edit text?

Editing text

Editing means changing your text. You can:

• Add new words by typing where the cursor is.
• Delete words by using Backspace (erase to the left) or Delete (erase to the right).
• Move the cursor by clicking with the mouse or using the arrow keys.
• Select text by clicking and dragging over it.

Selecting text

Before you can change text, you often need to select it first:

1. Click at the start of the text.
2. Hold down the mouse button.
3. Drag to the end of the text.
4. Release the mouse button.

The selected text will be highlighted (usually in blue).

Cut, copy, and paste

These are important editing tools:

• Cut: removes selected text (to move it)
• Copy: makes a copy of selected text
• Paste: puts cut or copied text in a new place

You can find these tools in the Edit menu or use keyboard shortcuts:

How do you format text?

What can you change?

Formatting means changing how text looks. You can change:

• Font: the style of letters
• Size: how big the letters are
• Colour: the colour of the letters
• Bold: making letters darker and thicker
• Italic: making letters slanted
• Underline: putting a line under letters

Changing font and size

To change the font or size:

1. Select the text you want to change.
2. Click on the font name or size in the toolbar.
3. Choose a new font or size from the list.

Making text bold, italic, or underlined

To make text bold, italic, or underlined:

1. Select the text.
2. Click the B button for bold, the I button for italic, or the U button for underline.
3. The text will change to show the new style.

Aligning text

Aligning means how text is arranged on the page:

To change alignment, select your text and click one of the alignment buttons in the toolbar.

Lists

Word processors can make two kinds of lists:

• Bullet lists (with dots or other symbols)
• Numbered lists (with numbers in order)

To create a list:

1. Click where you want the list.
2. Click the bullet or number button in the toolbar.
3. Type your list items, pressing Enter after each one.

How do you check spelling?

Word processors can help find spelling mistakes:

• Misspelled words often have a red squiggly line under them.
• Right-click on a red-underlined word to see suggestions.
• Click the correct word to fix the spelling.

How do you set up, print, and add items to a page?

Page setup

Page setup lets you change how your document looks on the page:

• Page size (like letter or legal)
• Margins (space around the edges)
• Orientation (portrait or landscape)

To change page setup:

1. Click “File” in the top menu.
2. Click “Page Setup”.
3. Make your changes.
4. Click “OK”.

Inserting pictures

To add a picture to your document:

1. Click where you want the picture.
2. Click “Insert” in the top menu.
3. Click “Picture” or “Image”.
4. Find and select your picture.
5. Click “Insert” or “Open”.

Headers and footers

Headers and footers are text that appears at the top or bottom of every page:

• Headers are at the top of the page.
• Footers are at the bottom of the page.
• They can show page numbers, dates, or other information.

Printing your document

To print your document:

1. Click “File” in the top menu.
2. Click “Print”.
3. Choose your printer.
4. Click “Print” or “OK”.
5. Wait for your document to print.

Evaluation

1. What is word processing?
2. Name three word processing programs.
3. List the steps for saving a document.
4. What is the difference between Backspace and Delete?
5. Name the four types of text alignment.

Assignment

Type a short paragraph about your school in a word processor. Make the first line bold and centre it. Change the font and size of the paragraph, then save the document with a name. Write down the steps you followed.