Read with an adult. Take your time. You can say, point, draw or write your answer.
1 Let's look together
People make tools to help with jobs. A pencil helps us write. A computer can help us write, draw and find information with an adult.
Not every tool is a computer. Talk about what a tool does before naming it.
Pencil → writeLaptop → type and drawCamera → take a picture
Look, point and talk with your adult.
2 Watch how I do it
I use a pencil to draw on paper. I use a drawing program to draw on a computer. Both help me create, but they work differently.
3 Your turn
Is every useful tool a computer?
Have a go before opening the answer.
Let's check together
No. A pencil is useful but is not a computer.
4 Try it away from the page
With an adult, find three tools at home or school. Describe what each helps someone do.
Open your writing and drawing pad
Write, draw or show your working. Use a mouse, pen or finger. This pad is not a submitted answer.
Not saved to your account. Download your drawing as PNG and your typed notes as TXT before leaving or refreshing. They are separate files. Do not enter private information.
Open a picture saved on this device to draw on it again. Opening replaces the drawing, but Undo can restore it. PNG only, up to 4 MB and 4096 × 4096 pixels. The picture stays in this browser; it is not uploaded. Paper lines in a saved picture become part of that picture.
Clear the drawing? Your typed notes will stay. You can undo this action.
Your pad is empty.
Open a UTF-8 TXT file from this device, up to 40 KB and 10,000 characters. It stays in this browser. Opening can be undone until you type again. Downloads keep a new copy; they do not change the file you opened.
Replace the notes on this page with the opened file? Download the current notes first if you want to keep them.
Typed notes are not submitted answers.
Explore and practise freely. Opening this lesson or using the writing pad does not save completion or a score.
Adult notes · prerequisites, safety and coverage
Technology is broader than electronic devices. Do not ask children to handle mains appliances or photograph private locations.
Computing is the curriculum subject name. KS1 expectations span Years 1 and 2; this is our Year 1 introduction. Stay with the child, use school-approved tools, and practise on a device as well as on paper. Never enter real passwords or personal information in exercises.
Recognise information technology beyond school (KS1 introduction).