Computing
Parts of a Computer
Parts of a computer
Meet the screen, keyboard, mouse and speaker, find out what each one does, and learn how to use a computer kindly.
What is a computer?
A computer is a clever machine.
It can show pictures. It can play songs. It can help us learn and write.
Kofi's school has a computer. Have you seen one?
Let us find out what its parts are.
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A computer has parts
You have eyes to see, ears to hear and hands to touch.
A computer has parts too!
Screen. Keyboard. Mouse. Speaker.
Each part has a job. Let us meet them one by one.
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The screen
The screen is the part you look at.
It shows pictures, words, videos and games.
It is also called a monitor.
The screen is like a window. What can you see in it?
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What the screen does
Ama types her name. The letters show on the screen.
Kofi plays a song. The picture dances on the screen.
The screen shows us what the computer is doing.
Do not touch a monitor screen with wet or dirty hands!
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The keyboard
The keyboard has many little buttons called keys.
Each key has a letter or a number on it.
Press a key and the letter appears on the screen.
Can you find the letter of your name?
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What the keyboard does
The keyboard is for typing.
Abena presses A. Then M. Then A. "Ama" shows on the screen!
The long key at the bottom makes a space.
Press one key at a time. Tap, tap, tap.
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Letters and numbers
Look at the keyboard. The letters are not in ABC order!
Q, W, E, R, T, Y come first.
The numbers 1 to 9 and 0 are at the top.
Can you find the number 5? Can you find the letter K?
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The mouse
The mouse is small. It fits in your hand.
It is called a mouse because it has a long tail, like a real mouse!
Move it on the table. An arrow moves on the screen.
Squeak, squeak!
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What the mouse does
The mouse moves the little arrow on the screen.
Move the mouse left. The arrow goes left.
Move it right. The arrow goes right.
The arrow points at what you want.
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Click!
The mouse has buttons. Press the left button. That is a click.
Click on a picture to open it.
Click on a game to play it.
Kwame clicks on a song. Music plays!
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Hold the mouse
Put your hand on the mouse, nice and flat.
Your first finger rests on the left button.
Move the mouse slowly. Do not lift it up.
Now click gently. Well done!
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The speaker
The speaker makes sound.
Songs, voices, the sound of a drum, a cow going moo.
Some speakers are inside the computer. Some sit next to it.
Cover your ears if it is too loud!
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What the speaker does
Ama clicks on a counting song.
The speaker sings, "One, two, three!"
Kofi makes it louder. Abena makes it softer.
Which sound do you like best?
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The system unit
There is a box with the computer. It is the system unit.
It is the brain of the computer. It does the thinking.
The screen, keyboard and mouse all plug into it.
Do not open it. Do not put drinks on it!
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All the parts together
The screen shows.
The keyboard types.
The mouse points and clicks.
The speaker makes sound. The system unit thinks.
Point to each part on a real computer!
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The laptop
A laptop is a small computer that folds up.
The screen is on top. The keyboard is at the bottom.
It has a flat square called a touchpad instead of a mouse.
You can carry a laptop in a bag.
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The tablet and the phone
A tablet is a computer with only a screen.
You touch the screen with your finger. Tap, tap, swipe!
A phone is a tiny computer too.
Mama's phone can call, take photos and play songs.
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Turning it on
Find the power button. It has a little circle with a line.
Press it once. Lights come on. The screen wakes up.
Wait. The computer is getting ready.
Do not press it again and again!
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Turning it off
When you finish, you must shut down.
Ask a grown-up to help. Click the right button to turn it off.
Wait for the screen to go dark.
Never pull the plug while it is working!
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Computers help us learn
Kofi watches a video about plants.
Ama plays a counting game.
Abena listens to a story.
A computer is a learning helper. What would you like to learn?
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Computers help grown-ups
Papa types letters for his work.
The nurse keeps names on the computer.
The bank uses computers to count money. GH₵ in, GH₵ out.
The teacher prints your report.
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The printer
A printer is a friend of the computer.
Type words on the screen. Click print. The paper comes out!
Zzzz... zzzz... Here is your page.
Printers need paper and ink.
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Keep it clean
Computers do not like dirt or water.
Wash your hands before you use one.
No food or drink near the keyboard.
If you spill water on it, tell a grown-up at once!
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Be gentle
Press the keys softly. Do not bang them.
Move the mouse slowly. Do not pull its tail.
Do not poke the screen with a pencil.
A computer is not a toy. Be gentle.
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Sit well
Sit up straight on your chair.
Keep the screen a little way from your face. Not too close!
Your feet flat on the floor.
After a while, stand up and rest your eyes.
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Ask first
Always ask a grown-up before you use a computer.
Only open things a grown-up says you can.
If something scary shows on the screen, look away and tell a grown-up.
Computers are for sharing. Take turns!
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Which part?
Kofi wants to hear a song. Which part makes sound?
Ama wants to type her name. Which part does she use?
Abena wants to see a picture. Which part shows it?
Say the part for each one.
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Computer or not?
A radio is not a computer. It only plays sound.
A chair is not a computer.
A laptop is a computer. A tablet is a computer.
Is a pencil a computer? Is a phone a computer?
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Match the parts
Screen: I show.
Keyboard: I type.
Mouse: I point and click.
Speaker: I make sound.
Can you say what each part does without looking?
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You know the computer!
Screen, keyboard, mouse, speaker, system unit.
You know what each part does.
You know how to be gentle and safe.
Next time you see a computer, name all its parts!
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Learn more
- GCFGlobal Computer Basics — free, simple lessons about computer parts for parents and teachers
- ScratchJr — a free app where young children make their own little stories on a tablet
- Code.org — free first coding games for young children
- Common Sense Education — tips on using screens safely with little ones
- NaCCA Ghana — the Ghana curriculum that this book follows
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Watch more
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Think about it
- Which part of the computer do you look at?
- What do you use to type your name?
- Why is the mouse called a mouse?
- Which part makes the sound when a song plays?
- What should you do before you touch a computer?
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This book is for reading on SchoolSpec and cannot be printed.