Technology Time Centers Activity

Young writers can use digital tools to type, draw, record, listen to and print their stories. This technology time centers activity helps kindergarten and 1st grade students learn the names of six tools, a keyboard, a mouse, a tablet, headphones, a microphone and a printer, and what each one does to help them write and share their work.

In this matching game, children lay out six colorful picture cards and draw a clue card, such as “Press my keys to type your story.” They read the clue, or ask a grown-up to read it, and find the tool it tells about. Each clue fits exactly one tool, so the game checks itself. A kindergarten practice page asks students to read short clues and circle the right tool, and the technology time centers activity ends with a full answer key.

What’s Included

• A colorful cover page
• A How to Use page with game steps
• 6 picture cards of digital tools
• 6 lettered clue cards
• A kindergarten practice worksheet: read the clue, circle the tool
• Answer keys for the matching game and the practice page

Why This Activity Helps Kids

First, naming real tools builds the vocabulary children need when they write with technology in class. Second, reading short clues gives beginning readers practice with simple sentences. Third, a hands-on center game keeps children talking, matching and thinking about how they can share their own writing.

Ideas for Teachers and Parents

Use this digital tools matching game in a writing or computer center, as a quick lesson before students publish a story, or as a memory game with a partner. At home, find the real tools in your house and talk about what each one helps you do.

Related Resources

• I Can Use Digital Tools Worksheet
• Digital Tools Assessment Worksheet
• Using Digital Resources Assessment Worksheet
• Alphabet Song