A digital tools skills assessment worksheet for 1st grade teachers: twelve observable technology skills and a class grid with room for five students, so one page records who can do what and when.
Using Other Ways to Write Worksheet, students write their story using the computer and other digital tools.
This writing with technology activity gives K-1st grade students eight task cards for typing, recording and printing their own writing. Answer key included for the matching practice.
Technology time centers activity for kindergarten and 1st grade: match six digital tool picture cards to clue cards, then practice on a worksheet. Answer key included.
Using the Computer Whiz Reward Certificate for Boys, your student will feel celebrated and recognized for their accomplishment of being a computer whiz.
Using the Computer Whiz Reward Certificate for Girls, your student will feel celebrated and recognized for their accomplishment of being a computer whiz.
Little hands, big digital skills
First graders are building the digital basics they will use for years. They learn to log in, use a mouse or trackpad, tap and drag on a touchscreen, and find letters on a keyboard. They use simple tools to type their name, draw a picture or record their voice. Just as important, they learn to be safe and kind online: ask a grown-up before clicking something new, and never share personal information. The click comes when a child finishes a task on their own and says, "I did it all by myself!"
Young tech users need routines, short practice and lots of encouragement.
Set up technology centers where each station has one clear task, like typing your name or dragging shapes into place. Picture directions help kids work on their own. Small jobs build big independence.
Why it works: going from real objects to pictures to symbols is a core recommendation of the U.S. Department of Education's elementary math guide.
Try it withTechnology Time Centers ActivityActivitiesOpen it →Every few weeks, do a quick check: can they log in, open a program, use the mouse and save their work? A simple checklist shows who needs extra help before you move on.
Why it works: a big review of study methods ranked quick self-quizzing among the most powerful ways to remember (Dunlosky and colleagues, 2013).
Try it withDigital Tools Skills Assessment WorksheetWorksheetsOpen it →Use the interactive board for a few minutes each day, like taking attendance or counting on a number chart. Kids practice tapping and dragging without a separate lesson.
Why it works: short practice spread over several days beats one long session, according to a large review of learning research (Dunlosky and colleagues, 2013).
Try it withSmartboard Attendance CheckerActivitiesOpen it →First graders love a turn at the big board!
ActivitiesKids tap and drag numbers on the class board to fill in the chart.
Open Smartboard Number Chart →
ActivitiesDrag basic shapes to their matching outlines on the interactive board.
Open Smartboard Activity - Basic Shapes →
ActivitiesKids type a short sentence about their weekend and add a drawing.
Open Writing With Technology Activity →Teacher favorites right now: Smartboard Activity - Basic Shapes, Smartboard Number Chart and Digital Tools Skills Assessment Worksheet.
Most 1st graders can log in with help, use a mouse or touchscreen, find letters on a keyboard and open simple programs. They are also learning basic online safety rules.
Keep the rules short: ask a grown-up before you click something new, never share your name or address, and tell an adult if something feels wrong. Practice them like any classroom rule.
Yes, in small doses. Finding letters, typing their name and short words is a good start. Formal typing lessons usually come a bit later.
Short, purposeful sessions work best, like a center rotation or a quick whole-class activity. Technology should support learning, not replace hands-on play.
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