Computer Skills By Grade Level

The following are technology skills students will be exposed to in each grade level.  These skills are only a guide, each child learns at a different pace. If students master 90% or more of the skills listed by the time they culminate elementary school, they are likely to be technology leaders in their middle school.  Below is an excerpt of recommendation of digital literacy and technology skills to support CCSS from Fresno's Office of Education. 

Kindergarten

    • Can turn computer on/off
    • Can name parts of a laptop/iPad
    • Uses keyboard & trackpad (mouse) independently
    • Can recognize parts of the desktop
    • Follows established procedure when asking for help
    • Can visually compare their own screen with instructors screen
    • Opens basic programs/apps using the trackpad or iPad screen
    • Draws a picture with graphics program, learns basic tools (brushes, fill bucket, erasers)
    • Saves a document with assistance
    • Opens & closes windows
    • Types first & last name with initial capital letters
    • Begins to recognize location of letter and number keys on the keyboard
    • Starts to code using apps on the iPad
    • Participates in the HOUR of Code
    • Participates in Digital Citizen Week

1st Grade

      • Reviews skills from kindergarten
      • Differentiates between a software program & a website
      • Recognizes home row keys (A,S,D,F,G,H,J,K,L:;)
      • Starts to use correct hand placement when typing
      • Starts to understand that the shift key is used to make an uppercase letter as well as special characters
      • Uses various free websites to teach proper typing skills
      • Is able to type a sentence with proper capitals, spacing, and ending punctuation
      • Starts to create a slide show presentation with assistance.
      • Starts to use device to take pictures and insert into a program with assistance.
      • Learns how to navigate folders to get to their saved work
      • Creates a digital presentation from a template.
      • Types user name and password independently when needed.
      • Starts to code using various iPad apps as well online websites
      • Participates in the HOUR of Code
      • Participates in Digital Citizen Week

2nd Grade



  • Review skills from 1st grade.
  • Uses a word processing program to write a paragraph using proper formatting with guidance from teacher
  • Is able to use a drawing program. Uses basic tools (pencils, brush, line, fill bucket, eraser).
  • Is able to type a URL in the address bar, example www.henryankerstests.com
  • Can navigate to an educational website and work on activities independently.
  • Types username and password independently when needed.
  • Identifies active links on a website, follows them, uses back button.
  • Is able to use the computer for research with assistance
  • Types 8-15 wpm with 80%+ accuracy
  • Knows how to type symbols (i.e"#", "$","%").
  • Differentiates between Shift key and Caps Lock
  • Create a presentation from photos and/or drawing with teacher assistance that conveys a concept learned
  • Starts to code using various iPad apps as well online websites
  • Participates in the HOUR of Code
  • Participates in Digital Citizen Week

3rd Grade

  • Competently uses a word processing program. Ex. Google docs, Pages, Microsoft Word
  • Uses basic formatting in Google Docs, pages, Microsoft word
  • Uses quotation marks in dialog.
  • Performs basic cut/paste within application, and between applications; i.e.: image or text from web to Microsoft Word, Google Docs or iWork Pages
  • Writes a Friendly Letter with proper formatting
  • Creates a slide presentation adding at least one image and sound.
  • Is able to use the computer for research independently
  • Is able to insert voice recording into a program.
  • Saves to a specified folder or location
  • Imports pictures into a project.
  • Uses standard keyboard shortcuts to save, copy, paste, print etc.
  • Understands and follow rules of Internet Safety.Types 10-20 wpm with 80%+ accuracy.
  • Uses Google Docs
  • Starts to code using various iPad apps as well online websites
  • Participates in the HOUR of Code
  • Participates in Digital Citizen Week

4th Grade

  • Masters word processing application (tools, pallets, shortcuts, spell check, save, print).
  • Writes multiple paragraphs.
  • Saves to designated location or media independently; opens saved files from location.
  • Switches between active applications using System Tray, Dock, etc.
  • Uses the Internet competently, safely; evaluates/judges sites for legitimacy, appropriateness.
  • Is able to use the computer for research independently
  • Types 15-25 wpm with 80%+ accuracy.
  • Serves as peer tutor to others to mastery of specific skills.
  • Is able to create a presentation independently.
  • Uses an online program to create a photo story
  • Uses Google Docs
  • Uses Garageband to create a loop or song
  • Starts to code using various iPad apps as well online websites
  • Participates in the HOUR of Code
  • Participates in Digital Citizen Week

5th Grade

  • Reviews skills from 4th grade.
  • Navigates Internet independently/safely
  • Teaches others how to perform common web-based tasks.
  • Explains anatomy of web URL (.com, .net, .org, .edu).
  • Is able to use the computer for research independently
  • Performs efficient searches for specific information in articles, images, and events.
  • Uses Google Docs
  • Publishes projects independently (incorporating skills above)
  • Creates video project independently, including shooting video, transferring content to computer, basic editing, and publishing.
  • Types 20-30 wpm with 80%+ accuracy.
  • Is peer mentor to students who need assistance
  • Starts to code using various iPad apps as well online websites
  • Participates in the HOUR of Code
  • Participates in Digital Citizen Week