# Lesson 254: Keep tablets and computers clean

💡 TECHNOLOGY & FUTURE SKILLS (40 Lessons) • Section B — Using Devices Safely

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## Objective

I can tell simple ways to keep tablets and computers clean and safe. I can remember to use clean hands, no food or drinks nearby, and soft cloths with an adult's help.

## Materials

- Plain paper or a notebook page
- Pencils, crayons, or markers
- Optional: clean, soft cloth (for example, a glasses cloth)
- Optional: picture of a tablet or computer

## Mini-lesson — Caring for tablets and computers

Tablets and computers are helpful tools. We can also treat them with care so they last a long time.

Clean hands first

- Before you touch a device, wash or dry your hands.
- Wipe sticky fingers on a towel, not the screen.
- Clean hands help keep screens clear.

No food or drinks near devices

- Food crumbs can get stuck in keys.
- Drinks can spill and hurt the tablet or computer.
- Keep snacks and water on a different surface.

Use soft cloths, not paper towels

- With an adult's help, use a soft cloth (like a glasses cloth) to gently wipe dust or smudges.
- We do not press hard on the screen.
- We do not scratch the surface with sharp things.

No spraying water on devices

- Do not spray water or cleaner straight onto a screen or keyboard.
- If cleaning is needed, a trusted adult can slightly dampen a cloth and wipe carefully.
- Water and electricity can be dangerous together, so adults are in charge of this step.

Carry and store gently

- Carry tablets with two hands.
- Put devices on flat, safe surfaces, away from edges.
- Close laptops gently, not with a hard slam.

Adults can say: "We use clean hands, soft cloths, and gentle moves to care for our devices. We never spray water straight on the screen."

Picture strip: "Dirty screen, clean screen"

## Guided Practice — Device care chart

You and an adult will make a simple "device care chart" with do and do not ideas.

1. On a page, draw a big T-chart. Label one side "Do" and the other side "Do not".
2. In the Do column, help your child add ideas like: "Use clean hands", "Carry with two hands", "Use a soft cloth with an adult".
3. In the Do not column, add ideas like: "Do not eat over the keyboard", "Do not put a drink next to the tablet", "Do not hit the keys".
4. Let your child draw one small picture for each idea (for example, a hand under a tap, or a glass with a big X).
5. Practise reading the chart aloud. Ask: "Which 'Do' rule is easiest for you?" and "Which 'Do not' rule will be the hardest to remember?"
6. Put a small star beside one rule you want to practise today.
7. At the end of the day, look back at the chart and say: "Did we care for our devices today?"

Tracing Pad
Lines
Trace
Pen

## Practice — My device care poster

Use this practice to help your child remember everyday rules for caring for tablets and computers.

1. On a new page, help your child draw a big tablet or computer screen.
2. At the top, write or trace the title: "Take care of our devices".
3. Inside the screen, add three small pictures with words, such as:
   - a hand under a tap with the words "Clean hands"
   - a soft cloth with the word "Gentle"
   - a drink with a big X and the words "No spills"
4. Under each picture, help your child write or trace a short rule, like: "Wash hands first", "Use soft cloth", or "Keep drinks away".
5. Practise reading the poster aloud together: "We keep our tablets and computers clean and safe."
6. Place the poster near a device area so everyone can see the rules.
7. During the week, point to the poster when someone follows a rule and say: "Thank you for caring for our devices."

## Quick Check — Keep tablets and computers clean

Answer each question about caring for devices in safe, gentle ways.

1) What should you do before using a tablet?

Eat a messy snack over it. Make sure your hands are clean and dry. Tap the screen as hard as you can.
Clean, dry hands help keep the device safe and clean.

2) Where is the safest place for a drink when you are using a laptop?

On a different table, away from the laptop. Right next to the keys. On top of the laptop.
Keeping drinks away helps prevent spills on the device.

3) What kind of cloth is best for wiping a screen with an adult's help?

A rough sponge that can scratch. Sandpaper. A clean, soft cloth like a glasses cloth.
Soft cloths are gentle on screens.

4) What should you not do when cleaning a screen?

Ask an adult to help you. Spray water or cleaner straight onto the screen. Wipe gently with a soft cloth.
Spraying liquid directly on devices can be unsafe.

5) How should you carry a tablet from one place to another?

Toss it in the air. Hold it by one tiny corner. Carry it with two hands, close to your body.
Two hands help keep the tablet steady and safe.

6) You see crumbs on the keyboard. What is the best choice?

Tell an adult and help gently clean them. Push the crumbs inside the keys. Shake the laptop very hard.
Adults can show safe ways to remove crumbs.

7) Which sentence matches this lesson?

"It is fine to eat and drink on top of the tablet." "We keep tablets and computers clean and safe." "Devices like to be dropped and splashed."
We want children to care for devices with gentle habits.

8) Who should you ask if you are not sure how to clean a device?

A stranger online. No one. Just try any spray. A trusted adult, like a parent or teacher.
Trusted adults know safe ways to clean devices.

9) Which is a good device care rule?

"Clean hands, soft cloths, and no spills." "Bang the keys when you are upset." "Wipe your hands on the screen."
This rule keeps tablets and computers clean and safe.

10) What is one big goal of this lesson?

To make devices get dirty quickly. To help you learn gentle rules for caring for tablets and computers. To stop you from ever using technology.
We want children to enjoy devices and care for them well.

## Assessment (parent/teacher)

Student can say why clean hands are important before using tablets or computers. Student knows to keep food and drinks away from devices. Student can describe how to use a soft cloth gently on a screen with adult help. Student understands that they should not spray water or cleaner directly on devices. Student can state a simple rule such as "We keep our devices clean and safe."

## Exit ticket (student)

😀 I can tell how to keep tablets and computers clean and safe. 🙂 I know some device care rules but still need practice. 😅 Remembering all the device care rules still feels tricky for me.

#### Next time I will practise…

Washing or drying my hands before using a device Keeping food and drinks away from tablets and computers Asking an adult before cleaning a screen
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