Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3 / JS3)
Term: Third Term
Week: 1
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Business Studies
Curriculum Theme: Business Studies
Previous Lesson: Third Term Business Studies Examination.
Topic: KEYBOARDING
Subject Matter: Page sizes; Uses of each type; Number of spaces available on each type, Display. Methods of display, Horizontal; Vertical: How to create tables from Insert
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define different page sizes used in document creation.
- State the uses of various page sizes.
- Explain the methods of displaying documents (horizontal and vertical).
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of selecting appropriate page sizes for different documents.
- Value neat and well-formatted document display.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate how to set page sizes in a word processing application.
- Apply horizontal and vertical display methods to a document.
- Create a simple table using the “Insert” tab in a word processing application.
Social Domain:
- Collaborate with peers to practice setting document page sizes and creating tables.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Business Studies JSS3.
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Business Studies JSS3.
- Essential Business Studies for Junior Secondary Schools 3.
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- A computer system with a word processing application (e.g., Microsoft Word)
- Projector
- Whiteboard and markers
- Charts showing different page sizes and their dimensions
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson enables pupils to understand how to format documents effectively using various page settings and display options. It helps pupils to create professional-looking documents and organize information clearly in tables, which are essential skills for academic and future career needs.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic knowledge of computer operations and have used word processing applications for simple typing.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
KEYBOARDING: Document Formatting and Table Creation
Page Sizes
Page size refers to the dimensions (width and height) of the paper on which a document will be printed or displayed. Choosing the correct page size affects how much content fits on a page and the overall appearance of the document.
Common page sizes and their uses:
- A4 (210 mm x 297 mm / 8.27 in x 11.69 in): This is the most widely used page size for general documents, reports, letters, and academic papers in Nigeria and many other countries.
- Letter (216 mm x 279 mm / 8.5 in x 11 in): Commonly used in North America for letters, reports, and everyday documents.
- Legal (216 mm x 356 mm / 8.5 in x 14 in): Used for legal documents and contracts that require more space due to their length.
- A5 (148 mm x 210 mm / 5.83 in x 8.27 in): A smaller page size often used for notebooks, smaller books, and flyers.
The choice of page size determines the capacity for content on a single page, meaning larger pages can accommodate more text and graphics.
Document Display Methods (Orientation)
Document display methods refer to how a page is oriented for viewing or printing. The two main orientations are horizontal and vertical.
- Vertical Display (Portrait Orientation): This is the default and most common orientation where the page is taller than it is wide. It is suitable for most text-heavy documents like letters, reports, and essays.
- Horizontal Display (Landscape Orientation): In this orientation, the page is wider than it is tall. It is often used for displaying wide tables, charts, graphs, presentations, or certificates where a wider layout is more appropriate.
To change display orientation in a word processing application (e.g., Microsoft Word):
- Go to the ‘Layout’ or ‘Page Layout’ tab.
- Click on ‘Orientation’.
- Choose ‘Portrait’ for vertical or ‘Landscape’ for horizontal.
How to Create Tables from Insert Tab
Tables are used to organize information in a structured format of rows and columns, making data easy to read and understand.
Steps to create a table in a word processing application (e.g., Microsoft Word) using the ‘Insert’ tab:
- Open your word processing document.
- Click on the ‘Insert’ tab in the ribbon at the top of the window.
- In the ‘Tables’ group, click on the ‘Table’ button.
- A grid will appear. You can:
- Drag your mouse over the grid to select the desired number of rows and columns.
- Or, click ‘Insert Table…’ to specify the exact number of columns and rows in a dialog box.
- Once you select the dimensions, the table will appear in your document, ready for you to enter data.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them what they understand by “document formatting” and why it is important.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by sharing their ideas about document formatting and its importance.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge related to document preparation.
Step 2: Explanation of Page Sizes
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains different page sizes (A4, Letter, Legal, A5) and shows charts illustrating their dimensions and physical appearance. The teacher also explains how the choice of page size affects the amount of content that can fit.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, observe the charts, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about various page sizes and their characteristics.
Step 3: Uses of Page Sizes
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the specific uses for each page size, giving practical examples of documents typically prepared on A4, Letter, Legal, and A5 paper. The teacher also demonstrates how to change page size in a word processor.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, identify common uses, and observe the demonstration.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the practical applications of different page sizes.
Step 4: Document Display Methods (Orientation)
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains and demonstrates horizontal (landscape) and vertical (portrait) display methods in a word processing application, showing when each orientation is appropriate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and identify situations where each display method would be useful.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about document orientation and how to apply it.
Step 5: Creating Tables from Insert Tab
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical Application
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates step-by-step how to create a table using the ‘Insert’ tab in a word processing application. The teacher guides pupils to follow along on their computers if available, or to take notes on the steps.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay close attention to the demonstration, take notes, and practice creating a simple table if computers are available.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the procedure for creating tables in a word processor.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Mention two common page sizes and their dimensions.
- State one use for A4 paper and one use for Legal paper.
- Differentiate between portrait and landscape orientation.
- List the steps to create a table using the ‘Insert’ tab in a word processor.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of proper document formatting and table creation. The teacher then gives homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding of the lesson content.
Lesson Keywords
- Page Size – The dimensions of a document’s paper.
- A4 – A common international paper size (210 x 297 mm).
- Letter – A common North American paper size (8.5 x 11 inches).
- Legal – A longer paper size (8.5 x 14 inches) used for legal documents.
- Portrait Orientation – A document display where the page is taller than it is wide.
- Landscape Orientation – A document display where the page is wider than it is tall.
- Table – A grid of rows and columns used to organize data.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be given additional tasks such as exploring other table formatting options or creating more complex tables. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide individualized attention, simplified instructions, and additional visual aids during the practical demonstration.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure that a functional computer and projector are available for effective demonstration. Allow pupils hands-on practice if computer systems are available in the classroom or computer lab. Encourage pupils to ask questions and clarify any difficulties they encounter during the practical sessions.

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