Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 9
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Office Practice
Curriculum Theme: Office Practice
Previous Lesson: Office Equipment Cont. I.
Topic: Office Equipments (Cont.): Uses and Care
Subject Matter: Telephone, duplicating machine, calculator, dictating machine, envelope sealing machine, uses of these machines, care of these machines.
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- define office equipment.
- identify a telephone, duplicating machine, calculator, dictating machine, and envelope sealing machine.
- state the uses of the telephone, duplicating machine, calculator, dictating machine, and envelope sealing machine.
- list ways of caring for the listed office machines.
Affective Domain:
- show willingness to handle office machines carefully and safely.
- value proper maintenance to reduce damage and cost of repairs.
Psychomotor Domain:
- use a calculator correctly for basic office calculations.
- demonstrate safe envelope sealing using an envelope sealing machine (or a simulated method where the machine is not available).
Social Domain:
- work cooperatively during group identification and practice activities.
- take turns and share equipment responsibly during demonstrations.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Office Practice for Senior Secondary Schools Textbook
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Telephone
- Encyclopaedia Britannica: Calculator
- OSHA: Electrical Safety Basics
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- telephone set (desk phone or mobile phone)
- duplicating machine (or picture/chart if not available)
- calculator (handheld or computer calculator)
- dictating device (voice recorder or smartphone voice recorder)
- envelope sealing machine (or picture/chart if not available)
- sample documents for duplication
- envelopes for sealing practice
- charts showing uses and care of office machines
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand machines used for communication, calculation, duplication, dictation, and mail preparation in offices. It also teaches safe handling and care practices that prevent damage and support smooth office work.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have seen telephones and calculators and can perform simple arithmetic and basic communication tasks.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Office Equipments (Cont.): Uses and Care
Telephone
A telephone is a communication device used for sending and receiving voice information over a network.
The following are the uses of a telephone in the office:
- making and receiving official calls.
- passing urgent information quickly.
- contacting customers, suppliers, and staff.
- receiving inquiries and giving responses.
The following are ways of caring for a telephone:
- keep the handset and keypad clean and dry.
- avoid dropping or pulling the cord roughly.
- use stable power supply and protect from power surge where possible.
- do not expose the device to water, heat, or dust.
- report faults early and avoid opening the device without proper skill.
Duplicating Machine
A duplicating machine is a machine used to produce many copies of a document quickly.
The following are the uses of a duplicating machine:
- producing multiple copies of circulars and notices.
- making copies of forms, handbills, and reports.
- supporting mass distribution of office documents.
The following are ways of caring for a duplicating machine:
- use the correct paper type and size.
- clean rollers and surfaces as recommended.
- do not overload the machine with too many sheets at once.
- switch off properly after use and cover to prevent dust.
- service regularly and replace worn parts when necessary.
Calculator
A calculator is a device used for carrying out arithmetic and other numerical calculations.
The following are the uses of a calculator in the office:
- calculating totals, balances, discounts, and percentages.
- checking figures in accounts and invoices.
- reducing errors and saving time during computations.
The following are ways of caring for a calculator:
- keep away from liquids and dust.
- press keys gently to avoid damage.
- store properly after use to prevent loss.
- replace weak batteries and avoid mixing old and new batteries.
- do not expose to direct heat or strong sunlight.
Dictating Machine
A dictating machine is a device used to record spoken words for later typing, transcription, or documentation.
The following are the uses of a dictating machine:
- recording instructions, minutes, and memos for typing.
- saving time for executives who dictate letters and reports.
- providing accurate records of spoken information for transcription.
The following are ways of caring for a dictating machine:
- charge batteries properly and avoid overcharging where applicable.
- keep the device clean and protected from dust.
- handle carefully and avoid dropping.
- store recordings properly and protect files with passwords where possible.
- avoid exposing to water, heat, and strong magnetic fields.
Envelope Sealing Machine
An envelope sealing machine is a machine used to seal envelopes quickly by moistening and pressing the envelope flap.
The following are the uses of an envelope sealing machine:
- sealing large numbers of envelopes for mailing.
- improving speed and neatness in mail preparation.
- reducing manual stress when handling many envelopes.
The following are ways of caring for an envelope sealing machine:
- keep the moistening unit clean to avoid blockage.
- use clean water where water is required and empty the tray after use.
- switch off and unplug after use.
- clean rollers and contact surfaces regularly.
- store in a dry place and cover to prevent dust.
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 displays a telephone and a calculator and asks pupils where these machines are used in offices, then introduces today’s topic on office equipment uses and care.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and mention places where they have seen office machines used.
Learning Point: Offices use machines to communicate, calculate, duplicate documents, record dictation, and prepare mail.
Step 2: Meaning and Identification of the Machines
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines each machine and guides pupils to identify the telephone, duplicating machine, calculator, dictating machine, and envelope sealing machine using real items or charts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the machines and copy the meanings into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Each machine has a specific role in office work.
Step 3: Uses of Telephone and Calculator
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads discussion on uses of the telephone and calculator and writes key points on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils mention uses and copy the listed points.
Learning Point: Telephones support communication while calculators support accurate office calculations.
Step 4: Uses of Duplicating Machine and Dictating Machine
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how documents are duplicated and how dictation is recorded for typing, then lists their uses on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and copy the uses.
Learning Point: Duplicating and dictating machines improve speed and accuracy in handling information.
Step 5: Uses of Envelope Sealing Machine and Care of the Machines
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the use of the envelope sealing machine and outlines care and safety rules for all the machines, emphasizing cleanliness and proper storage.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils list care rules and mention safety precautions during use of electrical devices.
Learning Point: Proper care prevents damage, reduces risk, and extends machine lifespan.
Step 6: Demonstration and Guided Practice
Time: 9 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates calculator operations for simple office tasks and demonstrates envelope sealing using the envelope sealing machine (or a simulated method), then supervises pupils to practise in small groups.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practise using the calculator and demonstrate envelope sealing under supervision.
Learning Point: Correct procedures and safe handling support effective office work.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Define a telephone and a calculator.
- List five office machines discussed in this lesson.
- State three uses of a duplicating machine and a dictating machine.
- Explain four ways of caring for a telephone and an envelope sealing machine.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Recap/Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the meanings, uses, and care of the listed machines and gives an assignment: write two uses and two care rules for each machine taught today.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, copy the summary, and write the assignment.
Learning Point: Office machines support communication, duplication, calculation, dictation, and mail handling and must be maintained properly.
Lesson Keywords
- Telephone – a device used for sending and receiving voice information.
- Duplicating machine – a machine used to produce many copies of a document.
- Calculator – a device used to perform arithmetic calculations.
- Dictating machine – a device used to record spoken words for later transcription.
- Envelope sealing machine – a machine used to seal envelopes quickly and neatly.
Differentiation
Pupils who learn faster will prepare a short comparison between a duplicating machine and a photocopier, while pupils who need support will match each machine to one use and one care rule using labelled pictures and guided prompts.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Ensure safety by checking power connections and supervising all practical activities closely. Where equipment is not available, use clear charts and demonstrations with realistic classroom simulations, and emphasize correct handling and care routines.

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