Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson introduces Primary 4 pupils to the concept of interface customisation on digital devices. Prepare digital devices like smartphones or tablets, or a computer with a projector, to demonstrate changing themes and wallpapers. Guide pupils through the practical steps, ensuring they understand the meaning and can safely change these features on a digital device by the end of the lesson.
Class: Primary 4
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 9 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Basic Digital Literacy
Curriculum Theme: Basic Computer Operations
Focal competence: Customising GUI of digital devices
Key competencies/values: ICT and Digital Competencies
Skills:
- Changing the themes and wallpapers on a mobile phone
Previous Lesson: Meaning, examples and uses of output devices
Topic: Interface Customisation
Subject Matter: Meaning/examples of interface customisation, changing themes and wallpaper
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain
- Explain the meaning of interface customisation.
- List examples of interface customisation.
Affective Domain
- Appreciate the ability to personalise digital devices.
- Show confidence in exploring customisation features.
Psychomotor Domain
- Change the themes of a digital device.
- Change the wallpaper of a digital device.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 2025 Revised 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
- A suitable Basic Digital Literacy textbook for Primary 4
- The HeadTeacher Scheme of work
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Digital devices (computers, tablets, smartphones, smart watches)
- Projector (if available)
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is important because it teaches pupils how to personalise their digital devices, making them more enjoyable and reflective of their preferences. Understanding interface customisation is a fundamental digital literacy skill that enhances user experience and confidence in interacting with technology.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils should have a basic understanding of digital devices such as mobile phones and computers, including how to turn them on and off and navigate simple menus.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Interface Customisation
Meaning of Interface Customisation
Interface customisation means changing the way a digital device looks and feels to suit a user’s personal taste. It allows you to make your phone, tablet, or computer screen unique and more comfortable to use.
Examples of Interface Customisation
There are many ways to customise the interface of a digital device. Some common examples include:
- Changing Themes: A theme is a complete package that changes the overall look of your device, including colours, icons, and backgrounds.
- Changing Wallpaper/Background: This involves setting a picture or pattern as the background image on your device’s screen.
- Changing Ringtones and Notification Sounds: You can choose different sounds for calls, messages, and other alerts.
- Arranging Icons: This means moving app icons to different places on your home screen or grouping them into folders.
- Changing Font Size and Style: You can adjust the size and type of text displayed on your device.
How to Change Themes and Wallpaper on a Digital Device
The steps to change themes and wallpaper can vary slightly depending on the device, but generally involve:
- Go to Settings: Tap on the “Settings” app icon on your device.
- Find Display or Personalisation: Look for options like “Display,” “Themes,” “Wallpaper,” or “Personalisation.”
- Select Theme or Wallpaper: Choose whether you want to change the theme or just the wallpaper.
- Browse and Select: Look through the available themes or wallpapers. You can often choose from pre-installed options or download new ones.
- Apply: Once you have chosen, tap “Apply” or “Set” to make the changes.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Practical Activity
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Engaging/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks if they like to make their belongings, like school bags or books, look special or unique. The teacher then relates this idea to digital devices.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and share their ideas about making things unique.
Learning Point: Personalising digital devices.
Step 2: Meaning of Interface Customisation
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of interface customisation in simple terms, using examples like changing the look of a phone screen. The teacher writes the meaning on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions for clarity.
Learning Point: Interface customisation meaning.
Step 3: Examples of Interface Customisation
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and briefly explains various examples of interface customisation, such as changing themes, wallpapers, ringtones, and arranging icons. The teacher writes these examples on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and discuss the different examples of customisation.
Learning Point: Customisation examples.
Step 4: Focus on Themes
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a “theme” is on a digital device. Using a digital device (or projector), the teacher demonstrates how to navigate to the theme settings and change a theme.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration and ask questions about themes.
Learning Point: Understanding digital themes.
Step 5: Focus on Wallpaper
Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what “wallpaper” is. Using the same digital device, the teacher demonstrates how to navigate to the wallpaper settings and change the wallpaper.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention to the steps for changing wallpaper.
Learning Point: Understanding digital wallpaper.
Step 6: Guided Practice – Changing Themes/Wallpaper
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Practice/Supervision
Teacher’s Activity: If digital devices are available, the teacher guides pupils to practice changing themes and wallpapers on their devices. The teacher moves around to assist and correct pupils.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils practice changing themes and wallpapers on available devices under the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Practical customisation skills.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- What is interface customisation?
- Mention two examples of interface customisation.
- How can you change the wallpaper on a phone?
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Interface customisation understanding.
Step 8: Note-Taking
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guided Writing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to copy the essential Board Summary notes into their notebooks, specifically the meaning and examples of interface customisation, and how to change themes and wallpaper.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.
Learning Point: Recording lesson notes.
Step 9: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly reminds pupils about the importance of customising their devices to suit their preferences and encourages them to explore these features safely.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and acknowledge the importance of the lesson.
Learning Point: Customisation importance.
Continuous Assessment/Further Study
Type: Homework
Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook:
- Imagine you want to make your parent’s phone look more cheerful. Describe the steps you would take to change its wallpaper to a picture of flowers.
- List three things you can change on a digital device to make it look unique.
Lesson Keywords
- Interface – The way a user interacts with a computer or digital device.
- Customisation – The act of modifying something to suit a particular individual or task.
- Theme – A set of visual elements that define the overall appearance of a digital interface.
- Wallpaper – The background image on a computer or phone screen.
- Digital device – Electronic equipment that works with digital information, like phones, tablets, and computers.
Differentiation
For pupils who are struggling, provide step-by-step visual aids or pair them with a faster learner for peer support during practical activities. For faster learners, challenge them to explore other customisation options like changing ringtones or arranging app icons, if devices are available.
Suggested Lesson Videos
Search on YouTube for:
- “Primary 4 changing phone wallpaper”
- “How to customise phone theme for kids”
- “Basic digital literacy interface customisation”
Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan
Before the lesson, ensure you have at least one digital device (smartphone, tablet, or computer with a projector) ready to demonstrate interface customisation. Guide pupils through the meaning of customisation and show them practical steps for changing themes and wallpapers. Encourage hands-on practice if devices are available, ensuring pupils handle them safely. During the note-taking step (Step 8), ensure pupils accurately copy the Board Summary. Check for understanding through questions and provide individual support or extension activities as needed.

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