Parts of a Computer: Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, and CPU
- 1Print it first. Read it once together and talk it through.
- 2Exercises on paper, then correct together with the answer key.
- 3Next day: a 10-minute review here on screen saves progress.
What you will learn
- 1Name the main parts of a computer — monitor, keyboard, mouse, and CPU
- 2Describe what each one does
Mini Lesson
A computer is a machine that helps us write, draw, watch, learn, and communicate. But a computer is not just one thing — it is made of several parts, and each part has a special job!
The monitor
- The monitor is the screen that shows you everything the computer is doing.
- It is an output device — it gives information OUT to you.
- Example: When you type a letter, it appears on the monitor screen.
The keyboard
- The keyboard has rows of keys with letters, numbers, and symbols.
- You press the keys to type words and give instructions to the computer.
- It is an input device — you put information IN to the computer.
The mouse
- The mouse is a small handheld device that controls a pointer on the screen.
- You move it to point at things, and click its buttons to select or open them.
- Like the keyboard, it is an input device.
The CPU — the brain of the computer
- CPU stands for Central Processing Unit.
- It is the part inside the computer (often inside the tower or the screen) that processes all instructions and runs every program.
- Think of the CPU as the computer’s brain — nothing works without it.
Other parts you may see
- Speakers — output sound and music.
- Power cable — brings electricity from the wall plug into the computer.
- Storage — saves files and programs (hard drive or USB).
Words to know
Computer
A machine that follows your instructions to do tasks
e.g. I use a computer to practice my spelling.
Monitor
The screen part that shows pictures and words
e.g. I watch a video on the monitor.
Keyboard
The part with letter and number keys for typing
e.g. I press keys on the keyboard to write my name.
Mouse
A small tool you move to point and click on the screen
e.g. I clicked the mouse to open the file.
CPU
The brain inside a computer that does the thinking
e.g. The CPU runs all the programs.
Hardware
The parts of a computer you can touch
e.g. The keyboard and screen are hardware.
Ask yourself: "If I look at the computer in front of me, can I point to the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, and the CPU?"
Guided Practice
Pick a word from the Trace menu and pass over the ghost letters with your finger or pen. Tap 🔍 Bigger for a fullscreen practice canvas.
Tip: After writing each part name, draw a quick arrow from the word to its location on your diagram — labeling diagrams is a key tech skill!
Exercises
Tap each computer part on the diagram when its name is called. Find every part!
Tap the Keyboard
0 / 6 found · Look at the dashed boxes — tap the right one.
1. What does the monitor do?
2. What is a keyboard used for?
3. What does CPU stand for?
4. What does the mouse control?
5. Which of the following is an input device?
6. Which of the following is an output device?
7. Why is the CPU called the brain of the computer?
8. What is computer hardware?
9. What does the computer speaker do?
10. What is a computer?
Parent Checklist
For the parent: after correcting together, check off what your child has really understood