💻 TechnologyGrade 2Lesson 2
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Turning Devices On and Off Safely

How to use: Download the PDF to print the worksheet. Then use this page to repeat activities and check answers.

Learning Objectives

  • 1Follow the correct steps to turn a device on and shut it down safely
  • 2Explain why using the right procedure protects the device and saves files
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Mini Lesson

Every time you use a computer, tablet, or any digital device, there is a right way — and a wrong way — to turn it on and off. Following the correct steps keeps your work safe and protects the device from damage.

Turning a device ON — the start-up steps

  • Step 1: Make sure the device is plugged in or has enough battery.
  • Step 2: Press the power button once — do not hold it down or press it multiple times.
  • Step 3: Wait for the device to fully load. A loading screen or logo usually appears first.
  • Step 4: Log in with your username and password if required.
  • Example: Press the power button once, wait for the desktop, log in, and begin.

Turning a device OFF — the shut-down steps

  • Step 1: Save your work — close or save any open documents or programs.
  • Step 2: Go to the Start menu (or power icon) and choose Shut Down.
  • Step 3: Wait for the screen to go dark — do not press the power button until the screen is fully off.
  • Step 4: If using a laptop or tablet, close the lid gently after the screen turns off.

Why does the shut-down order matter?

  • Holding the power button to force-quit can corrupt files — your saved work may be lost or broken.
  • Unplugging the device without shutting down first can damage the operating system.
  • Proper shut-down lets the computer finish its tasks and store everything safely.

Caring for the device when it is off

  • Store laptops and tablets flat or in a case — never pile books on top of them.
  • Keep devices away from water, food, and direct sunlight.
Start-Up and Shut-Down StepsTwo columns of step cards: on the left, four green power-on steps; on the right, four shut-down steps, each numbered 1 through 4.Turning ONShutting DOWN1Check power /battery first2Press powerbutton once3Wait for thescreen to load4Log in andbegin1Save all openwork first2Choose ShutDown from menu3Wait for thescreen to go dark4Close lid gentlyor store safely
Start-up steps (green, left) and shut-down steps (blue, right), each numbered 1 through 4.
Safe vs. Unsafe Shut-DownTwo side-by-side cards: left shows the safe way to shut down using the menu, right shows the unsafe way of holding the power button with a red X over the screen.Safe or Unsafe?SafeSleepShut DownUse the menuSave work first,then chooseShut Down.Files are safe!UnsafeHold power buttonForces the deviceto stop suddenly.Work can be lost!Files may be damaged!
Side-by-side comparison: the safe shut-down method (using the menu) vs. the unsafe method (holding the power button).
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Ask yourself: "What is the very first thing I should do before turning a computer off? Why?"

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Guided Practice

Sketch your start-up and shut-down diagram from the paper worksheet. Then use the Tracing Pad to practice the key words from this lesson.

Tracing Pad

Tip: Write "SAVE first!" in big letters next to the shut-down steps — saving your work is always the most important step before turning off any device.

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Exercises

Tap a card, then tap the slot where it belongs, to put the shut-down steps in the correct order.

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1. What is the first thing you should do before shutting down a computer?

2. What is the correct way to turn a computer off?

3. When turning a device on, how many times should you press the power button?

4. What can happen if you hold the power button to force a computer off?

5. After choosing Shut Down, what should you do next?

6. Why should you check the battery or power connection before starting a device?

7. You press the power button and a logo appears on screen. What should you do?

8. What should you keep devices away from when they are not in use?

9. What is the correct order for shutting down a device?

10. Why is it important to follow the correct shut-down steps every time?

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Assessment

Parent / Teacher Checklist

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