Write On Lesson Plan JAWS & Docs: Write On!
Lesson Plan • Tier 1 Instruction
30 Minutes
Why This Matters
Mastering JAWS with Google Docs enhances digital literacy, promotes independence, and provides essential accessibility skills for academic and personal success. It bridges the gap between students and collaborative digital tools.
Prep & Setup
Review Slide Deck and Script
Ensure JAWS 2026 is installed and active
Enable 'Screen Reader Support' in Google Docs (Tools > Accessibility)
Prepare a blank Google Document
Print the Key Commands Worksheet
Objective
Students will learn to navigate, write, and edit a Google Document using JAWS 2026, including understanding the Virtual PC Cursor.
Approach
Hands-on guided practice.
Instructional Steps
Phase Time Activities & Focus Introduction 5 min Warm greeting and objective setting. Assess prior experience with screen readers or Google Docs. Establish rapport. The Virtual PC Cursor 5 min Explain the concept of the Virtual PC Cursor for web apps. Guide student through toggling using Caps Lock + Z and interpreting JAWS feedback. Navigation Basics 9 min Hands-on exploration of reading lines, words, characters, and headings. Use Slide Deck for visual support and worksheet for reference. Writing & Editing 6 min Type directly into the document. Practice selection (Shift + Arrows), deletion, and basic clipboard functions (Ctrl + X/C/V). Review & Practice 5 min Recap key commands. Student performs a short independent task. Q&A and encouragement.
Included Materials
JAWS & Docs Slide Deck
JAWS & Docs Script
Commands Worksheet
Write On Slides JAWS & Docs:
Write On!
Unlock the power of JAWS 2026 to navigate, write, and edit Google Documents with ease.
Navigation Writing Editing
The Virtual PC Cursor
?
What is it?
A special mode for navigating web pages and online documents more easily.
!
Why use it?
It helps JAWS read content smoothly and consistently in Google Docs.
Toggle On / Off
Caps Lock + Z
Navigation Basics
Active Reading
Read Window Title Caps + T
Read Line by Line Up / Down Arrow
Move Word by Word Ctrl + Left / Right
Move to Next Heading H
Read to Top Caps + Home
Read to Bottom Caps + End
Previous Heading Shift + H
Change Heading Level Alt + Shift + L/R
Writing & Editing
Input
Just start typing! JAWS reads as you go.
Select & Delete
Shift + Arrows to select.
Backspace / Del to erase.
The Magic Keys
CopyCtrl + C
PasteCtrl + V
UndoCtrl + Z
Time to Practice!
"Practice makes progress." Let's apply what we've learned in your Google Doc!
Navigate Write Edit
Write On Script Teacher Facilitation Script
JAWS & Docs: Write On!
Instructional Version 2026.1
INTRO
Hook & Objective (5 min)
"Hi [Student's Name], welcome! Today we're going to dive into something really cool and useful: learning how to use JAWS 2026 to work with Google Documents. Have you ever used a screen reader before, or are you pretty familiar with Google Docs already?"
Teacher Note: Wait for student response. Acknowledge their experience levels. Set a positive, supportive tone.
"That's great! My goal today is to show you how JAWS can help you navigate, write, and edit documents in Google Docs, making it easier for you to get your schoolwork done independently. Ready to get started?"
CORE CONCEPT
The Virtual PC Cursor (5 min)
Key Instruction:
"Before we dive into navigating, it's important to understand something called the 'Virtual PC Cursor'. Since Google Docs is a web application, JAWS uses this special cursor to help you move around and read the document smoothly. Think of it as JAWS's way of understanding what's on the screen."
"If JAWS isn't reading correctly, you can toggle it on or off by pressing Caps Lock + Z. Let's try that now."
PRACTICE 1
Navigation Basics (9 min)
COMMAND 1: TITLE
"The first thing we want to do is know what document we are in. Try Caps + T to read the window title."
COMMAND 2: LINES & WORDS
"The most basic way is to read line by line with Up/Down Arrows. To move faster, move word by word with Control + Arrows."
COMMAND 3: HEADINGS
"You can quickly jump between headings. Press H for the next heading, and Shift + H for the previous one."
PRACTICE 2
Writing & Editing (11 min)
"Now, let's try writing. Go ahead and type a sentence about your favorite hobby."
Allow student to type. Verify they hear the JAWS echo. Then guide them through text selection: Shift + Arrows, then Ctrl + X, C, V.
"Wonderful! And if you want to undo something? The magic command is Ctrl + Z. Try undoing that paste."
REVIEW
Independent Task & Wrap (5 min)
"Write a 3-sentence paragraph about what you want to be when you grow up. Then, select one sentence, cut it, and paste it elsewhere. I'm here if you have questions!"
"That was fantastic! Keep practicing these commands, and you'll be a pro in no time!"
Write On Worksheet Write On!
JAWS & Google Docs Key Commands
Name
Date
The Virtual PC Cursor
Toggle On / Off
Essential for smooth reading in web apps.
Caps Lock + Z
Navigation
Caps + T Read Window Title
Down / Up Arrow Read Line by Line
Ctrl + Left / Right Move Word by Word
Caps + Home / End Read to Top / Bottom
H / Shift + H Next / Previous Heading
Writing & Editing
Shift + Arrow Keys Select Text
Ctrl + X / C / V Cut / Copy / Paste
Ctrl + Z Undo Last Action
Backspace / Delete Delete Behind / Front
Just Start Typing! JAWS will read your characters.
My Notes & Practice
JAWS 2026 Accessibility Resources • Write On! Series
