Canva Beginnings

Overview

Today students will learn how to navigate Canva and use key features to create a simple design (a poster or greeting card). Students practise safe and responsible technology use while creating, saving, and sharing their work.

Learning intentions

• Students will be able to open Canva and identify the main parts of the screen (home, templates, search, editor, and download).
• Students will create a simple design using a template, add and edit text, and place an image.
• Students will choose colours and fonts thoughtfully so their message is clear.
• Students will save and export their design responsibly and follow class digital safety rules.

Success criteria

• I can find a template and open the Canva editor.
• I can add text and change its size/colour.
• I can add one or more images and move them to fit.
• I can download/export my design and explain one choice I made (colour, font, layout).

Curriculum links

• CTLS-SAF-01 — Students use computing technologies and data safely and responsibly.
• CT5-COM-01 — Students communicate ideas, processes and solutions using appropriate media.
• CT5-DES-01 — Students design and create user interfaces and the user experience (simple, for a poster/card layout).
• CTLS-COM-01 (Stage 4 equivalent focus on communicating processes) supports students explaining what they did and why.

Lesson structure (60 minutes)

1. 0–6 min · Hook and safety check. Teacher shows a sample “before/after” poster (cluttered vs clear) and asks: “What makes a design easy to read?” Teacher reminds students about safe, respectful online behaviour (no personal details, ask before using images, and keep work within the class process). Students share one idea with a partner.

2. 6–15 min · Direct teaching: Canva basics. Teacher uses the introduction slides and models: opening Canva, finding templates, using search, and recognising the editor workspace. Students follow along on devices (point with finger/screenshot practice): Home → Templates/Search → Choose a design → Editor.

3. 15–25 min · Features mini-teach. Teacher demonstrates with the introduction slides:

• Adding/editing text (select text box, type, change size/colour)
• Adding an image (search within Canva/class resources)
• Moving/resizing elements (drag, use corner handles) Students repeat one small action: change the heading text and drag it into place.

4. 25–40 min · Main task: poster or card (Part 1 setup). Teacher distributes the poster or card planner worksheet and explains the choices while students plan. Students choose either: a poster (message + picture) or a greeting card (message inside). Students complete the worksheet: title/message, image choice, and one colour preference. Teacher circulates to check safe image use (no addresses/phone numbers; use teacher-approved imagery sources).

5. 40–53 min · Main task: Part 2 build and finish. Teacher returns to the introduction slides for the step-by-step “build checklist” and common fixes (make text bigger, reduce extra text, ensure image is not stretched). Students build their Canva design using a template, then: add their planned text, add one image, and adjust layout.

Differentiation during build:

• Support group: use a pre-selected template and colour set; text boxes are pre-placed (teacher provides a “starter” file or guided checklist).
• On-level: choose from 2–3 templates; students decide font size and image placement.
• Extension: add a second image/shape and adjust spacing for a clear layout; include a simple slogan tagline.

6. 53–58 min · Save, export, and quick share. Teacher shows how to download/export using the introduction slides (choose PNG or PDF for printing/sharing as directed by the class). Students save their final file and do a quick gallery walk: “Show and tell” with a partner—one thing they improved.

7. 58–60 min · Plenary exit check. Teacher asks students to answer one question on the spot: “Which Canva feature helped your message look clear?” Students respond using a sentence stem: “I used ______ to ______.”

Resources

• the introduction slides (hook + Canva navigation + feature demos + build checklist + download demo + reflection prompt)
• the poster or card planner worksheet (plan and message prompt)
• iPads/laptops with Canva access (teacher accounts set up as needed)
• Student log-in guidance cards (no personal passwords on walls/notes)
• Optional: teacher “starter templates” (one poster template, one card template) for support students
• Printed examples of a clear and cluttered layout (for reference)

Assessment

• Teacher observation checklist during steps 2–5: can students locate template/editor, add text, and place an image?
• Worksheet check at 25–40 minutes: does the plan include a clear message and a sensible layout idea?
• Quick share at 53–58 minutes: can students explain one design choice (text size/colour, image placement, or layout)?

Differentiation

• Support: provide sentence starters for worksheet (“My message is…”, “I chose colours because…”), pre-selected templates, and step-by-step icons matching the introduction slides.
• On-level: students choose between poster/card and make their own layout changes using the checklist.
• Extension: challenge card to improve readability (e.g., “Make your heading at least one size bigger than body text” and “Add one decorative element without blocking the message”).
• EAL/SEN: offer visual supports (template examples, colour swatches), reduce typing demands (use fewer text changes), and allow pointing/choosing over writing for part of the task.
• Classroom management: remind students to use only approved images and not include personal information.