Junior High Laptop Readiness Checklist

Essential Skills Review Questions

Ask your child these questions. Tick an item only when he can demonstrate it without step-by-step help.

Basic Mac Use

Can I log in, lock the screen, restart the Mac, and shut it down correctly?
Can I adjust screen brightness, volume, Wi-Fi, and battery settings?
Can I open, switch between, minimize, and close applications?
Can I use single click, right-click, scrolling, dragging, and pinch-to-zoom on the trackpad?
Can I use Spotlight to quickly find an app or file?

Files and Folders

Do I understand the difference between an application, a file, and a folder?
Can I create a folder for each school subject?
Can I save a document in the correct folder instead of leaving it in Downloads?
Can I rename, copy, move, and delete a file?
Can I restore a deleted file from Trash?
Can I find a file again when I do not remember where I saved it?
Can I use a clear filename such as “Science - Plant Observation - Name - Date”?

Web Browsing and Research

Can I open, close, switch, and reopen browser tabs?
Can I bookmark the school portal and important learning websites?
Can I download a file and find it afterward?
Can I upload a file to a website or classroom system?
Can I recognize suspicious links, fake download buttons, and unexpected pop-ups?
Can I compare two or more sources instead of trusting the first search result?
Can I explain information in my own words instead of copying an answer?

Documents, PDFs, and Assignments

Can I create a document with a title, headings, bullet points, and an image?
Can I save my work regularly?
Can I export or download my work as a PDF?
Can I open, highlight, and annotate a PDF?
Can I check that I am submitting the correct file?
Can I confirm that an assignment shows as submitted?

Email and Online Classes

Can I read an email carefully and identify what action is required?
Can I write a polite message to a teacher?
Can I attach a file and verify that it is attached before sending?
Can I join a Google Meet, Zoom, or Teams call?
Can I select the correct microphone, camera, and speaker?
Do I know how to mute myself when I am not speaking?

Basic Troubleshooting

Can I stop and read an error message instead of clicking randomly?
Can I check Wi-Fi, sound, battery, and cable connections?
Can I close and reopen an application?
Can I restart the Mac when a simple problem does not go away?
Can I use another browser when a school website does not work?
Can I take a screenshot of an error before asking for help?
Can I explain what I was doing, what happened, and what I already tried?

Safety and Responsible Use

Do I know never to share passwords or verification codes?
Do I know not to install software without permission?
Do I know not to accept unknown AirDrop files?
Do I know not to share my address, phone number, or school schedule online?
Do I know that school chats, emails, and posts should be respectful?
Do I know to tell a parent or teacher about bullying, threats, scams, or disturbing content?
Do I know that AI answers can be wrong and must be checked?

Parent Setup Checklist

Suggested School Folder Structure

School ├── Grade 7 │ ├── Mathematics │ ├── Science │ ├── English │ ├── Indonesian │ ├── Social Studies │ └── Other ├── Downloads to Sort └── Submitted Assignments

Seven-Day Practice Plan

Day 1 — Basic Mac Control

Practise logging in, locking, restarting, and shutting down.
Practise trackpad clicking, right-clicking, scrolling, dragging, and zooming.
Open two apps, switch between them, close them, and lock the Mac.

Day 2 — Files and Folders

Create subject folders.
Create, save, rename, copy, move, and delete a document.
Restore a deleted file from Trash.
Find a file using Spotlight.

Practice: Create “Science Experiment,” save it in the Science folder, rename it, copy it, delete the copy, restore it, and find the original.

Day 3 — Browser and Research

Practise opening, closing, switching, and reopening tabs.
Bookmark important school websites.
Download and upload a file.
Discuss advertisements, fake download buttons, and suspicious links.

Practice: Find three facts about the solar system, record the source websites, and save one relevant image.

Day 4 — Documents and PDFs

Create a document with a title, headings, bullet points, and an image.
Export the document as PDF.
Open, highlight, and annotate a PDF.

Practice: Make a one-page report titled “My First Week of Junior High” and export it as PDF.

Day 5 — Email and Assignment Submission

Read instructions and identify the deadline.
Write a polite email.
Attach the correct file and verify the attachment.
Upload an assignment and verify that it is submitted.

Practice: Email the one-page PDF to a parent and confirm that the attachment is present.

Day 6 — Troubleshooting Without Panic

Check Wi-Fi, battery, sound, and cables.
Close and reopen an app.
Restart the Mac.
Try another browser.
Take a screenshot of an error.

Day 7 — Full School Simulation

Open the school portal.
Read an instruction and download a worksheet.
Complete and save the worksheet with a clear filename.
Export it to PDF.
Upload it and verify submission.
Send a short completion email.
Pack the MacBook, charger, and accessories safely.

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcut	Use
`Command` + `Space`	Search with Spotlight
`Command` + `C`	Copy
`Command` + `V`	Paste
`Command` + `Z`	Undo the last action
`Command` + `S`	Save
`Command` + `Tab`	Switch applications
`Command` + `W`	Close a window or browser tab
`Command` + `Shift` + `3`	Screenshot the entire screen
`Command` + `Shift` + `4`	Screenshot part of the screen
`Command` + `Option` + `Esc`	Force quit a frozen application

Daily Laptop Care Checklist

Keep drinks away from the laptop.
Carry the MacBook in a padded sleeve.
Never carry it by the screen.
Do not place books or heavy objects on top of it.
Check that no pencil or object is on the keyboard before closing the lid.
Keep the charger loosely coiled.
Do not leave the laptop inside a hot vehicle.
Charge it before school.
Return the charger and adapters to the same pouch every day.

Final Readiness Test

He is ready for the first week when he can complete these tasks without step-by-step assistance.

Remember: The aim is not perfect knowledge. The aim is for him to handle ordinary school tasks, make small mistakes safely, and know what to do when he needs help.