How to Teach Basic Computers to a Kid

In today's society, both children and adults need to learn basic computer skills. The earlier you learn the basics, the quicker you can learn more advanced concepts. Teaching computer basics to kids will help them learn the more advanced skills they will need later on in life. Kids use computers for schoolwork, educational games, communicating with friends and family, and fun activities. Teaching a kid computer basics is almost as important as teaching him to read and write.

Instructions

1. Show the child each part of the computer and explain what each part does. This includes the keyboard, mouse, monitor, tower, any drives, the printer, and any other hardware attachments. Demonstrate exactly what each piece of hardware does.

   For further reinforcement, you can use some of the the child's favorite television shows to help. Many modern cartoon characters use computers, and watching them will help children understand some of the basics functions of the hardware.

2. Teach the kid how to properly turn on and shut down a computer. Explain to her how turning the computer off improperly may cause her to lose music and games she is interested in.

3. Show the child how to navigate with a mouse and keyboard. This includes explaining the difference between a right and left click and a single and double click. Demonstrate with age-appropriate learning games. Depending on the child's age, you can use shape, color, and number games, or something more involved like The Sims.

4. Teach the kid how to open programs. Show him the basics of each program. For example, in Microsoft Word, show him how to open, create and save files. Have him type a story, poem, or daily journal entry to help him master the skill. You can create a similar project for other programs.

5. Teach the child basic typing skills. You can do this by creating your own examples or by using typing-tutor software. Using a typing program with the child's favorite cartoon characters will help keep her focused. Kids will treat the program as a game and learn mofe quickly.

6. Teach the child how to connect to the Internet and open a browser window. Show him the various parts of a browser window, including any tool bars, the address bar, history and bookmarks. Also show him how to search for information and click on links. Show him sites containing kid-friendly games or information, such as Discovery for Kids. He will want to revisit the site, and will be excited to learn how to do so.

7. Demonstrate how to print files and how to use disk drives. Use the stories, poems or journal entries from Step 4. You can allow the child to post her work on a board or refrigerator. This gives her a reason to learn how to print. Teach her to use disk drives by burning music to a CD for her to play later.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice each skill with your child until he has it down perfectly.

• Always monitor your child's activity when she is using the computer. Use this time to teach your kid to use the computer safely.

Resources

• Illustrated Computer Lessons
• Learn Computer Basics