How to Teach Computer Basics to Young Children
Kids see their parents and other adults on computers and want to copy them. They may see older children playing computer games and want to join in. Kids are fearless when it comes to computers, which helps them learn basic computer skills very quickly. For young children, the primary challenge is developing hand-eye coordination. With guidance, your little one will be a computer guru in no time.
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Instructions
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Show and tell the basic parts of the computer: CPU, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and the cables interconnecting them all. Explain that the computer is electric and turned on by the on/off switch. Push the button to show a child how to turn on the computer.
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Explain that the computer equipment works with software inside of it. Pictures on the main screen represent the software programs. When you click on the pictures with the mouse, the software opens up.
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Bookmark the websites you like for your child and set them up as quick icons on the main computer screen. Show him how to click on the icon with a mouse-click to open the website.
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Open up a game for the child on the Internet that allows for practice with the mouse. Fun, safe, kid-based websites include Nick Jr. and Disney (see Resources).
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Show her how to play the games. Select a variety of games that involve drawing with the mouse or clicking for choices to develop dexterity with her hands. Show her how to use her index finger on the mouse to practice dragging the cursor on the screen. Kids will learn quickly how to maneuver the mouse.
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Show your child that other programs require that he type in things with the letters on the keyboard. For example, he can write letters or emails by typing words.
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Explain how to end the program. This may require that she learns to double-click the X at the top right of the screen, right click an object, or a similar step.
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Tips & Warnings
Install child-safe options on your browser. Implement computer usage rules with your child such as that an adult must be in the room, or that the child is only allowed to be on the computer for a certain amount of time. When your child is ready to browse the Internet on her own, consider kid-safe Internet browser software to keep your child from opening harmful sites.
Make sure that your children do not get onto unsafe websites. Tell them to never give out any personal information.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit little computer specialist image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
