Technology has come a long way since the first electronic computer was completed in 1946. Dubbed ENIAC, it filled a large room and weighed in at 50 tons. Now, computers are not only more powerful, but fit on the top of a desk. With capabilities from document creation to Internet browsing, knowing how to use a computer has rapidly become an essential skill. Even kids can benefit from computer literacy, and teaching them can seem more like play than work with the right resources.
Step 1
Show your kids the various parts of a computer and tell them the names of things--monitor, mouse, keyboard and CPU. Teach them how to turn on the computer.
Step 2
Place the child's hand on the mouse and show them how moving the mouse makes the pointer move on the screen, and clicking the button makes the pointer choose what happens on the screen.
Step 3
Allow the kids to experiment with moving the mouse and clicking various buttons, but keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't click anything they shouldn't.
Step 4
Show your kids how pressing a letter or number on the keyboard makes that same symbol appear on the screen. Get them used to using the mouse and keyboard together through web games designed for children, such as the ones available for free at Sesameworkshop and Fisher-Price websites.
Step 5
Complete fun and educational worksheets about computer parts and programs. Kaboose website has several free printable worksheets available to teach kids about computers.
Step 6
Purchase educational software games that teach how to navigate through a program with the mouse and keyboard, as well as basic skills like math and reading. This will enable kids to learn developmental skills while learning about safe computer usage.
Step 7
Show your kids how to use important tools like word processors and search engines only once the basics have been established, but be sure to continue supervising all computer use.
Things You'll Need
- Educational software (optional)
