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Teaching kindergartners to use computers

 

Kindergartners, in general, have more experience than preschoolers, thus their computer learning needs are slightly different. Whether that may be actual computer experience or simply more world experience, this difference comes into play in terms of how computers are introduced and used. For example, children who know the individual letters of the alphabet and understand that those letters are put together to form words would benefit from a teacher/parent explaining the main functions of the keyboard. Does this mean the child should start using the keyboard right away? Not necessarily. Though even for the child with little to no computer experience, it can be beneficial to give them some background knowledge before they begin utilizing the technology.

The place to start with the computer newbies is on controlling the mouse and clicking on icons. Many young children have a difficult time double-clicking, though this can be overcome by clicking once and then pressing the ‘Enter’ key. Once they have logged in more time on a computer, double-clicking will come more easily. Next, it’s time to try out their clicking skills on an age-appropriate website or computer program. I highly recommend www.starfall.com and www.pbskids.org for this purpose. On these sites, your child or student will find many fun learning activities. You may need to guide the child at first, but after a little bit of practice, most children are off and running on their own.

Once your child or student has had consistent success with using the mouse, the next step is the keyboard. This, however, is more difficult than it sounds. The best way to begin using the keyboard is by using a ‘learning to type’ program. At my school, we use Type to Learn by Sunburst, a product I highly recommend. Their latest version is TTL 4. Click on the following link to find out more information, including how to start a 30-day free trial: http://ttl4.sunburst.com/. If your child or student begins using the keyboard without learning how to properly type first, they are in danger of becoming a hunt-and-peck-er for life and are not as likely to find excitement in a typing program. Without this first step in place, the waters ahead can be a bit rough.

If your kindergartner finds too much difficulty in learning to type, don’t let it stress them out. Every child learns at their own pace. Continue to allow them to use other programs and websites in which they use the mouse (and in some cases the arrow keys). Once they have logged in more computer time, other uses will begin to interest them. Also, this may be a sign that the child does not know their uppercase letters very well. If letter recognition is bogging them down, they will benefit from the early literacy activities on www.starfall.com. 

So, yes, kindergartners can, do, and will continue to use computers. Following the right steps, such as using the mouse first and then learning to type correctly before using a Word program, and you will almost be guaranteeing that your child will be fully computer-literate. Also, don’t be afraid to take a step back if necessary. All learning is trial and error and all learners are unique. Give them the proper tools and guidance and they will find their way.