| Computers have become a common and needed part | | | | with their classroom learning material. |
| of life in today's society, making computer education | | | | By first grade, children have usually gained a good |
| imperative for children. Young children will typically | | | | understanding of how to use a mouse and they are |
| begin to show an interest in the home PC by their | | | | learning to use keyboard letters to type. Games like |
| toddler years. While it is may be a good idea to begin | | | | Typing Instructor for Kids can help young children |
| introducing your toddler to the computer in very short | | | | become fast and efficient computer users. Early |
| sessions, most children can began to learn and | | | | elementary age children are ready to move beyond |
| understand a computer's functionality by preschool | | | | simple reinforcement and skill drill activities to the many |
| age. | | | | different functions of a computer. |
| Preschool age children can learn to turn the computer | | | | First through third graders should use the computer as |
| on by themselves and will quickly learn to operate the | | | | a supplement for their classroom work. A student |
| mouse. Simple games that teach and reinforce basic | | | | studying about stars and planets can use the internet |
| school readiness skills are great for this age. Computer | | | | to search for pictures and information about |
| education for preschool age children should be limited | | | | constellations. An assignment about Africa can include |
| to short sessions of about 30 minutes a few times a | | | | a search for videos of African animals. Allow your |
| week. | | | | child to work on his own, but stay close by to prevent |
| Many childcare facilities offer computer time as part of | | | | access to inappropriate content and to answer any |
| their weekly curriculum for preschoolers. Structured | | | | questions. |
| games and activities give young children an opportunity | | | | Software programs that allow children to create, like |
| to explore the way a computer works. Games that | | | | an art or publishing suite designed specifically for kids, |
| require dragging objects across the screen are | | | | can boost creativity along with providing exposure to |
| excellent for building mouse skills in beginner users. | | | | technology. Grade level skills can also be practiced and |
| Chose age-appropriate software and websites that | | | | enhanced with math, reading, and spelling computer |
| involve alphabet and color recognition, shapes, counting, | | | | games. There are a number of kid-friendly websites |
| or short stories that are read aloud. Activities that | | | | that provide search engines, games, and interaction |
| feature music are also enjoyable for a preschooler's | | | | opportunities. |
| computer time. | | | | Computer education for children should also include |
| Kindergartners are normally still exploring the basics of | | | | writing and creative writing activities. First graders are |
| computer use and will probably do best with activities | | | | beginning to familiarize themselves with the keyboard |
| that reinforce simple skills. As children become more | | | | and can write short letters or emails. By second and |
| comfortable with the computer, more complex games | | | | third grade, children can use word processor programs |
| and activities can be introduced. Computer education | | | | or writing software designed for children to write and |
| for kindergartners typically consists of short sessions | | | | publish their own short stories and poems, as well as |
| of no more than an hour, playing games that correlate | | | | use email to write to relatives. |