Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Preparing to Learn
• Method 2 of 2: Teaching Your Child to Use a Computer

By teaching your child how to use a computer, you prepare him to use many forms of technology prevalent in the world today. In addition to entertainment, your computer can help you do useful tasks such as homework. Like any person, the child must first be taught the basics of using a computer - the use of a mouse and keyboard and general computer etiquette. Below we will give you some tips on how to teach your child to use a computer.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Preparing to Learn

1. 1 It is better to start teaching a child to use a computer from the age of three. Children 3 years of age and older will quickly understand and absorb basic concepts, while younger children are reluctant to do this, as their speech and visual skills are only developing.
2. 2 Connect children's input devices to the computer. In order for the learning to be more effective, the child should be comfortable using the mouse and keyboard.
   • Choose a mouse that fits comfortably in your child's hand. If a child is physically unable to handle a mouse, he will not be able to operate a computer and perform basic tasks.
   • Choose a keyboard with fewer keys and larger labels on them, especially if you are teaching very young children. There are multi-colored keyboards that are easier for kids to learn.
   • Visit the Macworld website linked in the source list for this article to see what mice and keyboards are for kids.
3. 3 Install software or educational games for the appropriate age group. Choose fun and engaging programs that keep your child's enthusiasm alive.
   • Visit the Teach Kids How site from the source section of the article for a list of age-appropriate sites and learning tools for your little one to help teach them how to use the computer.

Method 2 of 2: Teaching Your Child to Use a Computer

1. 1 Familiarize your child with basic computer etiquette and computer rules. For example, explain to him that, while working at the computer, you must not eat or drink, you must handle the keyboard and mouse carefully, and you must not hit or throw them.
   • Always observe how your child uses the computer. Make sure that he handles the computer responsibly and carefully, that he does not allow any negligence that could damage the device - did not drop the laptop on the floor or spill a drink on the computer or keyboard.
2. 2 Show your toddler how to hold and handle the computer mouse. Since most computers are controlled by a mouse rather than computer commands from a keyboard, it is important to teach your child how to use a mouse first.
   • If necessary, adjust the mouse settings so that the cursor moves more slowly. This will make it easier for children to master the mouse, especially for young children who are just developing their motor skills.
3. 3 Teach your child to type on the keyboard. Show him how to correctly place his hands on the keyboard so that he does not type "find-press".
   • Use the software keyboard trainers with a series of lessons that get more difficult as your toddler's skills improve.
4. 4 Teach your child to use the Internet for self-education and homework. The Internet can become an irreplaceable assistant in completing school assignments and in consolidating the acquired computer skills.
   • Teach your child to select the right keywords for search engines - Google, Bing and Yandex. For example, if your toddler’s homework topic is crocodile-related, show him how to choose suitable phrases for the search bar, such as "crocodile species" or "crocodile breeds".
   • Teach your child to look for reputable sources of information. For example, show him how to select sites that offer credible information, such as those that end in ".edu" or ".org".