In the current day and age, computers are playing a significant role in our lives. As we become more digitally driven, we simultaneously become more reliant on technology, such as our smartphones and computers.
For these reasons, they should seriously consider introducing their children to computers by teaching them basic computer skills. This will help them not only with schoolwork but also help them learn skills that will be of value to them all their lives.
But where do you start?
Figuring this out can be challenging, which is why we have put together this comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about teaching computer basics to kids.
When to Start Teaching Computer Basics to Kids
The truth is that your child has probably already interacted with technology, especially through phones. However, you might still be wondering what the most suitable age is for children to learn about the computer basics.
In that case, you should start teaching children once they are old enough to understand how a computer works and when they are required to use computers at school. It should be noted that younger children should always be supervised when they are using computers.
What Computer Basics to Teach Children
The best way to introduce your child to the computer is by teaching them on a family laptop or computer. Regardless of their interest level in computers, there are some basic skills they should know about. They include the following:
1. Typing and Using the Mouse
The most essential skills you can teach your child when they are learning to use the computer is how to use a mouse and keyboard. The sooner they learn these skills, the better they will be at using the computer and doing other things. Luckily, children are quick learners, so you should start early.
Teach them how to move the mouse, use the cursor, and type in a keyboard. Allow them to practice so that they can brush up and develop these skills.
2. Writing an Email
These days, children are often required to communicate regarding schoolwork via email. Children as young as in third grade are required to use email. Hence, once your child has learned to read and write, you should teach them how to write emails.
It is essential, though, that you keep a thorough check on their correspondence and vet their inbox, outbox, and spam regularly.
3. Conducting Online Research
As your child ages, they will be required to conduct online research to complete school projects and papers. While they may have plenty of knowledge of using computers and basic skills, they may still need help with doing research.
Conducting online research is more than just typing in keywords on search engines. Hence, you should guide children on their first few projects so that they understand how to use certain sources and whatnot. Make sure to install parental control on the browsers since you don’t want your child to end up on the internet’s dark side.
4. Coding
While this might not be an essential computer skill for children to learn, it is certainly becoming a necessity that can teach a plethora of other skills and knowledge to your children. You can consider enrolling them in coding classes for kids so that they can develop better skills.
When your child starts coding, they can enhance their creativity, logical reasoning, and mathematical skills. Not to mention, coding is becoming a lucrative career, so learning to code might be beneficial in the long term for your child.
Tips for Teaching Computer Basics to Children
Here are some essential tips parents should know about when they are teaching computer basics to their children:
Encourage Communication
You should encourage your child to have open and honest communication and allow them to ask as many questions as they want. Moreover, keep reiterating and repeating as much as required. This will all help your child understand the basic skills better.
Be Patient
If you are teaching younger children how to use the computer, it can get frustrating having to repeat each thing. However, you should be kind and patient instead of voicing your frustration.
Don’t Breach Their Privacy
You should avoid breaching their privacy by reading their messages and controlling their social media accounts with older kids, such as teens and pre-teens. You should let them be as long as they practice safe internet usage.
Final Words
Once you introduce your child to computers, there is no going back. These have become an essential part of our lives, which is why teaching basic computer skills to kids is necessary. At Wevun Global, we offer a range of classes and summer camps that make this teaching fun and exciting. We also have a specific free program that teaches basic computer skills to beginners!
