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INTRODUCING COMPUTERS TO PRESCHOOLERS National Network for Child Care's Connections Newsletter Karin Borgh, Ph.D. Young children are capable of using computers, especially if they are given adult guidance and appropriate software. Here are a few simple steps to follow to introduce the computer to three- to five-year-olds. This lesson plan assumes that you already have a computer and have selected appropriate software for the age group of the children involved.
How the computer works. Point out each part of the system to the children. Help them learn the terms "computer," "disk drive," and "monitor." Explain to them that the computer needs electricity to work. Show how both the monitor and the computer have their own power cords which must be plugged into a socket. Then tell them how the various parts of the system are connected - that the main part of the computer is connected to the disk drive(s), and that the computer and the monitor are connected to each other. Explain that the cords allow one part of the system to "talk" to the other parts. Be sure to also go over safety issues so the children understand that they should not touch or try to plug in the cords. How to handle disks. Show children a floppy disk, and explain that information is stored inside the disk. Show them the shiny "tape" inside the disk so they can see what the information is stored on. Stress how important it is not to touch the shiny part. Demonstrate how to handle the disk. Ask children to pass a disk around, being careful not to touch the "tape." Use a back-up disk for this demonstration, just in case! Next, demonstrate how to put a disk into the disk drive. Following the group experience, give each child time to practice turning the computer on and off and inserting disks. Adult supervision is needed for this activity. Most children learn how to do this correctly in one sitting. You may want to check each child again at another time. It works well to pair children for this experience, making sure each child gets a turn. Some children may not be able to handle the responsibilities associated with caring for disks. Others may be more interested in turning the computer on and off than in using the software. More adult supervision is needed for these children. Also remind the children that experimenting with switches and the disk drive is not an option. Also stress how important it is that they not put anything in the disk slots except disks. How to run programs. Show the children how selected programs work. This often includes explaining how to select choices from a "menu" (usually a numbered list on the screen). Describe what the task is and how to do it. Then tell them how to get back to the "menu" again if they want to stop or choose another activity. Provide adult supervision and allow each child to practice turning the computer on, inserting a disk, making a selection from the menu, and returning to the menu.
Organize the space. Make sure all equipment is easily accessible to young children. Use child-sized tables and chairs. Set the monitor at the right height for comfortable viewing by the children. Put the disks selected for the day in a box near the computer. A sturdy envelope fastened to the wall can also be used for disk storage. Begin by putting out only one disk. As children become more familiar with the computer and the programs, allow them to choose from several disks. Be sure each disk is clearly labeled so that children can easily pick out the program they want. If you use an envelope for disk storage, add the same label to the envelope. This will help children return the disk to its proper envelope. Introduce software. Introduce new software packages and show the children how they work during group time. Then add the disks to the computer corner for individual use during free play or small group activities. Provide adult supervision to ensure that the children use the computer and materials properly. Encourage children to work together when appropriate and help them develop the skills needed to cooperate in using the software. Once children have acquired the basics, little adult supervision will be needed. Computer literacy will be an important goal for future generations. Exposing children to computers at an early age will help get them off to a good start! National Network for Child Care - NNCC. Part of CYFERNET, the National Extension Service Children Youth and Family Educational Research Network. Permission is granted to reproduce these materials in whole or in part for educational purposes only (not for profit beyond the cost of reproduction) provided that the author and Network receive acknowledgment and this notice isincluded: Reprinted with permission from the National Network for Child Care - NNCC. Borgh, K. (1993). Introducing computers to preschoolers. In Todd, C.M. (Ed.), *Day care center connections*, 2(5), pp. 1-2. Urbana-Champaign, IL: University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service. FORMAT AVAILABLE:: Internet |