Computers have become a common and necessary part of life in today’s society, making computer education an imperative for children. Young children will usually start to show an interest in the home PC when they are young. While it may be a good idea to start introducing your young child to the computer in very short sessions, most children can begin to learn and understand the functionality of a computer at preschool age.

Preschool children can learn to turn on the computer by themselves, and they will quickly learn to operate the mouse. Simple games that teach and reinforce basic school readiness skills are great for this age. Computer education for preschoolers should be limited to short sessions of about 30 minutes a few times a week.

Many daycare centers offer computer time as part of their weekly curriculum for preschoolers. Structured games and activities give young children the opportunity to explore how a computer works. Games that require you to drag objects around the screen are great for developing mouse skills in beginning users. Choose age-appropriate software and websites that involve color and letter recognition, shapes, counting, or short stories that are read aloud. Activities that feature music are also nice for a preschooler’s computer time.

Kindergartners are typically still exploring the basics of computer use and will likely do better with activities that reinforce simple skills. As children become more comfortable with the computer, more complex games and activities can be introduced. Computer education for kindergarteners typically consists of short sessions of no more than an hour, playing games that correlate with their classroom learning material.

By first grade, children usually have a good understanding of how to use a mouse and are learning to use the letters on the keyboard to type. Games like Typing Instructor for Kids can help young children become fast and efficient computer users. Young children are ready to move beyond simple reinforcement and skill-exercising activities to the many different functions of a computer.

Students in grades one through three are expected to use the computer as a supplement to their classroom work. A student studying stars and planets can use the Internet to search for images and information about constellations. An assignment on Africa might include a video search of African animals. Allow your child to work alone, but stay close by to prevent access to inappropriate content and to answer any questions.

Software programs that allow children to create, such as an art or publishing suite designed specifically for children, can boost creativity as well as provide exposure to technology. Grade level skills can also be practiced and improved with math, reading, and spelling computer games. There are several kid-friendly websites that offer search engines, games, and interaction opportunities.

Computer education for children should also include writing and creative writing activities. First graders are beginning to get familiar with the keyboard and can write short letters or emails. In second and third grade, children can use word processing programs or writing software designed for children to write and publish their own stories and poems, as well as use email to write to family members.