My kids love letters, so I “made” them this very simple computer game, no programming required:
- Turn on the computer
- Open a word document
- Type
I set the font quite large for Johnny, but Emma likes to type small letters. Johnny types gibberish, but he names the letters as he types, and he’s getting quite good at finding letters on the keyboard. Emma types words. Emma has also figured out how to change the font size and color.
Maybe I’ll look into a “learn-to-type” program for our next “computer game” – any recommendations?
I’m linking this post to Show and Tell at ABC and 123
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
No recommendations – but my kids love typing on the computer too. What fun!
.-= Beth´s last blog ..playhouse – post office =-.
Maryanne, this is so funny. I do this kind of high-tech programming with my children. They love it. I resisted the computer for quite a while around here. I want the kids to read books, manipulate hands-on and play outside! But there comes a time to move to the computer. MacGyver types his books he’s written. I’ve been wanting to find a keyboarding program. Thanks for the recommendation. We’re going to try it out. Love that crazy little goat! :)
.-= jeannine: waddlee-ah-chaa´s last blog ..Homeschool Organization- GIVEAWAY =-.
I don’t have any recommendations, but I am going to look at the ones listed above in the comments:-).
You think of some neat things Mary Anne!
.-= Susana´s last blog ..For Your Viewing Pleasure… =-.
Oh my two loved that when they were younger. They also enjoyed playing around in Paint, it’s pretty easy to get a few squiggly lines on the page.
Please let us know if you find a typing program, everyhtng I have seen is for older kids.
@Kylie – I need to let them play with Paint more, I remember doing that at around Emma’s age and loving it!
I’ll let you know if we find a good typing program that’s age-appropriate, I did look into the BBC program and it was too advanced for my 4yo.
My toddler son loves Elmo’s Keyboard-o-rama on the Sesame Street website. There’s also Caillou’s Magic Keyboard on PBS. Dance Mat Typing on http://www.bbc.co.uk is good for older kids.
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@Janelle – Thanks for the suggestions! I tried Dance Mat with Emma this morning, and she seemed a little young for it, so we’ll have to look into the Elmo and Caillou keyboards.
My kids would swoon if I let them touch our computer. :)
Your idea reminds me of something a university friend of mine concocted for his sons… http://mahalonottrash.blogspot.com/2008/04/owens-laptop.html
.-= Elisa | blissfulE´s last blog ..science with Baba- relative and absolute time =-.
My Emma loves typing, too! I think it makes her feel big. :)
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Disney At Night =-.
Great idea. We have an old Commodore 64 that my husband got as a gag gift – occasionally Anna types on it too, but she is not too keen on it lately. I will come back to read comments about learn-to-type recommendations :)
.-= Natalie´s last blog ..Science Sunday – Marine Life =-.
@Natalie – my brother recommends http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/
Very good to expose them with computer so they can pick up faster when they go to school :-)
.-= Dora´s last blog ..Fast Food Day =-.
My kids love to do that too. We’re trying to find a good learn to type program as well.
.-= Ticia´s last blog ..Science Sunday- Insect parts =-.
Since my girls see me on the computer blogging or working they are obsessed with computers. I finally bought them one of those V Tech computers. They have a blast with it. My only complaint is that the keyboard is alphabetical rather than a standard keyboard. I understand WHY it’s alphabetical, but I would prefer that if they’re going to “use” a computer they start learning to type too.
.-= Quadmama´s last blog ..Girls Who Wear Pants =-.