Did you know that there are numerous ways to get children to practice their keyboarding skills? Well, there are. You can customize these activities. It would be beneficial to create Activity Cards for your centers or stations. Many teachers may feel you need a keyboarding program like Type to Learn or Mavis Beacon. However, I thank God for creativity.
Here are some fun typing activities that will get those fingers moving:
Kindergartners:
1. Let the children explore the keyboard. You can create paper keyboards for each student. Call out letters from the alphabet and have the students find them on their paper keyboard. Next, give them a name tag with their name printed on it. Have each child find those keys. Once your children have an understanding of the alphabet and letter recognition, you can sit them at the computer you and open up a Word Document. Model how to use the Space Bar and Enter keys. As a final activity, have each child type his/her own first name three times. I know this may seem difficult for them however; I had preschoolers who were capable of doing such a task.
First Graders:
2. First graders love exploration. They are big on names, objects, and lots of color. One surefire way to get them keyboarding is by letting them type their name in large caps. They would enjoy typing color words, the days of the week, months, and even basic sight words from the Dolch Word List.
Well, I am sorry we have to stop here. If you would like to see more of these wonderful ideas,
the materials will be made available to you shortly on My TPT Store . I will let you
know as soon as they are posted.
Well, I am sorry we have to stop here. If you would like to see more of these wonderful ideas,
the materials will be made available to you shortly on My TPT Store . I will let you
know as soon as they are posted.
I hope you enjoyed these activities. Come back for more!
Computer Aerobics came from an idea I had many years ago. I believe I was teaching third grade. That year, I had a large classrom with students of multiple capabilities. I was charged with finding the best possible way to get these children motivated to learn.
At the time, I only had two computers in my classroom. I also was responsible for 2-3 reading groups. I decided to create a schedule to incorporate centers for each area. The schedule was posted on the chalkboard. Each child knew how long they would be at each center and what their responsibilities were. I set up a Math Center, Listening Center, Art Center, Reading Center, Social Studies Center and last but not least a Computer Center.
As months went by, it appeared that the children enjoyed the Computer Center the most. I decided to explore various websites that would broaden my students horizons. I asked the kids what they liked most about this center and they replied by letting me know that they loved using the computer. They enjoyed games, kid friendly websites, but most of all, looking up things on different topics.
I decided that out of all of the centers, I would always make sure that the children would have a great time using technology. Hence, came the idea for this blog. Although, I am no longer in the classroom teachers are always asking me for fun things their kids can do on the computer. They are eager to find new ways to meet their students needs and want to keep up with this tech savvy world.
The purpose of this site will be to provide you with computer activities, tid bits, web resources, lesson plans and activities that will engage your child in technology and improve their technical skills. The computer activities and lesson plans are samples of work that I have either done with students, think would be enjoyable for them, and or merely things that colleagues have suggested that have worked with their students. Each activity and lesson plan are aligned with the technology state standards.
I hope you enjoy my blog and look forward to a wonderful experience of learning and fun through technology!
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