Instructions
1 Make computer safety the first lesson. Avoid relying solely on parental monitoring software to protect kids. As they become more independent they will need to know how to handle privacy, strangers and unsavory material. Many non-profit and government resources are dedicated to child internet safety with information that both children and parents can understand.
2 Establish rules and responsibility when you begin to teach kids with computers. While younger kids may not understand the cost of a computer, they will relate to being unable to use it should they misuse it or break it. A timeout or grounding from computer games is an effective way to break early bad habits
3 Incorporate typing lessons early to lessen a child's frustrations and enable them to accomplish more. If needed, acquire typing software designed for kids and use age appropriate lessons. Some online games and activities work well also, but tend to promote speed and letter recognition rather than efficient typing.
4 Balance learning with fun to help kids master material. As children mature, more focused learning sessions can be added. Know that many games that seem to have little learning value can help children in the areas of creativity, focus, hand-eye coordination, and abstract thinking.
5 Avoid underestimating kids' potential as you introduce more sophisticated programs for elementary and secondary school age kids. Word processing skills, PowerPoint presentations and more are increasingly employed by schools early on. OpenOffice.org offers free programs of similar capacity to commercial brands.
6 Teach kids with computers effectively by letting the computer serve as a tool rather than a replacement for human directed education. Explanations and challenges should be given as needed, and online work should be supplemented with books and other learning activities. Avoid letting computers do all the work when it comes to spelling or math. Optimally, turn spell checkers off and avoid the calculator until basic grammar, vocabulary and math skills are mastered.
7 Branch out into other topic areas such as art, history, science or other untapped websites at least once a week. Incorporate what is learned into an offline activity such as a science project or a visit to an art museum.
8 Consult homeschooling websites for a variety of age appropriate learning material which is available both online and off.
Read more: How to Teach Kids with Computers | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2282683_teach-kids-computers.html#ixzz2SElWfkLK