Start With The Very Basics....
Now would be the time to show them any other programs you want them to see. If you have the game Solitaire this an excellent way for them to get practice with the mouse. You may have to teach them how to play the game but the practice they will get is worth the time. They will also get some Math practice. Be sure to show them how to properly close out the game program too.
I would end the first lesson here so you don't cause overload. They have enough skills now in order to get some practice with the very basics. My philosophy in teaching my kids anything, whether it is Math, English or computers is get the basics down pat before you move onto anything else. Now would be the time to show them how to properly shut down the computer. Go to the Start menu and click on "shut down the computer". If you have a Virus program it will probably go through it's check of the computer. Be sure to explain what this is and why it is necessary keeping the details simple. Make sure that your child is watching what is happening on the computer screen as well the lights on the processor. Once it tells you that it is ok to shut off the computer have them turn it off.
I realize that this seems so basic to those of us who are computer users on a regular basis. To our children this all new and can be intimidating. Keep the details simple in language that they can understand. You know the extent of your child's vocabulary better than anyone else. This is a scrapbook moment too. Teaching your child can be the most rewarding experience as long as the two of you can enjoy the time you spend together. This is a skill that they will use for their lifetime. It is not as important as the first word or the first step but it is still an important first, so enjoy the time you have. We followed up our first lesson with a gab session over cookies and milk. We talked about what we had just learned and what part they liked best. One thought the mouse was the coolest part and one thought the keyboard was neat because she got to push the buttons and make the letters on the screen. I still
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