Get Started in Word Processing
Basically the WordPad is an advanced typewriter. You will want to explain to your child that the flashing bar is where the text will be entered. If they want to insert text somewhere other than where the bar is flashing just use the mouse to move it. Place the mouse curser where you want the text and click. You can also use the arrow keys.
Type in some practice text. Use the backspace key to show what it does. If they make a mistake they can "erase" it by using the backspace key. You can also use the delete key. The backspace key erases what is to the left of the flashing bar and the delete key erases what is on the right of the flashing bar.
Show them the tab key. You can tab over as far as you want. You should have a ruler at the top of the work area. You can use this to see where you have tabbed to.
If your child is very familiar with all the keys on the keyboard you can show them the insert key. When you hit the insert key it will automatically insert text that you want to add to your document without deleting what is already there. It simply "iserts" the text.
I would explain that when they want to start a new paragraph they simply hit enter. It is basic writing etiquette to double space between paragraphs. You should also explain the word wrap feature. With the automatic word wrap it is not necessary to hit enter at the end of a sentence. It just does it for you.
If you want to start a new document within WordPad without saving the current information you have entered all you have to do is click on the New button within the menu. The new button is the one that looks like a piece of paper. It will ask you if you want to save the information just click no and it will give you a clean work space.
You can print your work from here too. You actually have two options when you want to print. Show your child both of them. They can then choose what is easiest for them to remember. There is a little printer icon on a button in the toolbar. You can also go to the File menu and click on Print.
If you want to save your child's work but
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