Goal: Introduce children to the computer and teach them basic internet navigation.

 

Begin by pointing out and naming the basic parts of the computer to the children (i.e. mouse, keyboard, monitor). Get the children to move the mouse around and watch the cursor for a couple seconds to get a handle on it, and then have them double click on the I.E. icon. Instruct them on how to go to the start page and to click on Week One. Explain what links are.

 

When I.E. opens, point out the basic navigation tools (i.e. BACK, FORWARD, HOME, STOP, REFRESH, address bar, status icon). Explain the buttons by having them use them to navigate the website a little. Have them type a short message in the guestbook to get used to the keyboard. When back at Week One, continue with lesson.

 

Explain what a search engine is, and have the children look at the two listed. If time is going well, let them explore a little, if not, have them go directly to Yahooligans! and type in the search word.

 

Talk children through coloring activity, allowing time for each to complete one or two. If they want, they can return to this site during the exploration time in step four.

 

Allow free time for children to explore the games at http://funschool.com. The games are all safe, educational, and easy to play, so your main job is just to surpervise while they have a little fun.

 

Talk children through closing I.E. Ask for their input on the activities, ask if they had a good time. Make notes after children leave on how to improve the program.

 

 

Goal: To help children commit computer skills learn to memory and continue to build on skills while giving them a fun geography lesson.

 

Note: If children stray a lot from the program, direct them to the Cool Sites link, or lead them through the e-mail sign-up.

 

Start off by asking children if they have ever been to a foreign country as an ice breaker. Then introduce the topic of the session. Tell children that you will be visiting countries all over the world via the internet over the next hour. Maybe have them make a "passport" on folded paper with crayons by drawing their picture on one side, and recording the countries they visit on the others. Talk children through opening I.E. and getting to Week Two lesson. Introduce the Flag Flags activity and have them click on the link.

 

Direct children to the Time For Kids link and let them choose which countries they want to look at. Read some of the information to younger children if they have trouble. When most children seem to be tiring of the activity, move the group on to step three. If some children tire faster, allow them to go on to step three on their own.

 

Ask if any of the children know any words in a foreign language. Direct them to the Languages link and allow them to search around for the answers to the questions. Once most have found the answers, share them with the group and continue on.

 

Tell children to close their eyes and imagine that they are the president of a far-off country. Ask them to imagine what the flag would look like, what the country would look like, what their house would look like, etc. Then direct them to the drawing link and have them draw their own flags or other imaginings.

 

Talk children through shutting down I.E. Ask for their comments on the activities, which they preferred, which they didn't like, etc. to improve the programing for the next session.