Lesson Ideas for #Chromebook Classrooms: Getting Started with Computers

Note: this lesson idea is an excerpt from my book, The Chromebook Classroom. If you find this lesson helpful, you will enjoy the 40+ lessons from the book! Pick up a copy on Amazon or at chrmbook.com!

About this lesson

Young students will need to learn basic computer skills and knowledge in order to use their Chromebooks well. Lead them in the following activities early in the school year, so they can get comfortable using a Chromebook sooner.
Mouse / Trackpad Activities

Navigating with a mouse or trackpad can be difficult for little hands and fingers. Here are some exercises to help build mouse skills:

• Mousercise: http://chrm.tech/1h 
• MiniMouse Games: http://chrm.tech/1i
• Voxel Building Blogs: http://chrm.tech/1j
• Letter Tracing: http://chrm.tech/1l

Practicing Logging In

Even young students should have their own account to log into, not a generic class account. They CAN do it! Give students time to practice and master this skill. Turn it into a game! Keep track of how long it takes the entire class to log in. Write down the times in a visible location. Each day, challenge your class to see if they can beat the previous class log-in record. 

Understanding Computers

One of the best tech lessons we can give our students is the chance to build their technology vocabulary and knowledge of how computers work. Here are a few activities that build technology literacy in young students:

Paper Computers: Before allowing students to use a “real” computer, have them build a computer out of paper and identify important parts such as the trackpad, screen, power port, USB port, search key, etc. 

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• Printable Keyboard Template: http://chrm.tech/1m 

Computer Bingo: As a class, make a list of all of the important parts of a computer. Write each of the parts on a slip of paper and put them into a bowl or basket. Have students fill out a bingo card with some of their favorite components, then play BINGO as a class. 

• Computer Terminology Bingo: http://chrm.tech/1n 
• Printable Bingo Card: http://chrm.tech/1o 

Simon Says - Chromebook Edition!Provide each student with a Chromebook. Give students simple tasks to perform: open a new tab, log out, open the Learn To Count app, close the lid, etc.