Outline
Day 2:
Day 4:
* creating a class slide show using KidPix
Basic Kids Computer Class
Lesson Plans
Day 1:
Be sure to set a path from kid pix to the Saturday Kids Class folder in Projects WIP before class!
A computer like a tool box
The programs inside are specific tools:
computer || programs
A Swiss army knife || *knife
A tool set || *wrench
A library || *book
*Programs are individual tools inside of the computer used for specific purpose.
* How does a computer work?
A computer works by following orders like:
A remote control car
A private in the army
You give orders to the computer using the mouse and keyboard.
Command game: Simon Says
* Where does the computer keep it's information?
A computer stores information on a disk.
Floppy disks - small
CD - medium
Hardrive - large
Break open a floppy disk and show the kids the inside.
* What are Icons?
An Icon represents a program with a picture, like:
A magazine cover
A cereal box
Introduce the students to the basic functions of the computer using kid pix:
a. Go through the menu bars. Use the example of restaurant menus.
Be sure to point out the icons and what they represent.
b. Go through the tools. Have the kids experiment with each tool. Be sure to include the different options along the bottom of the window, and use a different color with each new options. Use a new file after each tool and do not save. Show the kids how to use:
the circle: make 3 ovals and 3 circles.
the square: make 3 rectangles and 3 squares.
the line: 5 lines each a different thickness.
the pencil: as above.
the eraser: at the end, they must erase three shapes.
Show students how to use paint bucket and select different colors.
Students must fill in each closed geometric shape with a different color. If the students finish very quickly, then they can repeat drawing the shapes but this time use color and texture tools in combination. Save this stuff: date, name, color ex.
Note: If you have time take pictures of each student using the quick cam and label it as follows-"name.pict". Save the photos inside of the main class folder.
Day 2:
Be sure to set a path from KidPix to the Saturday Kids Class folder in Projects WIP before class!
Spend a few minutes reminding the kids of the rules.
Respect - No yelling, No fighting, No talking out of turn
Share - Computers, Pens, Paper
Follow all the rules
* Today you will introduce the students to navigating folders. Use the wooden box with projects wip and other sub-folders to show a physical example of the system.
Have students recreate this on the blackboard in graphical form: the filing system should look like a family tree or a flow chart.
* Give students some folders (in groups of three) and some sheets of paper and markers and have them construct their own file architecture to include folders for photos, writings, drawings and movies/sound.
* Now it's time to go to the computers. First, explain the concept of windows and scrolls bars. Use a long piece of paper and scroll it across the screen to graphically represent the concept.
* Have students examine the desktop. Explain the metaphor to them. Some items to remember are:
trash
folders
documents
applications
menus
Have them create a new folder and play around with the window. Some items to remember are:
close window automatic resize
scroll bars manual resize
grabbing
Open several folders and create windows, activating one and moving it on top of another (5) in such a way that they can read their heading bars simultaneously.
* Solve the "floppy puzzle." Depending on the age of the student(s) in group, there should be several degrees of difficulty. This could range from simple moving documents back and forth between folders, to creating and naming new folders/deleting old ones and renaming files.
* Make new students in Mario Teaches Typing using the pop up menus. This allows students to rehearse the filing system concept while inside of a specific program.
Day 3:
Be sure to set a path from kid pix to the Saturday Kids Class folder in Projects WIP before class!
* Start the class with a quick version of the floppy puzzle and a review of the filing system, scroll bars, menu, trash, desktop, etc..
*Using the windows, have the students find the picture of themselves taken at the end of the first session. If there was no time for that, then it should be taken at the beginning of day 3.
* Students will find their picture inside of the main class folder. They must take this pict file and transfer it to their personal folder.
* Have the students open kid pix and open their picture. They will create a frame around their pictures using the various tools. Save these and then import them into MS Word. They will be creating a "Card" for their parents- learning to manipulate fonts/sizes, bold, italic, and other functions. Have them write something simple like, "Dear mom, I love you (above the photo), From your son Jose(below the photo)".
Day 4:
* Start the class with a review and pop quiz.
This is a non stress quiz and everyone should get an A+. Feel free to help with answers and give hints. You can hand out individual quizzes or just write the questions on the board and have the kids answer on a piece of paper.
* Creating the Slide Show:
Take pictures of the kids with the quick cam and have them decorate themselves just like in the previous class. On the bottom of their picture have them write an answer to one of the questions in the pop quiz. Have each child import their picture into the slide show and say their name plus the answer they wrote. For example "My name is ------, a computer is a tool." If you like, you can have one child design a title page (saying Saturday Class) and another draw an end page. When you import these pages, for sound the kids can say as a group "Saturday Class!" or "The End!"
If you have time, hand back the quiz for review and assign students certain questions and answers.