1. " 'INSERT DISK THREE' ? But I can only get two in the drive ! "
Teaching Computers to Elementary Students
Jonathan Moy
Pui Tak Center
Chicago, IL

2. The Project
A year-long computer curriculum for elementary school students
1st to 6th grade
45 minute classes on a weekly basis

3. The Objective
To provide the students with a general working understanding of the personal computer.
Skills include:
proper navigation of the computer
organization and categorizing
proper storage techniques
input abilities
Internet safety, etiquette, and navigation

4. The Class Three main sections Review of old skills
Introduction of new skill
Reinforcement/ Integration of new skill

5. A Basic Lesson Review: Mouse click, mouse dragging
New Skills: Minimize, Maximize, Resize
Reinforcement/Integration: Open up 3 windows and place them so that all windows can be seen at once.

6. A Basic Lesson (example)

7. An Advanced Lesson
Review: , typing, saving online pictures, attachments, internet navigation
New Skills: None
Reinforcement/Integration:
Students will login to their accounts.
1.  Follow the link to a listing of Dunnies:  2.  Choose a Dunny and save its image to the Desktop. 3.  Compose an to me at and write me a short bio about the Dunny.  Be creative! 4.  Don’t forget to attach the Dunny's picture and send it.

8. An Advanced Lesson (example)
“Dear Mr. Moy,
This is the dunny I chose. His name
is Upchuck. He likes to use people’s
credit cards and spend a lot of other
people’s money. He eats gasoline and lights matches and
sticks them down his throat. It gets very messy but
Upchuck thinks it is really fun. He likes lighter fluid but
doesn't like water. He always gets explosives for his
birthday. He lights his birthday cake and it usually blows up.
Sincerely, Daniel (5th grade) and Upchuck”

9. Notes On Teaching
Understanding foundational principles behind their actions.
Ex. Students and online game sites
Importance of visual learning/demonstration
Use of projector
Demonstration controls independent learning

10. Additional Notes on Teaching
Critical thinking and skill application
Ex. Copy and Paste, Save
Emphasis on reinforcement

11. Addit. Notes on Teaching
Encouragement and typing practice
NO typing games
Mental breaks/ Creative activity
Music/Pictures/ Movies/Games/ Holidays

12. The Final Product Skills/Knowledge acquired by end of year
Recognition/Care of Computer Components
User Accounts and Passwords
Basic/Advanced use of Paint and Word
Folder Use and Organization, Icon Recognition
Saving, Cut, Copy, Paste Commands, etc
CD/DVD/USB Drive care/use
Internet safety, navigation, search engines
Proper use of
Proper Typing Skills

13. “I’ve been teaching my mom how to use the computer.”
- Julianna, 1st Grade

14. Works Cited
Title quote from
Title picture from
Dunny picture from
All other pictures taken by Jonathan Moy