Teaching Your Toddler to Use a Computer Mouse

With new computer programs and websites popping up every day that are geared towards toddlers and young children, you need to consider your toddler's computer skills. That sounds odd, but computer skills can be taught to children as young as two years old. One of the first skills that any toddler needs to learn in order to use the computer is how to use a computer mouse. Many educational sites and games call for the use of the mouse as well as the keyboard. In fact, many use only the mouse. Your toddler can easily learn to use a computer mouse. Here are several tips and suggestions to help you teach them to use the mouse.

Tip 1 For Teaching Your Toddler to Use a Mouse

The first thing to consider is the size of the mouse. Is your toddler going to be able to maneuver the mouse and click the buttons? There are many child sized mice available for you to purchase. Some have a roller ball on the top so that it is easier for the child to move the mouse. I, personally, taught my children to use a regular mouse. They have had very few problems using it and it saved me money. However, if your child has smaller hands, then a smaller mouse might be a good investment for you to make.

Tip 2 For Teaching Your Toddler to Use a Mouse

Slow down the mouse speed. The speed that the arrow moves in response to the mouse can be adjusted. The slower that the arrow/ cursor moves, the easier it will be for your toddler to track the arrow on the screen and adjust it's placement. On most versions of Windows, you can adjust the speed of your mouse by going to the start menu, choosing Control Panel and then Printers and Other Hardware. Then by clicking on the Mouse option you will be taken to the Mouse Properties screen. There, you can choose pointer options and adjust the speed of the mouse. Adjust it to the slowest setting to make it easier for your toddler to use.

Tip 3 For Teaching Your Toddler to Use a Mouse

Helping your child to see and track the arrow on the computer screen is very important. In order to make the arrow more visible, you can download a program that will give you options for the size and shape of your arrow. Cursormania.com is a free download that enables you to change the color, shape and size of your arrow/ cursor. By changing the cursor to a bright colored, large arrow, your toddler will be better able to see and track it's movements.

Tip 4 For Teaching Your Toddler to Use a Mouse

Show your toddler how moving the mouse results in the cursor moving on the computer screen. Allow them to play with the mouse and move the cursor around. Challenge them to put the cursor in a specific spot and let them try until they are able to control it.

Tip 5 For Teaching Your Toddler to Use a Mouse

Show them how to left click and double click. Tell them why you click and double click. It may take some time for them to master the double click. Most toddler sites only require single clicks. Go to http://www.mostlymommies.com/games/infant_games.html. This is a site/ game that allows your toddler to move the cursor all over the screen and teaches them the art of clicking. Very simple but a great skill teacher.

Tip 6 For Teaching Your Toddler to Use a Mouse

Allow your toddler to watch you playing on the computer. Talk to them about what happens when you use your mouse in certain ways. Tell them that clicking on the x closes a screen down. Tell them that right clicking is only for specific times and they should ask first. Use terms they need to know like click and scroll and enter. Toddlers learn fast.

Once you feel that your toddler has learned to use the mouse, allow them to play some educational games on the computer. You will be amazed at how fast they master the keyboard and the internet. Remember to always supervise your child when they are using the computer and both you and they will learn and enjoy it that much more!