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A guide on how to hold a computer mouse and move the pointer on the screen.
Have you ever wondered how people move things on a computer screen without touching the glass? It’s all thanks to a small friend sitting right next to your keyboard!
The computer mouse is a tool that helps you talk to your computer. To hold it correctly, place your palm on the back of the mouse. Your thumb should rest on the left side, and your pinky finger should rest on the right side. Your index finger (your 'pointing' finger) should sit gently on the left button. Imagine you are giving the mouse a soft, cozy hug! Keep your wrist flat on the table so your hand stays happy and doesn't get tired. Most mice have scroll wheel in the middle and main buttons.
Quick Check
Which finger should rest on the left button of the mouse?
Answer
Your index finger (or pointing finger).
When you slide the mouse across the table, a little arrow moves on the screen. This arrow is called the cursor or pointer. It follows your hand! If you move the mouse toward the screen, the arrow goes up. If you pull the mouse toward you, the arrow goes down. The mouse works best on a flat, smooth surface called a mouse pad. If you run out of room on your desk, just pick the mouse up, move it back to the center, and put it down again!
Let's practice moving the cursor in straight lines: 1. Move your mouse slowly to the left. The arrow moves left. 2. Move your mouse slowly to the right. The arrow moves right. 3. Try to move the mouse inches up and see how far the arrow travels!
Quick Check
If you want the arrow to move to the top of the screen, which way do you move the mouse?
Answer
You move the mouse away from you, toward the screen.
Your mouse usually has two sides to press. The left button is the one you will use the most! We use it to pick things or 'click' on icons. The right button is for special 'secret' menus. Think of the left button as your 'Action' button. Most of the time, you will use click of the left button to select something. Always keep your fingers resting lightly so you are ready to click at any time!
Try this challenge: 1. Find a colorful icon on your screen. 2. Slowly move the cursor until the tip of the arrow is right in the middle of that icon. 3. Hold your hand very still! Can you keep the arrow on the target for seconds?
This is a tricky one! 1. Move your hand in a wide, smooth circle on the mouse pad. 2. Watch the screen to see if the cursor draws a circle in the air. 3. If the arrow gets stuck at the edge of the screen, pick up your mouse, move it to the middle of the pad, and try again!
What is the name of the little arrow that moves on the screen?
Which button do you use most often to click on things?
You should lift the mouse off the table to make the arrow move across the screen.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to show someone how to give a 'hand hug' to a computer mouse.
Practice Activity
Try this on your own: Move the cursor to each of the four corners of your screen as fast as you can without lifting your wrist!