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Exploring the main screen of the computer and the small pictures called icons.
Imagine your computer screen is like a magic desk. What if you could open a whole world of games and drawings just by touching a tiny picture?
When you turn on a computer and log in, the first big screen you see is called the Desktop. Think of it like a real desk where you do your schoolwork. On a real desk, you might have paper, crayons, and books ready to use. On a computer Desktop, you have everything you need to start playing or learning! It is the 'home base' for your computer. Everything you do starts right here on this main screen.
Quick Check
What is the name of the big main screen you see when you first start a computer?
Answer
The Desktop.
Look closely at the Desktop. Do you see those small pictures? Those are called Icons. An Icon is a tiny picture that represents a program, a game, or a file. For example, an icon that looks like a paintbrush usually opens a program where you can draw! It is like a secret code. Instead of reading a long name, you can just look at the picture to know what the program does. If you have computer, you might have or even icons on your screen!
Let's find the tool for art! 1. Look at the Desktop screen. 2. Search for a small picture (an icon) that looks like a colorful paint palette or a brush. 3. When you find it, you have found the 'Paint' program icon!
Quick Check
Is an icon a big movie or a small picture?
Answer
It is a small picture.
Sometimes there are many icons on a desktop. To find the one you want, you have to use your eyes like a detective! Icons are usually spread out so they are easy to see. If you want to write a story, you look for an icon that looks like a piece of paper. If you want to go on the internet, you might look for a colorful circle icon. Every icon is a door to a different adventure!
Imagine you finished a drawing and want to throw away the scrap paper. 1. Look at the corners of your Desktop. 2. Find the icon that looks like a small trash can or a recycling bin. 3. This icon is where we put things we don't want anymore!
What is the 'home base' screen of a computer called?
What do we call the small pictures on the screen?
An icon that looks like a musical note probably opens a program to play music.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow, try to remember the word for the small pictures on the computer screen. Does it start with an 'I'?
Practice Activity
Next time you use a computer, count how many icons you can find that look like folders!