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Rules for keeping our computers clean and safe from damage.
Did you know that computers can get 'tummy aches' just like you? Imagine if a tiny crumb was as big as a boulder to a computer—how would it feel?
Computers are very smart, but they are also very delicate. When we use the keyboard, we don't need to bang on the buttons. Instead, we use a butterfly touch. This means we press the keys softly and quickly. If we press too hard, the little switches inside might break. Think of the mouse like a small pet; we move it smoothly and click it gently. We only need finger to click, and we never need to use hands to push a single button!
Let's practice typing the letter 'A'. 1. Place your pointer finger on the 'A' key. 2. Press down just enough to hear a tiny 'click'. 3. Lift your finger quickly like a butterfly taking off! 4. Look at the screen to see letter 'A' appear.
Quick Check
How should we press the keys on a keyboard?
Answer
We should press them gently and softly, like a butterfly touch.
Computers do not eat breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Food and drinks are the biggest enemies of our tools. A tiny drop of water can cause a 'short circuit,' which is like a lightning strike inside the computer! Crumbs can get stuck under the keys, making them impossible to press. We must keep all snacks at least feet away from our screens. This is called the No-Go Zone.
Imagine you have a juice box and a laptop. 1. Look at the computer desk. 2. Find a different table or a shelf far away. 3. Place the juice box there. 4. Now your computer is safe from spills!
Quick Check
Why is it dangerous to have a water bottle near a computer?
Answer
Because a spill can cause a short circuit and break the computer.
Before you even touch a computer, you have a very important job: Wash your hands! Our fingers have natural oils and sometimes sticky dirt from playing outside. If we touch the mouse or keyboard with dirty hands, the germs and oil build up. This makes the keys feel 'icky' and can make the screen blurry. Having clean hands is the best way to show you are a responsible computer user.
Follow these steps to get ready for computer time: 1. Wash your hands with soap for seconds. 2. Dry them completely (wet hands are dangerous!). 3. Check your desk for any 'No-Go' items like crackers or water. 4. Sit down and use your butterfly touch to start.
What is the best way to press a key?
Where should your snacks go when you use a computer?
It is okay to use the computer with sticky fingers from candy.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, try to remember the three 'Superhero Rules' for computers: Gentle, Away, and Clean!
Practice Activity
Before you use a tablet or computer today, practice washing your hands and counting to while you scrub!