Get Rid of Computer Fear

Awkward, but worth it

How? Keyboard shortcuts. Make a list of them. Put them by the computer. It won’t take your child long to remember them, and I’ve found over the years that kids love them–a lot more than using the mouse to find the button that does…. To be able to push Ctrl+Z and have their entire document reappear (after they’ve accidentally deleted it) is a WOW. From that point, I’ve got them, as long as I keep dribbling out the keyboard shortcuts.

Here are some of the favorites:

• Alt+F4–to exit a program. I start this in kindergarten because they can’t read the words for ’stop’, ‘close’, ‘exit’
• Shift+Alt+D–add the date. this is a favorite because they don’t even have to know the date to add it.
• Ctrl+Z–saves a myriad of problems. Parents tell me they love it, too
• Windows key–brings up the Start button when it (accidentally) gets deleted
• : + ) –the smiley face. Word turns it into an image. There are a bunch like this and kids love every one of them

Yes, some feel like the Vulcan nerve pinch, but you get used to them.