School year curriculum
Computer Skills for Kids
We will learn practical computer skills this school year. These lessons build real digital independence: AI help, family communication, browser setup, calendar syncing, search, notes, documents, spreadsheets, presentations, chat, file handling, design, media editing, publishing, and software installation.
Table of contents
1. Chat with AI
Customize your default browser so that ChatGPT and Perplexity and Gemini and Claude are available as bookmarks. Learn to talk with AI anytime you need help with any subject.
- Start with a clear question.
- Name the subject or assignment.
- If the answer is confusing, ask again in a simpler way.
2. Family Chat with Discord
Install Discord, set up an account if you do not have one, and join a thread with the whole household. Configure notifications so messages from friends do not distract you during the school day.
- Keep school and friend chatter separate when you can.
- Mute what you do not need right now.
- Read messages before replying fast.
3. Email Basics
Create an address book of family members, their phone numbers, and their email addresses. Compose and send at least one email using Gmail.
- Write a clear subject line.
- Use a polite greeting.
- Keep the message short and understandable.
4. Web Browsing
Customize your default browser to easily get to Google web apps and the educational websites you will be using for school.
- Keep the bookmarks bar visible.
- Use short bookmark names.
- Group similar tools together.
5. Scheduling
Learn how calendar events can be shared between calendars. Get your calendar in sync with mom's calendar.
- Check dates before making plans.
- Notice which events belong to which calendar.
- Use calendar tools to avoid missed appointments.
6. Search Engines
Bookmark the leading search engines and use them to find and bookmark good research sites for kids.
- Read the site title and description before clicking.
- Look for clear authorship and helpful explanations.
- Compare more than one source.
7. Note Taking
Install Obsidian and learn how to use it for note taking.
- Use short headings.
- Write down ideas in your own words.
- Keep notes readable.
8. Word Processing
Learn how to write documents using Google Docs online and Apache OpenOffice offline.
- Use titles and headings.
- Save your work on purpose.
- Notice the difference between online auto-save and manual save.
9. Spreadsheets
Learn how to create spreadsheets using Google Sheets online and Apache OpenOffice offline.
- Use one kind of information per column.
- Keep headers short and clear.
- Check your entries for mistakes.
10. Presentation Software
Learn how to make presentations using Google Slides online and Apache OpenOffice offline.
- Keep each slide simple.
- Use large readable text.
- Choose one idea per slide.
11. Instant Messaging
Create an instant messaging chat conversation using Gmail.
- Use chat for quick back-and-forth messages.
- Use email for longer or more formal messages.
- Keep your messages clear.
12. File Types
Learn the properties of file types including PDF, DOC, TXT, JPG, PNG, and MOV.
- Look at file extensions.
- Notice which apps open which files.
- Pay attention to whether a file is for reading, editing, or sharing.
13. File Storage
Organize digital files into folders and subfolders.
- Use folder names that make sense later.
- Keep similar files together.
- Avoid dumping everything into Downloads forever.
14. Basic Graphic Design
Design a card using Canva.
- Use only a few fonts.
- Keep the main message easy to read.
- Leave some empty space.
15. Image Manipulation
Take a screenshot of your Minecraft avatar and manipulate the image to fit a 9:16 ratio.
- Keep the subject visible.
- Do not stretch the image strangely.
- Save the edited file separately from the original.
16. Video Editing
Capture a screencast using OBS and edit the screencast into a video short using Canva.
- Record a short test before a longer take.
- Trim slow or confusing parts.
- Keep the finished video focused.
17. Software Installation
Find a new Steam game to buy and install it on your D drive.
- Read before clicking Next.
- Check storage location.
- Notice download size and time.
18. Web Publishing
Create a blog and write your first post. Be sure to embed a photo in your first post.
- Write for a real reader.
- Use a clear title.
- Place the photo where it helps the post.
19. File Manipulation with AI
Get AI running in your terminal and edit a file with it.
- Be specific about the change you want.
- Review edits instead of assuming they are right.
- Use AI as a tool inside a workflow.