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.

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19 lesson concepts Hands-on projects HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
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Table of contents

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1. Chat with AI

Set up Firefox so ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, and Claude open automatically every time you start the browser, plus create 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.
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2. Email Basics

Get a Gmail account if you don’t have one, add your parents and family members as contacts, and send your first email to a parent. Choose a strong password and remember it for the next lesson.

  • Create or log into Gmail with a strong password.
  • Add parents as contacts.
  • Email a parent and remember your password.
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3. Password Management with Bitwarden

Learn to use Bitwarden to store and manage passwords. Your first task is to save your existing Gmail password (from Lesson 2). Every password must be different.

  • Install Bitwarden and create a master password.
  • Store your current Gmail password in Bitwarden.
  • Understand why password reuse is dangerous.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.