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Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX) June 23, 2002 Section: Metro;Arlington Area Edition: ARLINGTON Page: 3 Learning Clicks Program provides preschoolers with computer knowledge SALLY CLAUNCH Star-Telegram Staff Writer Graham Cochran, 2, squealed with delight as he moved the mouse to the gorilla. The gorilla jumped up and down on the computer screen, and the boy danced to the music playing. Graham's mother, Stephany, said her son looks forward to the computer classes he takes at day care. The classes are provided by PC Kidz USA. Instructor Katheryne McKay teaches children from ages 2 to 5 basic computer skills using educational compact discs, such as Reader Rabbit. McKay said the children look forward to the lessons and sit enthralled during the sessions. "The only trouble I have is getting them out of the chair," she said. At First Baptist Church's Child Development Center, where Graham attends day care, the classes cost $15 for two sessions each month. Stephany Cochran, who is also a teacher, said the price is competitive and she likes the class because it is part of her son's school day. "I work with children, so I like that they're starting developmentally so early with him," she said. "It also helps with other development, such as fine motor skills and visually with eye-hand coordination." McKay, who was a teacher for 38 years, went to work for PC Kidz seven months ago. While she was classroom teaching, part of her job was teaching computer classes. "When they get into school, if they don't use the computer correctly, you have to break a lot of bad habits," she said. "If they learn early how to shut down the computer and how to properly load CDs, you won't have as much broken equipment." During the 20- to 30-minute sessions, children play games to learn mouse control, how to point and click on icons and matching games, such as matching shapes and picture association. They also play games that teach them colors, counting and the alphabet. Older children use a color-coded keyboard for various functions. While they do not learn typing, they learn to use different fingers for different keys. Parents get a report card after each session listing their children's accomplishments, and children get colorful stickers. Catherine Schlueter, First Baptist Child Development Center director, said the children's parents have responded positively to the program. "They love it," she said. "They like the report card, so they can see what their children are working on." She also said PC Kidz is different from children's computer programs she has used at other child-care facilities because the smaller children learn in groups of two or three. "The kids get hands-on experience, and they rotate so they can observe what the other kids are doing," Schlueter said. "Most programs, they just lug in four or five computers and teach all the kids at the same time, and the kids are just banging on the keyboard and not paying attention." Steve Perry, program director and owner of PC Kidz, began the business in 1999 when his wife, Tammy, a schoolteacher, saw a void in early computer education. He said the company targets preschool-age children in private learning centers and day cares. "We start out early and develop skills to be ready for school," he said. "When they get into a structured computer environment in elementary school, they can hit the ground running," he said. Copyright 2002 Star-Telegram, Inc. |
