Mouse Clicking

How to play this game

The introductory mouse game (Mouse Movement) concentrated on simple mouse movement and focusing on the pointer as it is moved over the screen. This activity further develops basic mouse control by introducing single clicking.

On entering the game children will see twelve blue squares arranged in a 4X3 grid. The pointer appears as a white arrow.

The object of the game is to move the pointer onto a square and click once, using the left mouse button. This will remove the blue square and reveal part of a larger picture.

When all of the squares have been removed the picture will brighten and applause will sound. After a few seconds the next puzzle will appear.

The puzzle squares will become smaller and more in number. This will help your child to become more accurate with the pointer and with practice they will soon be accurately clicking around the screen.

To exit the game, click on the open hand on the red sign in the bottom right hand corner.

Related Learning Outcomes

Outcome 4: Children are involved and confident learners

Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators

Developmental skills

Single click mouse control

Refine accuracy with the mouse

Hand-eye coordination

Concentration

Observation skills

Teaching tips

Clicking

This can be defined as gently pressing down on the mouse button while holding the mouse still. The mouse button to be used is usually the left one.

Children new to this skill sometimes have problems when they try to press the button too hard and accidentally move the pointer off the target area. Holding the mouse as still as possible and pressing gently solves this.

Accuracy

A child may come to you and say that they are clicking but nothing is happening. This is probably happening because they do not have the pointer placed correctly over the thing they want to click on.

Show him/her where the active part of the pointer is. Explain that the active part of the pointer needs to be over the area they want to click on. If the pointer is an arrow, pointing finger or paintbrush, the active part is the tip of the arrow, finger or bristles. If it is a paint pot, the active part is usually the pouring paint.

How to sit at computer - Correct posture.

Correct posture whilst sitting at the computer is very important. As we get older we find ourselves spending more and more time in front of a computer screen, so it is vital that we minimize aches and stiffness due to incorrect posture. If good posture is taught early to our children, hopefully these good habits will persist into adulthood.

• The child's back should be straight with hips at 90-degree flection.
• Feet should be able to rest on the floor, not be allowed to dangle. They may need to be supported by a small stool.
• The top of the screen should be level with their eyes and the mouse and keyboard within easy reach.
• Bench height is best at navel level. Ideally you should be using normal child-sized chairs and tables for the Techno Corner.
• Children should be discouraged from sitting with their elbows on the table or sitting with their legs tucked underneath them.

Other ergonomic considerations

In setting up the best computer environment for the child, also consider the following:

• Can the screen be seen properly - is there reflection (from bright light or sunlight) or is there too much light coming from behind the screen?
• Can they child sit and extend their legs freely? Remove any boxes or objects stored under the computer table.
• Can the computer sounds be heard?
• Is there sufficient bench room to allow free use of the mouse?