Happy Halloween!

Halloween is the second favorite holiday for kids behind Christmas, and my grandkids sure are excited! Hope your family has a safe and happy holiday.

If you are going trick or treating be sure to carry a flashlight or lantern and put reflective stickers on little ones.

Remember to inspect candy before the kids eat it, no snacking on the way!

Make sure children can see adequately through their costume so they do not trip and can see cars approaching.

Only trick or treat in neighborhoods you are familiar with.

And most important of all, have fun!

What is the Right Age to Start Learning Computer Skills?

A computer is present in many children's lives starting from birth, as a parent surfs the web nearby or plays games on a laptop within eyeshot. There really is no best age for a child to start using a computer, because every child is different and has different interests and needs.

Children between the age 1 and 2 children begin to understand the basics of cause and effect, and may enjoy simple computer games that require the touch of one key to make things happen on the screen. Children of this age also like to imitate heir parents by "typing" and manipulating the mouse. If you think your child is ready, you can begin to introduce the computer and how to handle the keyboard and mouse gently.

By 3 or 4 most kids are ready for simple preschool games and have the motor control to use the keyboard and mouse to control the computer. Here are many products designed specifically for children learning to use a computer that make the experience easer for them. Most children love preschool computer games and he games promote learning such as color, shape, letter and number recognition as well as cause and effect, sequencing, and following directions.

No matter what age your child is when they begin to use a computer be sure to encourage healthy computer habits, such as proper posture and taking regular breaks.

Senior Citizens Can Get a New Life with Technology

Senior citizens, even those with age related disabilities, can connect with others and explore the world like never before through computers. Studies have shown that seniors who use a computers experience fewer symptoms of depression and feel more connected to friends and family.

The internet is a great way to learn new things, stay in touch with people, and stay entertained. Mom and I love sharing photos with friends and family and enjoy the frequent updates we get and memories we can share that we would otherwise miss out on.
Although I am well versed in typing and computer use, many seniors aren’t, and miss out on the all the opportunities the internet has to offer.

If your parents or grandparents are not technologically savvy, you can suggest online computer classes, typing classes, or even courses at a local library or community college. Many libraries have free classes for seniors that acquaints them with the basics of using a computer. Independent computer stores as well as chain stores also offer classes for a fee.

Kid's Mouse

For those who are thinking about introducing their child to a computer at an early age you should consider investing in a kid's mouse to make learning how to use the computer easier. A kid's mouse works just as a regular mouse does allowing the user to navigate throughout the computer it is just generally smaller and easier for kids to use. If you are not familiar with them here is a look at the many uses and benefits you can get from purchasing a kids mouse.

Children will have an easier time using a kid's mouse because it is about half the size of a regular mouse. With their small hands they have a hard time trying to use the mouse to do the things they would like on a computer. There are many age appropriate educational computer games your child can play but they will need a mouse just their size to help them play. A kid's mouse is easier to control as well so they will not get so easily frustrated.

A children's mouse is also safe for them to use since it used optical tracking which means you do not have to worry about the mouse ball coming out. Many of them use special colors to help your child identify which button to pick when they want to click on something. You do not need special equipment for a kid's mouse as they work on a computer just as a regular mouse does.

For those who have children with special needs or work with people with special needs may also find that a kid's mouse is easier for them to use. Some special needs conditions include problems with vision. When you have a colorful kids mouse they are able to see it easier. There is even a kid's mouse that just has one big button for them to press which makes learning and exploring even easier to do. Many children or those with special needs can find the idea of having to click on the right or left confusing. Now they can use the computer with ease with the help of a kid's mouse.

You can use your kid's mouse for your home or it is also great for daycare centers, pre-schools, assisted living facilities and schools. Teachers will find these to be more durable and the children will enjoy the fact that they are having an easier time learning with a mouse that is made just for them!

Color Coded Keyboard

Learning to type doesn’t have to be difficult. The company Chestercreek has led the way in making typing an easy endeavor. By organizing the knowledge a student has to learn by color, Chestercreek has made it possible to rapidly assimilate keyboard skills. Two of the most difficult task in learning to type has been addressed via separate features. The most prominent technique used to arrange information is the color coded keyboard.

When a student has not memorized the keyboard, finding a character is among the most challenging goals. Chestercreek has addressed this issue with two common features. First, they simply made the letter printing huge. This makes spotting a character easy. Not only are the characters bigger, but the vowels are color coded separately on most models. This significantly reduces search time and can help a student avoid much of the initial frustration in learning the keyboard. This can also be useful when teaching younger learners.

Color coding is also used to determine fingering. While those who have been typing for a large part of their lives will find this insignificant, this option can be enormously beneficial to the beginner. Learning to place your fingers on the home row is easy enough, this color coding will tell you where each finger should reach. By color coding according to the finger used, a student will avoid the excruciating mistake of developing bad habits.

These keyboard designs are not only useful for the new typist. By using high contrast colors, and integrating them with extremely large text, these keyboards can be useful to the elderly or vision impaired. Persons with motor skill deficiency can also benefit from this design with its unusually large keys, this helps prevent striking the wrong key. These features create a versatility that allows Chestercreek’s computer keyboards to assist a multitude of individuals that a traditional keyboard would be inappropriate.

The modern world has seen a slew of new inventions that has increased the speed of our day to day lives. We are now hitting a point where we are not only developing the ability to do new things, but also the skills to teach people who would not have been able to use these technologies in the past. While color coding a keyboard may sound simple, the benefits are enormous for teaching people to type, and allowing those who lacked the dexterity to connect to the world like never before.

Top Typing Tips

The faster you type, the more productive you are! Here are some tips to improve your typing speed:

Tap on each key sharply but lightly. Don't bang on the keys, use just enough force to move them and your fingers will move faster.

Type as quickly as you can but don't rush, you'll make more mistakes.

Stay Relaxed

Always use proper posture!

Make sure you keyboard and monitor are positioned correctly; your wrist, elbows and keyboard should be aligned horizontally and your upper arms should be at a 90 degree angle.

Your screen should be near eye level.

Stretch often.

Opening up the World for Seniors

It is true that aging slows down and limits activity and mobility, I know this as well as any one else approaching their golden years. Senior citizens today do not have to feel disconnected with the world however, because technology has made it easier than ever to connect with friends, and family as well as explore the world in a way not possible to the elderly of past generations.

The Internet affords people of all ages the ability to communicate effortlessly via email, Skype, Twitter, and many other social networks. It also allows everyone, including the elderly who may not otherwise be able to experience the word outside their home, to learn about new things, play games, stay active, and keep their mind sharp.

Even Seniors with physical limitations such as poor vision or motor skills can utilize the tools computer's put at out fingertips. With screen magnifiers, ergonomically designed mice, and other accessibility tools for the elderly, people of all ages can reap the benefits of the Internet.

I love to stay in touch, network, and learn new things via the Internet, and my mother does as well. I am so thankful that the Internet has opened up the world for people of all ages and abilities so that we can communicate an learn everyday.

Avoiding Common Computer Injuries

Carpal tunnel is not the only injury that commonly occurs in people who spend many hours at the computer. Computer users are also subject to ailments such as eye strain and headaches, neck and back fatigue, and varicose veins.

Staring at the computer screen for hours on end can cause eye strain and headaches. To ensure that this does not happen to you, it is important to have optimal lighting in your office or home around your computer. You should also look away from your computer and focus on an object across the room or out the window for a minute or so a few times an hour.

Many people get a crick in their neck from hunching over their computer. You can prevent neck strain and backaches by using good posture and making sure your monitor is positioned so that you do not have to strain your neck to see it.

Sitting for long periods of time, especially with your legs crossed, also contributes to varicose veins. Make sure you do not impede the circulation in your legs by moving them frequently when you are sitting and getting up to stretch often.

Following these tips as well as the ones found on chestercreek.com will help you to stay productive and healthy!

Computer Keyboards For Kids and Children

Keyboards For KidsChildren are using computers in school and at home. Learning the keys on a keyboard and how to type can be very frustrating for a child when they are using a standard computer keyboard. A child will become stressed out trying to remember the location of specific keys, and same color keys are harder to find. Specially designed keyboards for kids will eliminate the frustration and stress, and provide a learning experience that is fun.

The Fun Keyboard
Color-coded keyboards for kids help them remember the location of keys, and it exercises their memory. The Fun Keyboard for children has big bright colorful keys which help young children learn faster. The vowels are all red keys, and the consonants are green. As a kid learns where the keys are located on the keyboard they also are learning which letters are vowels and which are consonants; this adds to the learning curve. On this keyboard the number keys are all purple.

The Lesson Board
Kids can learn to type using the Lesson Board which features color-coded keys, but this is a regular sized keyboard. Although, it is a standard keyboard for computers the colorful keys offer a unique learning style. Keys are colored according to proper finger placement. This is important because it will improve a child's accuracy and speed as they learn to type. The great thing about this special design is that children and adults can benefit from using it, and it may help children with disabilities that affect their learning capacity. Learning to touch type involves eye hand coordination, and exercises the memory.

The My Board
When designing keyboards for kids the age group must be taken into consideration, and the keyboard that comes with the Kid's Complete Starter Set is made with tykes in mind. The name is appropriate, My Board, because it has big 1” keys that younger children are more likely to use, and it eliminates those that they are not ready for; such as, the number keypad. The My Board has large keys, the vowels are purple, consonants are green, and the numbers are cherry red. Little kids will learn and remember where the basic keys are located on a keyboard which will prepare them for the next step in the learning process.

Choosing proper keyboards for kids can improve their interest in learning how to use a keyboard correctly and efficiently. Keyboards designed with kids in mind boost a child's self-confidence. In our high tech world children need to be equipped with the right tools.

Typing Tips from the Typing Teacher

I thought I would give some good typing tips today which will be helpful for anyone who is using a computer...and if you are reading this that means you!

The first important thing to remember when typing on your keyboard is to have proper posture. Proper posture will help to prevent fatigue and injuries as well as improving your typing. Try to sit up straight in an office chair that provides good lumbar support. Your keyboard should be placed at approximately waist level to allow you to have your hands positioned comfortably on the keyboard with your fingers curved.

Next is proper finger positioning. Your fingers should be placed in starting position, left hand on keys a s d and f and the right fingers on h j k and l. Learning proper finger placement and which finger to use for which keys will make a huge difference in your typing skills. You can even get some free typing lessons online if your skills need improvement or if you don't have any typing skills at all.

Building a Better Mouse

One of the most common "injuries" sustained by those who spend a lot of time working on a computer is carpal tunnel syndrome. Using the standard mouse is just as much to blame as using the keyboard because of the unnatural position and excessive pressure placed on the wrist.

Using a more ergodynamic mouse can help reduce the risks and alleviate the pain associated with extended computer use.

The Evoluent™ VerticalMouse™ 2 from Chester Creek, has a patented new shape that supports your hand in a relaxed, handshake position and eliminates arm twisting. Once you experience the superior comfort, you will never go back to an ordinary mouse.
The grip is the same as an ordinary mouse, just turned sideways, and the buttons are operated by the same fingers, so there is virtually no retraining necessary. The mouse does not move sideways when clicking with normal force. Pointer control is as accurate as any other good mouse. And it's great for games. The 1200 dpi true optical resolution sensor reduces hand movements. (Other mice have 800 dpi)

Specifications:

Resolution: 1200 dpi true optical resolution
Length: 4.6"/11.7 cm
Width: 3"/7.6 cm
Height: 3"/7.6 cm
Cable: 2 m
PC and Mac compatible
Choose from right- and left-handed model

Bigger Keyboards for Smaller Hands

You might almost think that smaller hands would do better with a smaller keyboard, but in reality a children's keyboard with extra large keys is much easier for very young children to manipulate. It is never too early to start a child on the path to learning and the sooner they learn to use a computer, the better.

There are numerous educational computer software programs that can promote early learning. Many children learn to use a computer long before they learn to read and they often learn to read through using these educational programs.

I only wish they had these extra large children's keyboards, or even computers, for that matter, back when I was first teaching. One good place to find these large keyboards online is Chester Creek. I have mentioned in my previous blogs that I also found a great keyboard for my elderly mother who suffers with arthitis on their website.

Caring for an Elderly Parent

Caring for an elderly parent is certainly a challenge at times, but it can also be very rewarding. My mother's physical condition is declining, but she still has the same sharp wit and sweet spirit she's always had. I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back to her in her final years because she has always given so much to others, especially my younger brother, my son and particularly, myself.

Mom may not be able to get around as well as she used to and she can't do her favorite hobbies like knitting or sewing, but since her mind is still active she needs something to do. I am very grateful to have found Chester Creek keyboards and mice, because they have a variety of keyboards and mice that are specially designed for elderly people and those with limited physical abilities.

My mom is able to surf the internet and send emails to her siblings and old friends all around the country. She is even thinking about writing her own blog to keep everyone up-to-date on family news. Not bad for an 85-year-old woman, huh?

Trying Something New

My name is Betty West and I am a retired typing teacher in Michigan. I love to garden and sew, but much of my time these days is devoted to caring for my aging mother.

I have a zest for life and still love to teach whenever I get the chance. I volunteer at the local high school (when I can get help taking care of Mom) and I tutor a couple of times per week. I have even taught my mom to use the computer with the help of a special keyboard and mouse that allow her to use the computer despite her severe arthritis.

I hope my blog will provide a creative outlet for me and be one more way I can share my knowledge and passion for education with others. Please feel free to leave me comments.