As a perfect introduction
for young children getting acquainted with technology,
Shelly the Snail begins with a cheerful “Hello”
and then explains the different parts of a computer:
the monitor, keyboard, keys, mouse, computer and CD-ROM
drive. Shelly next describes how to press the left
mouse button, demonstrates the difference between a
single click and double click, and shows how to place
the CD-ROM in the drive.
Children then advance to the richly animated, warmly
narrated story, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.”
It is, of course, the classic tale of Goldilocks, who,
while walking in the woods, stumbles upon the home
of three bears.
Engaged
by the storybook, children will then have opportunity to
use the mouse and keyboard skills learned in the lesson
to prompt fun animations and sounds on the pages of the
interactive storybook. These repetitive interactions develop
the fundamental skills, encouraging confidence in computer
usage and independent play.
Throughout
the story children practice their new skills while earning
stars that can be used in the activity
center. Here children
can visit and independently play 7 fun, developmentally appropriate
activities that reinforce these skills and help develop early
reading and, memory, attention, fine motor skills, listening,
creativity, letter recognition, independent play and more.
The program also teaches general
navigational skills with a basic toolbar above featuring “Main
Menu,” “Activity Center,” “Back,”
“Next,” “Close,” and other commands.
