Unplugged Learning: PP Students Explore Mouse Actions through Hands-On Activity

In today's digitally driven world, young learners are often introduced to technology at an early age. However, it's essential not to overlook the importance of foundational skills and understanding the basics before diving into the digital realm. This is where unplugged activities come into play, providing students with hands-on experiences that build a strong foundation for future learning.

Recently, in our preschool (PP) classroom, we embarked on a journey to explore the concept of mouse actions through an unplugged activity. Instead of jumping straight to using a computer mouse, we decided to introduce the fundamental concepts using tangible materials, allowing our young learners to grasp the concepts in a more concrete manner.

The objective was simple yet profound: to help our students understand the various actions associated with using a computer mouse – clicking, dragging, and dropping – through engaging and interactive activities.

We started by introducing the concept of clicking. Using the mouse , we demonstrated how to press down on the buttons to simulate clicking. The students eagerly followed suit, pressing the buttons with their tiny fingers, their faces lighting up with each successful click.

Next, we delved into the idea of dragging. This proved to be particularly entertaining for the students as they used strings attached to the cardboard mice to move them around the classroom. With giggles and laughter filling the air, they explored the concept of dragging with enthusiasm, maneuvering their makeshift mice across different surfaces.

Finally, we introduced the concept of dropping. It was heartwarming to see their concentration and determination as they carefully executed each drop, their eyes sparkling with pride at their accomplishments.

Throughout the activity, we emphasized the importance of precision, control, and hand-eye coordination – skills that are not only essential for using a computer mouse but also for various other tasks in life.