5 COMPUTER login centers you need to try!
So it’s time to have your students start logging in to your classroom devices. I know from experience that your first reaction might be panic…but it doesn’t have to be! I have been teaching Kindergarten (and Grade 1, 2 students) how to log onto devices for 10 years, and each year I add some new ideas to my bag of tricks. These centers will allow your students to practice their login information in fun ways, and engage them in the process. For context, our students self-regulated between centers during these login practice sessions. It was so cute to see them so excited about the login process, and so rewarding to see their gains and success! Be sure to check out Part 2 of this post with new ideas and activities!
Use old keyboards and Pop Its for students to practice their login information.
1. KEYBOARDS & POP ITS
I have used old computer keyboards for years…but this year I added a few keyboard Pop Its to entice more students! (Thank you to one of my students who let me know these existed!) Students used their login cards to type their login information on the keyboards. They enjoyed typing on the “real” keyboards, and also enjoyed using the Pop Its as a learning tool at this center. You can find these on Amazon, and they come in different colours. Keyboard Popper Fidget Toy
Use your whiteboard stand for students to practice their login information.
2. WHITEBOARD TABLE/STAND
At this center, students practiced writing their login information on our whiteboard table. I wrote an example on the table so they would remember what to do. We also used both sides of our whiteboard stand for the same purpose. I made a little clear pocket so they could easily see their login information while they practiced copying the numbers and letters. I encouraged them to use different markers to make their information colourful and exciting!
Building blocks from the dollar store are great for “building” their login information.
3. BUILDING BLOCKS
This was a really simple center that can be used from year to year. I bought a few packages of building blocks from my local dollar store, and wrote the numbers and letters that students would need to “build” their personal login information. They connected the appropriate blocks to make a long row. To make things manageable, I made 3 different sets so that students did not have to share the blocks and get them mixed up. I stored them in small clear bins so I can use them for a center easily in the future.
4. GIANT LOGIN CARDS
I enlarged our login template, and printed two on one piece of paper. Then they used these Dry Erase Pocket Sleeves and dry erase pens to copy their login information twice on the plastic sleeves. This center was great for login information practice, but also letter recognition and improving fine motor skills.
Chromebook center is always a hit because it’s the “real” thing!
5. CHROMEBOOK/LAPTOP PRACTICE
The fun begins! (cue deep breaths) The students LOVE this center, but it can be challenging for some students. Check out a previous blog post for tips for the login process including a really fun challenge! At this center, students use their personal login cards to enter username and password information. I like to give A LOT of praise for even tiny steps because this can be a daunting task for young learners. I remind students that this process takes time. It’s okay that they don’t finish on their first session, or need some help from a teacher.
Bee Bot coding robot codes its way from the login card to the computer.
NEED AN EXTRA CENTER?
If you need another center to keep your kiddos busy, try a coding robot if you have one! We used our Bee-Bot, and the students had to code the robot from the login card image to the computer image. They had a lot of fun practicing their coding skills, and had a break from working on their login information. Are BeeBots new to you? You can learn more in this post The Buzz About Bee-Bots
I hope these centers will be helpful for your classroom! If you have tried any of these or have different ideas to share, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Take a deep breath, think happy thoughts, and you’ll survive login journey!
Jenn
Want to hear me talk about these centers? Amanda from Creative Kindergarten invited me to chat on her podcast, and you can find the episode HERE!
Need more login tips?
Check out Login Centres Part 2
Check out this post Computer Login Tips for Kindergarten and Primary Students
Check out my new ideas!
