Are you smarter than your preschooler? When it comes to computer knowledge, you may not be! 
Since 1984, children as young as 3 years old have been enriched by technology education with Computer Tots/Computer Explorers, a Technology Education program for learners aged 3 to adult. Montgomery Township resident, Jen Morack is celebrating 20 years with the home-based business as president of the Mercer and Hunterdon location.
When Jen started with the company, Technology Education involved introducing students to the Apple IICs and its parts. But now computers have become a tool for education. “We’ve gone from “this is a mouse” 20 years ago to utilizing digital cameras, digital microscopes, and robotics and GPS systems in our courses.”
With a curriculum written by educators, each Computer Tots class is designed to engage groups of 3-4 children in computer lessons that teach a variety of educational tasks like Math, Reading, Problem Solving and Memory development. The motor skill development is also apparent, as young children learn how to maneuver the mouse with one hand. After only a few weeks with Computer Tots, you may hear words like Icon, Desktop, CD-Rom, Delete and even USB Port from your child and don’t be surprised if they give you a lesson with using the computer.
“Our preschoolers of today are “digital natives,” added Jen. “They are born into this technological age of cell phones, laptops, netbooks etc. while most parents are still “digital immigrants” – learning as we go!”
While reflecting on her favorite memories of running and teaching Computer Explorers, Jen recalled a conversation she had with one of her parents that validated the special and lasting effect that a quality educational program, like Computer Tots/Computer Explorers, can have on a family.
"A mother came up to me to tell me how much she loved our program and that she was registering her 6th and last child for our courses. Our first COMPUTERTOT from this family is now 18 and going off to college!"
From Mrs. Mo: I can personally affirm the value of starting computer education in pre-school because I worked for Jen as one of her Computer Tots teachers before Maddy was born. I taught small groups of kids aged 3-5 and saw first hand the motor skill and memory development that grew out of the weekly lessons. With 6 years experience of teaching middle school Computers and Math, I was amazed that 3 year old children could remember that the computer screen was called a Desktop and the little pictures were called Icons. And you know what? It was fun for them, because we played CD-ROM games like Little Bear and Finding Nemo.
To find a Computer Tots location in your area, visit www.ComputerExplorers.com.
Teaching Technology to Kids for Twenty Years: Jen Morack of Computer Explorers
Computer training for Preschoolers
Moms, now that the school year has begun, get your child signed up for the Computer Tots program. Classes are available all over the state.
You may be thinking: computer classes for 3 and 4 year olds? It's possible and it works. I taught classes before I had Maddy and witnessed the development of the fine motor skills necessary for manipulating a computer mouse. My kids learned computer terms like icon, desktop and USB port. It's a great program.
To read more, click here.
To sign-up, find the Computer Tots center closest to you.
If you live in Mercer or Hunterdon county, give owner Jen Morack a call.
Bridie's new best friend
The ComputerTots turtle puppet, CT, is a fan with my students and he's even a new buddy to our cat Bridie. Too cute for words!
Computers for Tots!
So as if I wasn't busy enough with non-paying activities, I decided to take on a P/T gig teaching computers to Preschoolers. Through the organization called ComputerTots/Computer Explorers, I got a 1-day a week (for now) job teaching 30 minute segments to groups of 3-5 year olds. Right now, I am going through a CD-Rom game called "Little Bear" where the kids practice 'dragging' graphics, clicking on 'icons,' and navigating through a computer game. They also learn computer terms like: laptop, desktop, mouse, icon, and drag. It's a great program that fosters sharing, listening, problem solving, and fine motor skills. There are franchises all over the country and 9 locations in New Jersey.
ComputerTots is organized through Childcare Centers and Preschools. Parents sign their children up for the classes and can pay monthly or bi-weekly.
You may be thinking, how can my 3 year old really learn computers. You may be pleasantly surprised when then next time you take your computer out, they say, "oh that's a laptop," or "those are icons!" By the time the school year is over, your preschooler will have computer knowledge that children in elementary school might not.
