As a parent, you’ve probably noticed that kids are digital natives. They have an innate understanding of technology that can leave us adults feeling a bit…well, ancient. But when it comes to helping your kids search the internet, it’s crucial to ensure they do it safely and effectively. That’s where we come in. This blog post will provide a step-by-step guide to teaching your kids how to search the internet. Plus, we’ve got a fantastic Goal Mine class in video form that your kids can watch to learn this skill independently. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Understanding the Internet | Explain to your kids what the internet is and how it works like a giant library. |
| Step 2: Choosing the Right Search Engine | Introduce your kids to search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo. |
| Step 3: Formulating a Search Query | Teach your kids how to create a search query using the right words. |
| Step 4: Evaluating Search Results | Help your kids understand how to evaluate the reliability of search results. |
| Step 5: Navigating Websites | Show your kids how to navigate websites to find the information they’re looking for. |
Step 1: Understanding the Internet
Before your kids can effectively search the internet, they must understand it. In other words, the internet is a vast network of computers worldwide, connected by cables and satellites. It’s like a giant library with millions of books, but instead of books, there are websites. And just like a library, the internet has a system for finding the information you need.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Search Engine
Next, it’s time to introduce your kids to search engines. These tools help us find what we’re looking for on the internet. Google is the most popular, but others like Bing and Yahoo exist. Explain to your kids that different search engines might give slightly different results. Still, they all work in the same way.
Step 3: Formulating a Search Query
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: how to search the internet. The key is to use the right words. For instance, if your kids are looking for information about dinosaurs, they might type “dinosaur facts” into the search engine. This is called a search query. The more specific the query, the more specific the results will be.
Step 4: Evaluating Search Results
Once your kids have entered their search query, they’ll be presented with a results list. It’s important to teach them that not all results are created equal. Some websites are more reliable than others. Generally, websites that end in .edu or .gov are more trustworthy, as they’re often run by educational institutions or government agencies.
Goally | 100+ Streaming Video Classes
Does your child need some extra guidance on building essential life skills? Goally’s skill building tablet for kids includes a TV app that has the most robust video library of skills training videos for kids. Ranging from content like “How to Brush Your Teeth” to “How to Make Friends at School,” we have dozens of interactive video lessons for kids with thinking and learning differences.
HERE’s a video explaining how to works.
Step 5: Navigating Websites
After selecting a website from the search results, your kids must navigate it to find the information they want. Teach them to use the menu at the top or side of the page to find different website sections. Also, remind them to always check the date of the information to ensure it’s up-to-date.
Teaching your kids to search the internet is vital in today’s digital age. Following these steps’ll equip them with the tools they need to find reliable information online. And remember, our Goal Mine class is a fantastic resource for your kids to learn this skill independently. For even more interactive video lessons that teach kids how to search the internet, consider getting Goally’s dedicated Tablet. It’s time to embrace the digital age and help our kids navigate it safely and effectively.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
