Creating computer content for children is sometimes difficult, not only because we don’t always have the necessary resources, but also because there is so much information out there that we don’t know where to start. That’s exactly why you’re here! Today we show you some computer activities for children, which you can implement in your computer classes for Primary Education. Discover them at the end of the article!
What should be taught in computer classes for children?
In a computer class, you can teach a wide variety of content, which may be related to computing itself or to different subject areas. This will depend on the objective you want to achieve with your students.
In our activity books with computer activities for children, you will find many activities related to all areas of learning. You will not only find activities on how to use a computer, but also crosswords, stories, matching with arrows, letter and number identification, calculations, explanatory texts, graphomotor skills, and much more.
The idea of teaching computing at the primary level is for children to understand and learn how to use the computer as a tool for study and work. Using cross-curricular approaches helps children develop all their skills.
For example, learning how to use the computer keyboard while developing reading, writing, and speaking skills.
What activities can be done with computing?
In this section, we will show you some activities, resources, and tools that you will find in each of our books, among other things.
1. Let’s explore the computer: What’s inside a computer?
Many children use computers without knowing which components make them up. This educational proposal is part of computer activities for children at the primary level, focused on tangible learning. Through discovery and observation, students will learn about the internal parts of a computer.
In addition, they will learn how each component is connected and what its function is. This activity develops technological curiosity and is directly linked to basic computing. It is a concrete way to teach computing to children through play and analysis.
Objectives of the activity to learn programming
- Identify the internal hardware parts of a computer (motherboard, hard drive, power supply, etc.)
- Understand the general function of each component
- Encourage care for and respect of the equipment
Resources to use in class
- Open computer (out of use),
- Printed photos or cards,
- Explanatory video
- Whiteboard
Development of computer activities for children
- Physically present an open computer or use real images.
- Guide an observation activity where students identify each part.
- Use a short video to reinforce the concepts.
- Hand out a worksheet to match names with images.
- Invite children to explain in their own words what function each part serves.
- Ideal age: Second cycle (9 to 11 years)
2. Step-by-step creation of a video game with Scratch
This proposal is part of the most creative and motivating computer activities for primary school. Students design a simple video game with Scratch, applying concepts of logic, storytelling, and illustration. They learn to program movements, dialogues, and effects using visual blocks, ideal for basic computing.
This experience enhances computational thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition, it integrates the design of customized characters and scenarios. It is a fun way to introduce computing for children through educational games.
Objectives:
Familiarize children with basic programming concepts.
Encourage logical thinking and problem-solving.
Stimulate creativity and teamwork.
Tools or resources used in these computer activities for children
Computers with internet access.
Free Scratch account.
Projector for demonstrations.
Activity development – computer game ideas
- Introduction to Scratch: Explain the interface and the basic functions of Scratch.
- Game planning: Guide students to design a simple game, such as a maze or an object-catching game.
- Creation of characters and scenarios: Use Scratch’s drawing tools to design sprites and backgrounds.
- Programming movements and actions: Teach how to use code blocks to control characters and set game rules.
- Testing and adjustments: Allow students to test their games and make improvements as needed.
- Recommended ages: 8 to 12 years
3. Creating a story using Paint and Word
Students combine tools such as Word and Paint to create their own illustrated digital story. This computer activity for children promotes creative writing and visual design, working with both text and images. It is part of computer activities for primary school that develop multiple competencies: writing, formatting, drawing, and keyboard use.
Imagination is stimulated, along with narrative structure and digital editing. In addition, motor skills and coordinated use of software are strengthened. Ideal for teaching computing for children from a literary perspective.
Objectives of the basic computing activity
- Develop creativity and written expression.
- Learn to use basic drawing and text-editing tools.
- Encourage planning and organization of ideas.
Tools for these computer activities for children
- Computers with Microsoft Paint and Microsoft Word or equivalent.
- Printer (optional).
Activity development:
- Story planning: Help students develop a short story with a clear structure: beginning, middle, and end.
- Illustrations in Paint: Create images that represent key scenes of the story.
- Writing in Word: Write the story text, inserting the illustrations on the corresponding pages.
- Review and editing: Correct spelling errors and improve the presentation of the document.
- Sharing the story: Print or digitally share the stories with the class.
- Recommended ages: 7 to 11 years.
Read also: 14 Artificial Intelligence Courses with Certification
4. Exploring cultures with Google Earth – computer activities for children
In this activity, children take virtual trips to explore cultures and places around the world using Google Earth. They navigate interactive maps, discover landmarks, and take screenshots to share what they have learned. It is a basic computing proposal that combines technology and geography.
Within computer activities for children, this activity helps develop curiosity, observation, and research skills. In addition, it promotes the use of real digital exploration tools. An excellent way to bring computing for children closer to knowledge of the world.
Educational objectives of computer activities for children
- Expand geographic and cultural knowledge.
- Promote safe and guided digital exploration.
- Encourage respect for diversity.
Required materials:
- Devices with internet access.
- Google Earth or interactive maps.
- Template to record relevant information.
Suggested steps:
- Choose a city on the map together with the class (e.g., Paris, New York, Tokyo).
- Explore it virtually and observe streets, buildings, and museums.
- Look for interesting facts about its history, gastronomy, or customs.
- Create a small presentation or digital mural to share as a group.
- Recommended age: 9 to 12 years
5. Presenting an idea with PowerPoint
Students design a presentation on a chosen topic, integrating text, images, transitions, and effects in PowerPoint. This proposal stands out among computer activities for primary school children for its communicative and visual focus.
It is ideal for working on basic computing skills such as slide management and idea organization. In addition, it enhances creativity and oral expression in front of the group. Children explore a tool that is useful both at school and in their future lives. Thus, computing for children becomes a tool for expression.
Educational objectives:
- Develop communication skills.
- Learn to synthesize information and present it visually.
- Encourage confidence when speaking in public.
Required materials:
- PowerPoint program or similar.
- Computers with access to images or digital resources.
- Microphone or speaker for presentations (optional).
Suggested steps:
- Choose a free topic or one related to a school subject.
- Create a presentation with between 4 and 6 slides.
- Insert titles, short texts, images, and effects.
- Present the presentation orally in front of classmates.
- Recommended age: 8 to 12 years
See also: Computer Tests – 2nd Cycle
6. 🎨 Painting on the computer: fun activities with Paint
One of the most creative computer activities for children is using Paint to draw. Children learn to use the mouse accurately while developing artistic and technical skills. This proposal combines basic computing with visual expression, allowing them to create everything from free drawings to themed scenes.
In addition, it is ideal for working on hand–eye coordination and learning tools such as pencil, brush, shapes, and colors. It is also complemented with educational games that reinforce the use of functions. Perfect for introducing computing for children through playful activities.
Educational objectives – online kindergarten activities
- Encourage artistic creativity through digital tools.
- Learn to use basic functions of the Paint program.
- Work on fine motor skills and mouse use.
Required materials:
- Computers with the Paint program (or a free alternative such as Tux Paint).
- Optional templates with silhouettes to color.
Suggested steps:
- Explore the tools: pencil, brush, shapes, color fill.
- Propose a creative challenge: draw a playground scene or a season of the year.
- Save the file with the student’s name and share the work in a digital gallery.
- Recommended age: 6 to 9 years
7. 🎨 Creative school posters with Canva for children
Primary school students design digital posters using Canva, an online tool that enhances creativity and visual communication. This basic computing activity allows design and school content to be integrated in an attractive way.
Children combine text, images, and colors to create clear and visual messages. This is an excellent proposal within computer activities for children. The posters can be used for commemorative days, values campaigns, or collaborative projects. Through this proposal, computing for children gains practical and motivating meaning.
Educational objectives:
- Develop digital graphic design skills.
- Learn to combine text and image with communicative intent.
- Promote collaborative work and personal expression.
Required materials:
- Computers with access to Canva.
- Pre-designed templates or design from scratch.
Suggested steps for these computer activities for children
- Explain what Canva is and its main tools.
- Choose a topic for the poster (e.g., Environment Day, Peace Day).
- Use images, fonts, and colors harmoniously.
- Download the poster in PDF or JPG format to print or share it on classroom networks.
- Recommended age: 9 to 12 years
8. ⌨️ Getting to know the keyboard through games: fun typing
Through educational games, students practice typing and improve their typing speed and accuracy. This basic computing proposal is ideal for working with the keyboard in an entertaining way. Platforms such as TypingClub or Interdidactica are used, adapted to the age and level of each group.
These computer activities for primary school encourage progressive, level-based learning. In addition, they stimulate concentration and efficient keyboard use. An ideal option for teaching computing to children in a dynamic and meaningful way.
Educational objectives:
- Improve accuracy and speed when typing on the keyboard.
- Develop hand–eye coordination.
- Encourage proper use of computer equipment.
Required materials:
- Free games such as www.typingclub.com or www.interdidactica.es.
- Computers with internet connection.
Suggested steps:
- Give a brief explanation about correct posture at the keyboard.
- Play progressively through levels, starting with the home row keys.
- Create challenges based on time or score.
- Evaluate improvements with comparison tables or symbolic medals.
- Recommended age: 7 to 11 years
See also: 8 Easy Technology Projects for Students
9. Designing school schedules in Excel with colors – computer activities for children
Students create their own school schedules using Excel, which allows them to learn how to use cells, borders, and colors in a spreadsheet. This basic computing activity promotes planning and organization. It is one of the most useful computer activities for primary school for everyday life.
Children explore the use of technologies applied to their school routine. They can also include icons or colors to personalize the design. A very effective resource within learning computing for children.
Educational objectives – online extracurricular activities
- Introduce the use of spreadsheets in a simple way.
- Apply concepts of organization and personal planning.
- Recognize the usefulness of Excel in daily life.
Required materials:
- Microsoft Excel or a free equivalent (LibreOffice Calc, Google Sheets).
- Optional base template with preformatted schedules.
Suggested steps for these computer activities for children
- Explain what a cell, column, and row are.
- Complete the schedule with subjects, days, and times.
- Apply colors to differentiate subjects.
- Save the document and share it in group folders.
- Recommended age: 9 to 12 years
10. 🧩 Mini educational games with interactive websites – computer activities for children
This activity proposes using platforms such as Educaplay, ABCYa, or Vedoque to solve educational games focused on memory, logic, or computing. Children learn by playing and reinforce school content through digital challenges.
It is one of the most valued computer activities for children for its playful approach. In addition, it allows basic computing to be integrated with other areas such as mathematics or language. Critical thinking, observation, and problem-solving skills are developed. An attractive way to teach computing to children through active experience.
Educational objectives:
- Learn through play with digital challenges.
- Reinforce school content in a fun way.
- Encourage logical thinking and decision-making.
Required materials for these computer activities for children
- Access to interactive educational websites.
- Headphones (optional for games with sound).
Suggested steps:
- Choose games appropriate for the level (typing, logic, basic computing).
- Play for a set amount of time (15 to 20 minutes).
- Reflect at the end: What did I learn? What was the most difficult?
- Recommend a game to a classmate and explain why.
- Recommended age: 6 to 10 years
Read also: Calligraphy Generator Tools for Learning
11. Hardware vs. Software: What can we touch and what can’t we?
Differentiating between hardware and software is an essential skill within computer activities for children. This proposal allows children to understand which components can be physically touched and which exist in digital form.
In addition, it strengthens understanding of the overall functioning of the computer system. Therefore, it is a fun, concrete, and conceptual class that stimulates logical reasoning. By relating examples to everyday use, basic computing content is reinforced. A key tool to introduce students to computing for children.
Objectives:
- Distinguish between hardware (physical) and software (digital).
- Relate common examples of both types.
- Explain why both elements are necessary.
Resources to be used in these computer activities for children
- Illustrated cards,
- Whiteboard,
- PowerPoint,
- Computer
Development:
- Start with guiding questions: “Which part of the computer can I touch? And which one can’t I?”
- Divide the board into two columns and write examples.
- Hand out cards with images and ask students to classify them into groups.
- Play a team game: software/hardware true or false.
- Ideal age: Second cycle (9 to 11 years)
Other proposals or computer activities for children
- Programming learning: children can learn to program using programming languages such as Scratch or Python.
- Web page development: learn HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create their own web pages.
- Video and audio editing: children can learn to edit videos and audio using software such as iMovie or Audacity.
- Online research: students can learn to search for information online safely and effectively. There are a variety of search engines for education.
- Problem solving: children can learn to solve simple technical problems such as troubleshooting hardware or software issues.
- Cryptography: children can learn about cryptography and how to protect their information online.
This is as far as we go with the information about “computer activities for children.” We hope it has been useful. Remember that at RecursosTICs, you will find more ICT resources and tools for your classes.
What did you think of this information? Would you like to learn about more computer activities for other grade levels?
