I promised my kid they’d get a laptop when they learn to read well enough.

This turned out to be a good motivator and they can now read full books.

The kid likes competitions and challenges. I would like to come up with tasks they can learn to do with the laptop.

The reason I want my children to have access to a computer specifically, is that while TVs and phones are used to consume, computers are used to create.

I will be installing some Linux flavor on this machine, as it is a bit dated.

I was thinking about things like:

  • Write a short story
  • Install a graphics editing program
  • Draw a picture of a cat

To get them started.

Probably I need some easier ones first.

  • discosnails@lemmy.wtf
    322·
    17 hours ago

    Honestly give them Minecraft and let them loose on that. For a 7yo that’s a great challenge.

    • wizzor@sopuli.xyzOP
      8·
      13 hours ago

      They already build cities in minecraft but on the playstation. Good idea to include that on the PC.

      • coolman@lemmy.world
        3·
        7 hours ago

        Maybe get them to use keyboard and mouse instead of a controller? Still teaches computer literacy and it’s a good control schema to get used to as a child

    • helpImTrappedOnline@lemmy.world
      17·
      16 hours ago

      And when they get a handle on the base game, you can build up all kind of skills with texture packs and mods.

      • learning to recognize trusted sources
      • learning what a virus is, antivirus, etc
      • digital art via retexturing thing.
      • folder paths structure
      • different file formats
      • editing config files

      Its also easy to make a self hosted server. Which has its own set of challenges, but would be great if they get a few friends to play.