Any ideas for an entry-level "how to use a mouse" tutorial?

[kunkel321]

Hi All,
I'm wanting to teach my 3-year-old daughter to use a computer.  She is able to use the touchscreen on my Kindle Fire HD just fine.  And she has seen me use the mouse on our Vista PC.  She is a bit intimidated by it though.    I need a game or a learning app that is really really simple and has some kind of "learn to use your mouse" tutorial...  Any ideas of free or really inexpensive ones?

[TaoPhoenix]

This is really low-tek, but what if you start her off with just a simple graphics program where she can move the mouse around and draw lines and stuff?

That's half of what the mouse is, you move the "thingie" and the "screen other thingie" moves around.

[app103]

I have something I was working on, that is still unfinished, but may require a bit more in fine motor skills than she may currently have.

Similar to TaoPhoenix's idea of setting her loose with MS Paint, is my bead designer: http://arussoprojects.tk/2012/09/bead-designer/

You simply click a colored bead from the row at the bottom, then click any bead in the grid to change it to that color:

(actual size)

It is very unfinished, far from being ready for public release, but the part I just described is working quite well, if you want to try it with her (after giving her some time in MS Paint, of course). If you do want to try it, send me a PM and I'll share with you what I have done, so far.

[MilesAhead]

Just for grins I googled and this popped up.  Looks like very entry level.  Just to get her to click to do stuff.  I almost have the hang of it.  Maybe another hour of practice and I'll have it knocked.  

http://www.minimouse.us/


[attach]

[Deozaan]

Paint

[mouser]

When i was looking for a painting program for a very young niece, I was thoroughly impressed by "Kid Pix" (Kid Pix Deluxe 4th edition is what i tried).
It's kind of a super deluxe fancy painting and color-by-numbers tool with animation, sounds, etc.  Really really great stuff.

You can pick it up for $10 on amazon now.
http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Company-Kid-Pix-Deluxe/dp/B0006N99K8



There are some other similar highly rated things on amazon as well, Crayola Art Studio, Kid Pix 3d.

The only thing you'll have to be wary of is whether these will run on Windows 7+ as they are older apps.

[mouser]

ps. I have a copy of Kid Pix 4 Deluxe that I never used; if you are in the USA message me your address and i'll send it to you.

[kunkel321]

Thanks all, for the replies.
Yea, after App301 posted his bead designer, it occurred to me the MS Paint is a sensible starting point. 

Mouser, Thanks very much for the offer!  I don't think it'll work though, on Amazon there's a review that suggests it's not Vista-compatible.  Also, I'm hoping to upgrade to Windows 10 at some point. 

Miles, I will definitely check out that site. 

Thanks again, Everyone.

[tomos]

after App301 posted his [her] bead designer

FTFY

[ayryq]

When i was looking for a painting program for a very young niece, I was thoroughly impressed by "Kid Pix" (Kid Pix Deluxe 4th edition is what i tried).

My son used KidPix in Kindergarten. So might actually be a practical purchase.