How BigKeys are used in other nursery schools
Nursery Head Practitioner – now they can type their names
"We have one computer in each of 2 nursery classrooms and recently purchased a BigKeys LX for each.
"In one room the children rotate around the activities each getting their turn on the computer. In the other room the children have free play and can use the computer as and when they wish.
"What a difference these keyboards made to their attention span and learning!
"Prior to using BK we had regular keyboards. The children used to press all the buttons (just because they were there to press) and the staff continually had to come over to help because the computer had hung. With BigKeys that never happens because only relevant keys are present.
"Colours make the keyboard attractive and enticing, but our rising 3’s don’t often know their colours so the colours just make the keyboard look fun and I don’t use the keyboard to teach colours.
"We give children are given name cards so that they can find the letters and type up their name.
"There are games loaded onto each computer and set up as visual icons so the children can easily choose what they want to do and BigKeys LX helps them with the keys.
"The games offer a variety of activities to help the children learn literacy and maths and numbers, as well as simple games to encourage accurate and timely use of the mouse. One of the games uses music to help the child learn their numbers, and this is a favourite at the moment.
"In the nursery classes there is a 1:6 ratio of teacher to child, so there is plenty of opportunity for the children to get help. In the reception class the ratio is 1:12 with little time spent helping individual children. If the children did not pick up basic keyboard and mouse skills in the nursery class they would be behind in the reception class and the teacher would have less time to give them.
"We have key workers who set aside time to work with each child on a one to one basis on the computer. Sometimes the key worker may have to work with 3 children at once, but usually a child who needs a little extra help, gets it on a one to one basis."
Nursery Head Practitioner - Sussex
