A class discussion is the first step to teach proper computer use to kindergartners. Be clear about the what kind of behavior is expected when students use the equipment. Then allow children to explore old or inoperable mouses and keyboards in centers where they can handle the hardware with little risk of damaging it. Once students are comfortable, pair an experienced student with one who may need extra help.
For students who have never used a mouse, the mechanics of navigating through a computer screen will take some practice until they learn to move the tool without looking at their hands. Consider attaching a tactile sticker on the mouse button so that they can feel where to press rather than look. To help encourage this skill, choose programs with large, bright objects that direct students with simple verbal or visual instructions. Starfall (at starfall.com) provides free games for early elementary students, including an alphabet game that requires students to click on a letter to hear its name and the sound it makes.
For small kindergarten hands, dragging objects with the mouse is more difficult than simply clicking on objects. This skill requires the development of fine motor skills that will come with practice. ABCYa's educational website (at abcya.com) provides free games in which students build a house or create a face by choosing and dragging articles to a project. Other kindergarten-friendly games include "Take a Trip," in which students use a mouse to guide a car through a maze of roads.
Once students are comfortable with using a computer mouse, begin to incorporate use of the keyboard with one of many free Internet games. Some games allow students to press any key to complete an activity, such as Fisher Price's "Colors + Shapes" (at fisher-price.com). Other games, such as "Find the Letter" on FreeWebs (at freewebs.com), ask student to locate and press specific letters, which familiarizes students with keyboard letter location.