How to Use a Mouse 🖱️
What You'll Learn
- How to hold and move the mouse
- How to left-click to select things
- How to double-click to open things
- How to scroll up and down
Hold It Gently 🤲
Place your hand gently on top of the mouse. Your index finger (the pointing finger) goes on the left button. Your middle finger goes on the right button. Rest your palm lightly on the mouse.
Move the mouse slowly on a flat surface — the arrow on the screen will follow!
Move the mouse slowly at first. The slower you move it, the easier it is to point at exactly what you want!
Left Click — Select!
Press the left button once — this is called a click or left-click. Clicking selects something, like choosing a button or a file.
Move the arrow on the screen until it is on top of what you want, then click once!
Double-Click — Open!
Press the left button twice very fast — this is called a double-click. Double-clicking opens things, like a game, a folder, or a picture.
Try double-clicking something on your computer. Did it open? If the arrow doesn't land in the right spot, move the mouse a little and try again.
Scroll — Move Up & Down!
In the middle of the mouse there is a little wheel. Roll the wheel up to see more of a page above you. Roll the wheel down to see more below.
This is called scrolling. Try scrolling right now on this lesson!
Let's practice using the mouse. Ask a grown-up to help you open a web browser (like Chrome or Firefox).
- Move the mouse around the screen slowly. Watch the arrow move!
- Click once on something — notice it gets highlighted.
- Scroll the wheel up and down — see the page move!
- Try to click the "back" button in your browser (it looks like ←).
Great job! The more you practice, the easier it gets! 🌟
1. How do you open a file or program on the computer?
2. What does scrolling the mouse wheel do?
3. Which finger goes on the left mouse button?