Mouse/Trackpad and Pointer Tutorial

When you access ABCmouse on a computer or laptop, your child will need to use a mouse or trackpad respectively to navigate throughout the program and complete learning activities.

We encourage parents and caregivers to help their child learn how to use a computer mouse and/or trackpad until they are comfortable using it on their own. To assist with this, we've made this tutorial.

• Computer Mouse
• Laptop Trackpad

If you would rather have a full touchscreen experience, you can download the ABCmouse app on a tablet or phone.

Computer Mouse

A computer mouse can be used with a computer or a laptop. The controls for it will vary depending on whether the user is left-handed or right-handed. 

Hand Selection

• Right-Handed Mouse
  1. Place your thumb on the left side of the mouse.
  2. Your index finger should rest on the left button of the mouse.
  3. Place the middle finger on the right button of the mouse.
  4. Your ring finger and pinkie finger should rest on the right side of the mouse.
  5. Your wrist should rest on the mouse pad or the table.

• Left-Handed Mouse
  1. Place your thumb on the right side of the mouse.
  2. Your index finger should rest on the right button of the mouse.
  3. Place the middle finger on the left button of the mouse.
  4. Your ring finger and pinkie finger should rest on the left side of the mouse.
  5. Your wrist should rest on the mouse pad or the table.

Movement Exercise

As you move your mouse, you will notice a pointer following along with your movements. When you hover over different types of text or objects, the pointer icon will change. For example, when your child is playing a game on the Learning Path and drags their mouse over to the next activity, the pointer will change to a hand icon.

Introduction to Clicking

• One-button Mouse
  • The button is used for choosing things on your computer screen by clicking them with the mouse button.
    
• Two-button Mouse (Left-handed)
  • A two-button mouse for left-handed users have a button on the left and a button on the right.
  • The right button is used for choosing things on your computer screen by clicking them with this button.
    
  • The left button is not used on ABCmouse.
    
• Two-button Mouse (Right-handed)
  • A two-button mouse for right-handed users have a button on the left and a button on the right.
  • The left button is used for choosing things on your computer screen by clicking them with this button.
    
  • The right button is not used on ABCmouse.
    

Laptop Trackpad

If you are using a laptop and do not have a computer mouse, the laptop trackpad can be used.

Movement Exercise

To move the pointer with a trackpad, lightly place a finger on the trackpad. When you move your finger without pressing down, the pointer will follow your movements.

When you hover over different types of text or objects, the pointer icon will change. For example, when your child is playing a game on the Learning Path and moves their finger on the trackpad over to the next activity, the pointer will change to a hand icon.

Introduction to Clicking

• Two-button Trackpad (Left-handed)
  • The two-button trackpad has a left button and a right button.
  • The right button is used for choosing things on your computer screen by clicking them with this button.
  • The left button is not used on ABCmouse.
    

•  
• Two-button Trackpad (Right-handed)
  
  • The two-button trackpad has a left button and a right button.
  • The left button is used for choosing things on your computer screen by clicking them with this button.
  • The right button is not used on ABCmouse.com.
    
    
• Trackpad without Buttons
  • If you press down on the trackpad, it will click like a button does, and can similarly be used for choosing things on your computer screen by clicking on them with it.