I have a good amount of experience with this and wrote up a very long recommendation. Many of the parents I've worked with have different reasons for introducing their kids to tech. Without knowing your 'why', I thought I'd just post the bullet points.
- Set up a mini PC/Raspberry Pi. Use a simple Linux distro or older version of Windows and install GCompri on it. No need for internet. Show them how to open notepad, paint, and just let them play.
- At a later age, build a PC with them. Linux Mint gives all the basic software needed. Let them continue to explore.
- Set up some tools for access control and monitoring. Then talk to them about the internet and slowly introduce them to it.
Overall, this has been a fantastic way to introduce technology, its benefits and downsides, without giving in to the firehose of the modern internet or strictly blocking it out entirely.
I've done similar group gaming. I would recommend the following two games. The first is more casual and just fun to watch. The second is one of the greatest narratives communicated through game design. Haven't played the recent remake that came out this year, but I will stand by that statement for the original. Make sure everyone has a chance to try the controls to fully appreciate it.
- Set up a mini PC/Raspberry Pi. Use a simple Linux distro or older version of Windows and install GCompri on it. No need for internet. Show them how to open notepad, paint, and just let them play.
- At a later age, build a PC with them. Linux Mint gives all the basic software needed. Let them continue to explore.
- Set up some tools for access control and monitoring. Then talk to them about the internet and slowly introduce them to it.
Overall, this has been a fantastic way to introduce technology, its benefits and downsides, without giving in to the firehose of the modern internet or strictly blocking it out entirely.