Suggestions for how to use screen time in a positive way

There are many ways that technology use can support learning, language, and academic growth. The following are some examples:

• Search for and read a recipe. Follow the recipe to make the food item together.
• Find interactive books online. Children can have a book read to them and view the pictures as well. **see Mrs. Morrison's site regarding available options)
• Use technology with your child. Talk to them about it. Play video games and use apps with them. Share your favorite TV shows and movies.
• Select apps that are interactive. Children can play these while also using language skills to create "voices" for the characters or to narrate or answer questions about what they are doing. Children could also be given directions and asked to complete tasks within the apps. There are many games where children can "cook" or prepare food, and you could use them to encourage pretend play by having them prepare something for you. Some examples of these are:
  • Dr. Panda (Ice Cream Truck, Beauty Salon, Hospital)
  • Toca Boca (Toca Kitchen 2, Toca Hair Salon 3, Toca Tea Party, Toca Doctor, Toca Robot Lab)
  • Shoe the Goose (Cookie Doodle, Cake Doodle)
  • My Play (Home, School, Hospital, Stores)
• Ask questions while the child is using an app, watching a TV program, or playing a video game. Questions could include:
  • How do you play that game?
  • How do you think the characters feel?
  • What do you think will happen next?
  • Can you explain to me what you like about that game/show/app?
  • Tell me something you learned from this game/show/app.
• Set aside technology free time each day to talk with your child. For example, you could have a technology free dinner, or family game time where time is just spent discussing the events of the day. Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, each minute matters!