This site helps families explore how technology can support early literacy development in young children, offering research-based tips, guidelines, and activities to use digital tools in fun, meaningful, and age-appropriate ways.
Welcome!
Welcome to Technology, Early Literacy & Young Children! This website is designed to help families understand how technology can support early literacy development in young children. In today’s digital age, technology is an important part of children’s learning experiences. When used appropriately, it can enhance language and literacy skills in ways that are interactive, engaging, and meaningful. As early childhood professionals, we are committed to supporting families in making informed decisions about screen time, media, and technology use for their children. This site provides research-based insights, guidelines, and practical activities to help families integrate technology in ways that foster early literacy from birth through third grade.
Research shows that technology can have both positive and negative effects on early literacy development. Below are five key research findings to help families make informed choices:
Interactive media enhances language development – Research indicates that high-quality, interactive digital media, such as e-books with read-aloud features, can improve vocabulary and comprehension in young children (Hirsh-Pasek et al., 2015).
Co-viewing and adult interaction matter – When adults engage with children while using technology—by asking questions, discussing content, and making connections—it significantly improves literacy outcomes (Strouse et al., 2013).
Passive screen time has limited benefits – Simply watching videos or using apps without interaction does not provide the same literacy benefits as engaging with interactive or educational content (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP], 2016).
Excessive screen time may impact attention and learning – Studies suggest that excessive exposure to screens, particularly before age two, may interfere with language development and attention span (Zimmerman et al., 2007).
Digital storytelling can enhance comprehension – E-books and digital storytelling apps with high-quality narration and animation can support comprehension and engagement, especially for emergent readers (Takacs et al., 2015).
Keep in Mind ...
While technology can be a powerful tool for literacy development, it is important to use it mindfully.
Benefit: Technology can personalize learning experiences – Digital platforms can adapt to a child’s learning level, providing individualized support in phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension (Neumann, 2016).
Caution: Not all digital content is developmentally appropriate – Some apps and programs marketed as "educational" do not align with best practices for literacy learning. Parents should carefully evaluate content for quality and engagement (Guernsey & Levine, 2015).
GUIDELINES BY AGE
Expert organizations like the AAP provide recommendations on screen time and device use:
Infants (0-12 months): Avoid screen time, except for video chatting with family members (AAP, 2016).
Toddlers (1-2 years): Limit screen use to high-quality, co-viewed content for a maximum of 30 minutes per day (AAP, 2016).
Preschoolers (3-5 years): No more than one hour of screen time per day, focusing on interactive and educational media (AAP, 2016).
Kindergartners (5-6 years): Technology should be used to complement hands-on learning, with continued emphasis on co-viewing and discussion (Common Sense Media, 2021).
First/Second/Third Graders (6-9 years): Screen time should be balanced with reading, physical activity, and social interactions, ideally under two hours per day of high-quality content (AAP, 2016).
AGE-APPROPRIATE IDEAS FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Video Chatting with Family – Infants and toddlers benefit greatly from social interactions, and video chatting can be a meaningful way to support early language development. Using platforms like FaceTime, Zoom, or Skype, parents can engage their little ones in real-time conversations with family members. To make the most of these interactions, parents should describe what is happening, repeat key words, and encourage their child to respond through gestures, babbling, or simple words. Research shows that when infants and toddlers engage in back-and-forth communication, even through screens, they develop stronger language processing skills (Roseberry, Hirsh-Pasek, & Golinkoff, 2014). Video chatting differs from passive screen use because it involves live interaction, helping children build social and communication skills from an early age.
Interactive Nursery Rhyme Apps – Singing nursery rhymes and engaging in rhythm-based activities can build phonemic awareness, an essential pre-literacy skill. Apps such as Sago Mini Music Box or Baby Einstein: Storytime introduce young children to rhyming patterns, simple melodies, and repetition, which reinforce early language development. Parents can use these apps as an extension of traditional lap games and fingerplays, such as "Pat-a-Cake" or "The Wheels on the Bus." By singing along with their child, pointing to objects on the screen, and encouraging imitation of sounds or motions, caregivers can make screen time more interactive. According to Neumann (2016), digital resources that incorporate music, rhythm, and caregiver engagement are especially effective in enhancing early literacy skills in toddlers.
Digital Storytime with E-Books – Reading digital books together can support early literacy skills such as vocabulary development, comprehension, and print awareness. Apps like Epic! or Reading Rainbow Skybrary offer a variety of engaging, narrated e-books that include read-aloud features and highlighted text. When reading with children, parents can ask open-ended questions, discuss the story, and encourage their child to predict what happens next. Research suggests that interactive e-books with features like word highlighting and embedded definitions can support preschoolers in developing emergent literacy skills (Takacs, Swart, & Bus, 2015). However, co-reading with an adult is crucial, as it ensures that children stay engaged in the story and understand its meaning rather than focusing only on animations or interactive elements.
Letter and Sound Games – Digital games that teach phonics and letter recognition can strengthen preschoolers' pre-reading skills when used appropriately. Apps such as Endless Alphabet and ABCmouse introduce children to letter sounds, sight words, and early spelling through engaging animations and hands-on activities. These apps use repetition, interactive storytelling, and visual cues to reinforce letter-sound associations. Research by Hirsh-Pasek et al. (2015) highlights that well-designed educational apps, when paired with parental involvement, can improve early literacy skills. To maximize benefits, parents should engage their child in conversations about letters and sounds outside the app, using real-world examples such as pointing out letters in books, on signs, and in everyday objects.
Creating Digital Storybooks – Kindergarten-aged children enjoy storytelling, and digital storybook apps allow them to create and illustrate their own stories. Apps like Book Creator and StoryJumper provide an interactive platform where children can type or dictate stories, add pictures, and listen to their creations read aloud. This process supports early writing skills, encourages creativity, and helps children understand story structure. Research suggests that digital storytelling engages young learners by allowing them to express their ideas in a multimodal way—through text, voice, and images—helping to develop both literacy and self-expression (Neumann, 2016). Parents can support this activity by encouraging children to share their stories and discussing the beginning, middle, and end of their narratives.
Interactive Audiobooks – Listening to audiobooks while following along in print can enhance comprehension, fluency, and listening skills. Apps like Audible for Kids and Libby provide a rich selection of age-appropriate audiobooks, including classic and contemporary stories. When children listen to stories read aloud with expressive narration, they are exposed to new vocabulary and complex sentence structures that support language development. According to research by Strouse, O'Doherty, & Troseth (2013), interactive read-aloud experiences, whether digital or traditional, contribute to improved story comprehension and word recognition. Parents can extend learning by discussing the story, asking comprehension questions, and encouraging their child to retell key events.
Online Book Clubs – Older children benefit from reading independently but still need opportunities for discussion and engagement. Online book clubs, such as those available through Epic! or Scholastic Reading Club, provide interactive reading experiences where children can participate in discussions, take quizzes, and explore recommendations based on their reading level. Research indicates that book discussions enhance comprehension and critical thinking skills by encouraging children to make connections between stories and their own experiences (Guernsey & Levine, 2015). Parents can support their child’s participation by discussing books at home, asking thought-provoking questions, and encouraging their child to write book reviews or summaries.
Typing and Writing Apps – Developing strong writing skills is essential for literacy growth, and technology can provide interactive ways to build these skills. Apps like StoryJumper and Typing Club help children practice writing stories, improving sentence structure and composition. Writing on digital platforms allows children to experiment with storytelling, learn keyboarding skills, and organize their thoughts. Research by Neumann (2016) highlights that digital writing tools can increase children's motivation and engagement in literacy tasks. Parents can support this activity by encouraging their child to write about their daily experiences, create comic strips, or compose short stories using these digital tools.
Great APPs for Young Children
Apps should be interactive and promote active engagement rather than passive screen time.
Content should be age-appropriate and aligned with literacy development milestones.
Apps should encourage co-use with caregivers to enhance learning and language development.
Avoid apps with distracting ads or in-app purchases that could disrupt learning.
Homer (Ages 2-8) – Homer is a comprehensive early literacy app designed to personalize learning experiences based on a child’s age and skill level. It offers a structured curriculum covering phonics, letter recognition, sight words, and early reading through interactive games, songs, and stories. Research suggests that adaptive learning apps like Homer can be beneficial in reinforcing literacy skills when used alongside real-world reading experiences (Neumann, 2016).
Endless Reader (Ages 3-6) – Endless Reader introduces young children to sight words through engaging animations, playful characters, and phonics-based reinforcement. The app breaks down each word into its phonetic components, helping children understand how letters form sounds and words. This hands-on, interactive approach supports early literacy development by building strong word recognition skills in a fun and engaging way (Hirsh-Pasek et al., 2015).
Epic! (Ages 4-9) – Epic! is a digital library offering thousands of e-books, audiobooks, and read-aloud stories for young readers. The app provides personalized recommendations based on a child’s reading level and interests, encouraging independent reading while also allowing for parental involvement. Research shows that access to a diverse range of books in digital formats can enhance vocabulary, comprehension, and overall reading engagement, making Epic! a valuable tool for fostering a love of reading (Takacs, Swart, & Bus, 2015).
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2016). Media and young minds. Pediatrics, 138(5), e20162591.
Common Sense Media. (2021). Screen time guidelines by age. Retrieved from www.commonsensemedia.org
Guernsey, L., & Levine, M. (2015). Tap, click, read: Growing readers in a world of screens. Wiley.
Hirsh-Pasek, K., Zosh, J. M., Golinkoff, R. M., Gray, J. H., Robb, M. B., & Kaufman, J. (2015). Putting education in “educational” apps. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 16(1), 3-34.
Neumann, M. M. (2016). Young children's use of touch screen tablets for writing and reading at home. British Journal of Educational Technology, 47(1), 131-141.
Strouse, G. A., O'Doherty, K. D., & Troseth, G. L. (2013). Effective co-viewing. Developmental Psychology, 49(7), 1360-1372.
Takacs, Z. K., Swart, E. K., & Bus, A. G. (2015). Benefits and limitations of e-books in early literacy. Review of Educational Research, 85(4), 622-640.
Zimmerman, F. J., Christakis, D. A., & Meltzoff, A. N. (2007). Television and language development in infants and toddlers. Developmental Psychology, 43(3), 613-626