The purpose of this website is to give families the tools and knowledge to support their children's early literacy development through the balanced use of technology. By providing clear guidelines for screen time, devices, media use, as well as recommendations for high-quality apps and engaging activites, this website aims to bridge the gap between technology and literacy learning. Early childhood professionals can use this platform to guide families in understanding how technology, can foster essential literacy skills and nurture a life long love of learning in young children birth through 3rd grade. 

What Research Says. . . . 

 Developmentally appropriate teaching practice must always guide the selection of any classroom materials including technology:  Teachers must take the time to evaluate and select, observe, and identify any technology opportunities and problems in the classroom, then make appropriate adaptations. Teachers must be willing to learn and become familiar with current and new technology as they are introduced and be intentional in the choices they make when selecting technology for children. 

When used appropriately, technology can enhance children's cognitive and social abilities:  Technology offers opportunities for children to extend learning opportunities. The same way blocks, and other materials enhance learning for children, screen time can expose children to animals, objects, people and places that they can't experience in person. 

Technology Tools can be effective for dual language learners:  Research has shown that access to information in the child's home language contributes to progress in both English and their home language. Technology allows teachers to find culturally and linguistically appropriate games, stories, and activities. 

Assistive technology must be available as needed to provide equitable access for children with special needs:  Children with special needs, technology has proven to have many benefits. It can be a tool to reduce distractions and provide support for cognitive processing or enhancing memory and recall. By using assistive technology teachers  can increase children's ability to learn, move, and communicate. 

Technology and media can enhance early childhood practice when integrated into the environment , curriculum and daily routines:  Successful integration of technology into early childhood programs involves use of resources like computers, cameras, software applications, and the internet in daily classroom practices. Careful evaluation of selection of materials are essential in programs. For example: Drawing on a touch screen and software, apps or games  that support language or speech development.  

Sources: 

National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children's Media at Saint Vincent College. (2012b). Technology and interactive media as tools in early childhood programs serving children from birth through age 8. NAEYC. ps_technology.pdf 

Keep In Mind . . . 

Integrating technology into early literacy development offers benefits as well as things to keep in mind. 

Benefits: 

Enhanced Engagement - Interactive media can captivate children's attention, making learning more engaging and enjoyable. This increased interest can motivate children to participate actively in literacy activities. Access to technology offers families a vast array of digital books, games, and educational videos, exposing children to a wide range of vocabulary and concepts. Additionally, educational apps and programs can adapt to a child's individual learning pace and style.

Things to Keep in Mind: 

Overexposure Risks: - Excessive screen time can lead to health issues such as obesity. It is essential to balance screen time with physical activities to promote overall well-being. Over-reliance on technology for learning can limit opportunities for face-to-face interactions, which are crucial for developing social communication skills. Encouraging group activities and discussions alongside technological use can help mitigate this concern. By thoughtfully integrating technology and remaining mindful of these cautions, families can effectively support their children's literacy development. 

Sources:

Brightwheelblog. (2024.March, 27).Technology in Early Childhood Education. Technology in Early Childhood Education

ConnectUs. (2018.December,18). 16 Pros and Cons of Children Using Technology. 16 Pros and Cons of Children Using Technology – ConnectUS 

Technology: How much? What Kind? 

Guidelines By Age

Infants - (0-18 months) :  Screen time is discouraged for infants except for video chatting to connect with family and loved ones. Infants brains develop best through face-to-face interactions and hands-on exploration. 

Toddlers - (1-2 years old) : Screen time should be limited to high-quality, educational content, ideally watched together. This will help children understand what they are seeing. 

Preschoolers - (3-5 years old) : Limit screen time up to 1 hour per day. High-quality, educational content is recommended. Parent or caregiver should be involved with the child, so they understand and apply what they see. 

Kindergarteners - (5-6 years old):  Place limits on time spent using media with purposeful, educational content. 

First, Second, and Third Graders (6-9 years old): Place consistent limits on the time spent using media, and types of media. Make sure media does not take place of adequate sleep, or physical activity. Encourage breaks, family discussions about media. 

Sources:

Cross, J. F. (n.d.). What does too much screen time do to children's brains?  New York Presbyterian Health Matters. What Does Too Much Screen Time Do to Kids' Brains? 

Technology & Literacy Development

Age- Appropriate Ideas for Children & Families

Infants & Toddlers

Video chats with family and friends are a great way to support language development in young children. Through video platforms like Zoom, or FaceTime, infants and toddlers can interact with familiar voices, hear new words, and see facial expressions than enhance their understanding of language. Families can use these opportunities to engage their child in simple conversations, sing songs, or read books, making these virtual interactions more meaningful to practice language skills. These types of connections also give infants and toddlers the chance to become exposed to a variety of speech patterns further strengthening their language abilities. 

Create a digital photo album of familiar people, places, and objects that are a part of a child's everyday life. Families can narrate the photos, name objects, and describe events, transforming the album into a personalized storytelling tool. This provides infants and toddlers with meaningful connections to the world around them, as they learn best through engagement with familiar experiences. These activities not only build vocabulary development but also help in developing language and literacy skills. 

Sources:

American Psychological Association. (2019.December 12). Digital guidelines: Promoting healthy technology use for children. Digital guidelines: Promoting healthy technology use for children 

naeyc.(n.d.). Technology and Young Children: Infants and toddlers. Technology and Young Children: Infants and Toddlers | NAEYC 

Preschoolers 

Explore the world of sound through technology! Preschoolers can develop their auditory skills and boost their creativity with this interactive activity. Begin by talking with your child about the concept of sound, explaining that sound is all around us, even if we don't always notice it. Then, take a phone or tablet on a walk whether it's in the park or through your neighborhood. Encourage your child to record the sounds they hear, such as birds, chirping, leaves rustling, or cars passing by. After the walk, listen to the recordings together, discuss what they hear, how the sounds make them feel, and see if they can identify each sound. This hands-on activity helps children connect with their environment while learning about sound. 

Go on a digital scavenger hund with your preschooler! Start by taking photos of various items around your house, such as letters, shapes, or numbers, and save them in a folder on your phone or tablet. Once you're ready, explain to your child that you'll be going on a scavenger hunt to find the items in the pictures. Show your child each photo one at a time and work together to locate those items around the house. When you find each one, talk about it. Discuss its shape, color, and what it looks like. This engaging activity encourages problem-solving, observation and language skills in a fun and interactive way. 

Sources:

Brightwheelblog. (2024.March,20). Digital Literacy: Technology Activities for Preschoolers. Digital Literacy: Technology Activities for Preschoolers

Kindergartners

Let your kindergartner create their own video! Using a smartphone, tablet or mini camcorder, explain to your child that they'll get to perform, and you'll record them. Let them choose their activity, whether it's singing, dancing, or reading a book aloud. Encourage them to practice a few times before recording their final performance. Afterward, watch the video together and talk about how they felt during their performance. If comfortable, you can share the video on a platform like YouTube so they can see themselves an celebrate their efforts. This activity boosts self-esteem, builds communication skills, and supports literacy development in a fun and creative way!

Try to Make My Tower! For this, you'll need a set of building blocks. Begin by explaining to your child that you'll each build your own structure. Once both towers are complete, take a photo of each structure. Next, take the photos and re-create each other's towers using the photos. Be sure to match the blocks, colors, shapes, and placement as closely as possible. Afterward, compare the recreated towers and discuss how they are similar and different. This engaging activity is a fun way to strengthen language and communication skills while encouraging creativity and attention to detail. 

 Sources:

We Are Teachers. Mulvahill,E. (2017.February,27). 8 Engaging Early Literacy Activities That Use Technology AND Hands-On Learning. 8 Engaging Early Literacy Activities That Use Technology 

First / Second / Third Graders

Interactive e-books and audiobooks- These can enhance children's reading experiences and make reading more engaging while supporting vocabulary development and comprehension skills. Different platforms offer a vast library of digital books tailored to various reading levels, allowing children to follow along with the narration and interact with the content. This approach caters to different learning styles and can be particularly beneficial for beginning readers. 

Digital Storytelling - Encouraging children to create their own stories using digital storytelling platforms can enhance their writing skills and creativity. Tools like Storybird allow children to craft narratives by combining text with illustrations, allowing both their writing and artistic abilities. This process not only improves their composition skills but also helps them understand story structure and develop a personal voice in writing. Sharing their digital stories with family members or friends can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivate further writing endeavors.  

Sources:

naeyc.(n.d).Technology and Young Children: School-Age Children. Technology and Young Children: School-Age Children | NAEYC  

Great APPs for Young Children 

Guidelines for Selecting Developmentally Appropriate APPs for Young Children 

• Target Specific Skills: Identify the areas of development you want the app to address, such as phonics, comprehension, or spelling to ensure it meets your child's learning needs. 

• Ensure Age Appropriateness: Choose apps specifically designed for your child's age group to ensure the content is not overly challenging or too simplistic keeping them engaged without causing frustration. 

• Research Thoroughly: Investigate apps by reading reviews from other parents and educators and consider products from reputable companies known for developing educational content. 

• Review Privacy and Safety Features: Examine the apps privacy policy to understand what date is collected and how it's used, ensuring it complies with child safety standards and protects your child's personal information. 

Recommended APPs that Focus on Literacy 

• Skybrary - Kids Books & Videos - Welcome to Skybrary! | Reading Is Fundamental 

Ages:  4+

This app provides a diverse library of books tailored to a child's unique interests and preferences, making reading an engaging and personalized experience. Children can select from a variety of themes and genres that spark their curiosity and imagination. The app offers two reading modes: They can choose to have books read aloud to them or to read the books independently at their own pace. The app encourages a lifelong love of reading while building literacy skills in a fun and supportive environment. 

• Starfall ABC's - ABCs - Learn the Alphabet | Starfall 

Ages: 3 - 5

The Starfall app promotes early literacy by introducing young children to letters and their corresponding sounds through interactive animations, songs, and activities. By combining phonics, visual aids, and engaging content, the app helps build foundational reading skills in an enjoyable and age-appropriate way. 

• Khan Academy Kids - Free, fun educational app for young kids | Khan Academy Kids 

Ages: 4 - 8 

This app promotes early literacy by offering a wide range of interactive activities, stories, and games that develop foundational reading skills like letter recognition, phonics, and vocabulary. Its personalized learning paths adapt to each child's progress, fostering a love for reading while building confidence and comprehension.