FCS: Child Development Laboratory @ NCAT

Digital literacy and technology usage for preschoolers involves developing basic skills and understanding that enable young children to interact with and use digital devices and technologies safely, effectively, and creatively. This foundational stage of digital literacy includes several key components:

• Basic Navigation Skills:

  • Learning to operate devices such as tablets, computers, and smartphones, including turning them on and off, using touch screens, and navigating basic interfaces.

• Understanding Digital Tools and Content:

  • Recognizing different digital tools (e.g., educational apps, games, e-books) and their purposes.
  • Engaging with age-appropriate digital content that fosters learning and creativity.

• Safety and Responsibility:

  • Beginning to understand the importance of safe and responsible use of digital devices, such as not sharing personal information and seeking help from adults when encountering something unfamiliar or uncomfortable.

• Developing Digital Communication Skills:

  • Using digital devices to communicate in simple ways, like sending voice messages or participating in video calls with family members under supervision.

• Creativity and Problem-Solving:

  • Encouraging the use of digital tools for creative expression, such as drawing, storytelling, and simple coding activities.

1. Daily Routine Integration

• Morning Circle Time: Use a tablet or interactive whiteboard to display the day’s weather, calendar, and schedule, integrating technology into the daily routine.
• Story Time: Incorporate digital storybooks and e-books, enriching literacy activities.

2. Interactive Learning Centers

• Digital Art Station: Set up a tablet with drawing apps like “Doodle Buddy” or “Toca Boca” for creative expression, supporting artistic development.
• Math and Literacy Centers: Use apps like “Endless Alphabet” or “Monkey Math” to reinforce basic skills through interactive activities.

3. Group Activities

• Virtual Field Trips: Use online resources to take virtual tours of places like zoos, aquariums, and museums, supporting the study topics.
• Collaborative Projects: Use digital tools like “Book Creator” for group storytelling and digital book creation, fostering social and emotional development.

4. Hands-On and Digital Balance

• STEM Activities: Combine physical building blocks with apps like “LEGO Duplo” to teach basic engineering and math concepts, aligning with cognitive and physical development goals.
• Nature Exploration: Use a digital camera or tablet to document nature walks, then research findings together in the classroom, integrating technology with science and nature activities.

• Stay Updated: Keep up with new educational apps and digital tools by joining teacher forums and attending workshops.
• Parental Involvement: Share information with parents about the digital tools being used and how they can support learning at home.
• Monitor Usage: Regularly monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the digital tools and adjust as necessary.
• Encourage Creativity: Use technology to foster creativity and exploration, not just for rote learning.

1. Educational Apps

• Endless Alphabet: Helps children learn letters and build vocabulary with interactive word puzzles.
• PBS Kids Games: Offers a variety of educational games featuring popular PBS characters.
• Starfall ABCs: An app that teaches letters and sounds through interactive games and activities.

2. Digital Storybooks

• Epic!: Provides access to a vast library of digital books and read-along videos for children.
• Storyline Online: Features videos of actors reading popular children’s books aloud.

3. Interactive Learning Tools

• Tiggly: Offers interactive toys that work with educational apps to teach shapes, numbers, and letters.