Teachers need so many things in their teaching backpack to provide the best education for their students.

• They need to know their subject matter.
• They need to know their students and their needs.
• They need to know strategies that both meet their learning objectives and inspire their students.

Then they need to put this all into action. To do this they stock up on traditional teaching tools – paper, pencils, markers, and books. Today they also stuff in digital cameras, tablets, and more.

Before you do so, become familiar with how technology is best used with children.

Technology Guidelines

The NAEYC and the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning have issued a joint statement of the role of technology in young children’s lives.

Their recommendations briefly summarized are:

1. Carefully select DAP technology and interactive media tools on the basis of quality, children’s needs and experience, and the opportunity for co-engagement. It should not replace hands-on activities.
2. Provide balance. Use technology to support children’s active, creative, hands-on, and authentic engagement with those around them and the world.
3. Prohibit passive use of screen media and technologies, such as watching television shows and videos, for children under two. Discourage non-interactive, passive use by children two to five.
4. Passive screen time limits: For under two they recommend zero hours. For preschoolers they suggest 30 minutes per week during childcare and one to two hours total quality screen time per day.
5. For children under two use interactive technologies, such as talking about digital photographs of family members, using a video app to talk to family members during care, and reading e-books together, to strengthen adult-child relationships.
6. Ensure equitable access to technology for all children regardless of where they live and what their economic situations is.

Click here to read the entire Policy Statement.

Make Digital Technology Your Second Choice

When in doubt, always opt for real objects and hands-on learning.

Instead of showing a video of an animal, observe real animals. Have a class pet, go outside and become nature explorers. Look for insects, birds, and small mammals. Plant seeds. Collect leaves. Study clouds. Yes, it is more work. But it also far more memorable. Looking for ideas: See https://stemfun4kids.com/2015/04/10/clouds-a-sensory-observation/

Create real things. Instead of coloring in shapes on a computer screen, use scissors, colored paper, and paste to build imaginative collages. Splash with paint. Mess with real clay. Build box houses and boats. Yes, it is messy. But solving the real problems that occur when working with unpredictable materials develops thinking skills and fine motor control. Looking for ideas: See https://growingartists.net

Where do you stand on using digital technology with young children?