Introducing our first Tech Play Recipe blog post!
This is a series of simple, easy to follow ways to use technology you have at home to creatively build on young children’s learning. As with everything we create, each activity includes one or more of the 5 early childhood skills young children need to engage in everyday to learn and explore the world around them: Reading, Playing, Talking, Writing, and Singing.
Tech is a daily part of our lives, but we see children engaging in it more passively by watching a show, or using apps that mostly promote rote learning. Our Tech Recipes aim to engage kids to learn while DOING and CREATING.
Have fun, and don’t forget to read a book!
Tech Play Recipe: Digital Feelings Book
Create a digital or printed book about feelings and emotions by taking a series of animated selfies!
You will need:
- Smartphone or tablet with camera
- Printer (optional)
Process:
- Think of some words to describe emotions: happy, sad, scared, silly, surprised, excited, angry, shy, and more!
- Take turns taking pictures/selfies of you and the child making faces that convey each emotion.
- Extend the activity by talking about a time you felt each emotion, and why?
- Create a digital photo album in your phone or on your tablet, and “read” the book you created! Print it out and staple it if you can.
- Use the photos the next time one of you is feeling one of those emotions.
Tech Tips for Young Children:
- Co-view media together: talk with your child, watch, listen and play along.
- Choose media that matches your child’s interests, and is age appropriate.
- Create a screen free zone in the bedroom to ensure healthy sleep habits.
- Be a role model by limiting your own media usage, your child will follow your lead!
- Set rules for screen time together as a family. Use our Family Media Plan !
For more tips on managing screen/tech time with your little ones, check out our post: Balancing Your Family's Screen Time in Difficult Times
Add new comment