West River Head Start
Teaching Strategies GOLD
A Letter to the Families about Technology
In our program we are delighted to have iPads, tablets, computers and/or laptops as learning tools for the children. Here are some of the things children learn when they use computers:
to be comfortable with technology
beginning reading and writing skills
math skills and concepts such as counting and numerical relationships
how to express themselves creatively
how to solve problems and begin to do research
We encourage children to work in pairs or small groups. This helps them learn from each other and develops their social skills at the same time. While the children are working with technology, we ask them questions to help them think about what they’re doing:
“What made you decide to choose this program to work on?”
“How can we use the iPad to send a copy of your painting to your grandparents?”
“What would you like to do with the printouts you made today?”
By working with children in these ways, we not only encourage their growth and development but also help prepare them for a future in which they will need to know how to work with current technology.
What You Can Do at Home
You may or may not have a tablet, iPad, laptop or computer in your home. It is certainly not necessary that you do for your child to benefit from our program’s Technology Area. If you do have a home computer and would like to know some things that you can do with your child, please ask. We will be glad to provide you with assistance, including how to judge which programs and Internet sites are appropriate for use with young children. We have some good information on this topic that we’d like to share with you.
You may be interested in visiting our program to observe how children use technology. If you’d like to volunteer to work with children in the Technology Area, we’d be delighted to have your help. You may even enjoy learning more about the devices yourself!
© 2002 Teaching Strategies, Inc.
Permission is granted to duplicate the material on this page for use in programs implementing The Creative Curriculum® for Preschool.