A recent article in the telegraph said that “Children today are part of a digital generation that has grown up in a world surrounded by technology and the internet, and they are using mobile phones, tablets, e-readers and computers on a daily basis,”
It went on to say “The temptation for many parents is to view technology as ruining the ‘essence of childhood’ and added “Research by web security firm AVG claims that more small children can play a computer game or use a smartphone application than ride a bike, tie their own shoelaces or swim unaided”.
However, Technology in the early years is not about using a tablet, computer or mobile phone all day but can be explored in a number of ways.
Development Matters in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) says that for babies from birth-20 months “The beginnings of understanding technology lie in babies exploring and making sense of objects and how they behave”
It suggests that –
A child aged 16-20 months
- Anticipates repeated sounds, sights and actions, e.g. when an adult demonstrates an action toy several times.
- Shows interest in toys with buttons, flaps and simple mechanisms and beginning to learn to operate them.
A child of 22-36 months child –
- Seeks to acquire basic skills in turning on and operating some ICT equipment.
- Operates mechanical toys, e.g. turns the knob on a wind-up toy or pulls back on a friction car.
A child 30-50 months –
- Knows how to operate simple equipment, e.g. turns on CD player and uses remote control.
- Shows an interest in technological toys with knobs or pulleys, or real objects such as cameras or mobile phones.
- Shows skill in making toys work by pressing parts or lifting flaps to achieve effects such as sound, movements or new images.
- Knows that information can be retrieved from computers
A child 40-60 months+ –
- Completes a simple program on a computer.
- Uses ICT hardware to interact with age-appropriate computer software.
Here at Aston Childcare these are just some of the ICT resources I have available to children –
- Push the button books
- Lift the flap books
- Books with shutters and rotating parts
- Friction cars
- Remote controls
- Remote control cars/tractors
- Car keys
- Push button toys (such as Happyland)
- Light dimmer switch
- Kitchen tools such as egg whisk, electric mixer
- In the community: pelican crossings, using shop self-service checkouts
On my wishlist is a karaoke machine, an electric keyboard, a wind up torch and some pulleys!