Our October Literacy Launch Pad meeting was about ways we can use the iPad or iPhone to support our kids as they are learning to communicate and read. We shared some of our favorite apps, and discussed how to use this technology wisely.
I found these very sensible tips from the Oregon Division for Early Childhood (Oregon DEC):
·
Provide
children with
an
abundance
of
opportunities
to learn concepts
through
sensory
experiences, movement
and
by
exploring
toys, objects, materials
and
their
environment.
Technology
should
NEVER totally replace
opportunities
for active
engagement
unless
the
child
is
unable
to
explore
on
their
own
because of his/her disability.
·
Some
children
are
especially
engaged
with
iOS devices because
apps
are
visually engaging
and
feature
music
and
novel
experiences.
Other
children
appreciate
apps
because
the
activities
are
predictable
and
consistent.
·
Select
apps
that
feature
the
child’s
area
of
interest (trains, animals,
coloring,
etc.).
·
Create
opportunities
for
children
to
play with
the iPad
beside
or
with
other
children.
·
Limit
the
amount
of time
young
children
are
allowed to
play
with
iPads
to
short
periods
of
time
(10‐15
minutes at
a
time).
Play
together
with
your
child
to
teach
joint
attention, expressive
and
receptive
language, literacy
and
numeracy
concepts, social
skills
and
other
needed
skills.
·
When
using
iOS devices
for
the
purpose
of
assistive
technology,
consider
the
child’s
need
for
assistive
technology
by
looking
at
the
child’s
skills
and
needs, the
demands
of
the
environment, tasks to
be
accomplished
and
other
tools
available.
Begin
with
low‐tech
solutions
(such
as
object
and
picture
schedules, simple
AAC
devices, etc.).
If
a
child
is
more
proficient
using
a
low‐tech
system than
an
iOS
device,
then
the
low‐tech
system
is
the
preferred
system.
Don’t
be
fooled
by
the
excitement
of
new
technology)
·
When
using
iOS devices
for
AAC with
very
young
children, assess the
child’s receptive understanding of words,
understanding
of
two dimensional
picture
representation,
ability
to
choose
between
multiple
pictures
presented,
size
of
pictures
needed
as
well
as portability
and
accessibility
of
the
device.
·
Personalize
your
child’s
stories
and
favorite
apps
with
familiar
pictures
(such
as
favorite
toys,
family members, friends,
etc.) Teach skills through
social
stories.
Since iOS devices are so portable and accessible, remember to protect your device with protective cases.
These are all good things to keep in mind before you hand that iPad over to your preschooler!
Since iOS devices are so portable and accessible, remember to protect your device with protective cases.
These are all good things to keep in mind before you hand that iPad over to your preschooler!
Turning it into snuggle time with Daddy.
· Disable the home button
o
Bubcap ($6.99 on Amazon.com)
o
Use a large binder clip
·
Childproof covers (Otterbox, Gripcase)
·
Make a folder for the child’s own apps:
o
Hold down an app until they all “jiggle”
o
Drag one app on top of another
o
Name the folder
o
Then you
can drag other apps into the new folder
Anthony can choose an app from his folder.
Here are some of our favorite apps:
Special
Stories (for making homemade books, social stories)
Little Reader from Brill Kids (flashcards; see Brill Kids website for tips on use)
Starfall (alphabet, phonics)
Peek-a-boo barn/Peek-a-boo wild (Animal sounds, words, learning to navigate, easy, fun, good for younger
kids too)
Special Words (Reading program from Down Syndrome Education International; can add your own words
and phrases)
Also see decoregon.org/apps for a great list of other apps, and links to still more lists.
There are so many out there, it's almost impossible to narrow them down into a manageable list. An app that
holds the attention of one child might seem completely boring to another. It's a matter of finding out what fits
best for the individual child.
We plan to continue to share our own app finds and update this list periodically, so check back!
Little Reader from Brill Kids (flashcards; see Brill Kids website for tips on use)
Starfall (alphabet, phonics)
Peek-a-boo barn/Peek-a-boo wild (Animal sounds, words, learning to navigate, easy, fun, good for younger
kids too)
Special Words (Reading program from Down Syndrome Education International; can add your own words
and phrases)
Also see decoregon.org/apps for a great list of other apps, and links to still more lists.
There are so many out there, it's almost impossible to narrow them down into a manageable list. An app that
holds the attention of one child might seem completely boring to another. It's a matter of finding out what fits
best for the individual child.
We plan to continue to share our own app finds and update this list periodically, so check back!
And most importantly, if it's not fun, don't do it!
No comments:
Post a Comment