Technology is a major part of modern society. However, it’s said that exposing young children to technology, in particular, during the first few years, can be harmful to their development. Nevertheless, what’s now realised is that integrating technology into the kindergarten curriculum may serve as a positive and beneficial experience when used appropriately. The key is knowing how to find the balance between utilising technology as more of a helpful educational tool rather than being a replacement.
Technology in kindergarten, through Woodlands ELC’s innovative approach, may provide your child, and their educators with an opportunity to teach and receive education using an engaging medium.
To learn more about our Kindergarten program, click here
The Benefits of Using Technology in the Kindergarten Classroom
The benefits of using technology in the kindergarten classroom can provide enhanced engagement, personalised learning experiences, and digital literacy. We’re not substituting tactile skills such as handwriting or hands-on activities, rather, it’s about establishing a fundamental understanding and application of technology.
Technology provides interactive and stimulating learning experiences that captivate children’s attention. Technology provides interactive and stimulating learning experiences that captivate children’s attention. According to the findings, published in the Using Technology to Enhance Early Childhood Learning: The 100 Days of School Project article, “results of the study also demonstrate that use of technology promoted increased student motivation, enhanced learning in areas such as literacy, mathematics, and social studies, fostered social interaction, and built student confidence level. Critical factors that affected the success of the project included teacher professional development and administrative support.” *(Mouza, 2005).
Furthermore, finding age-appropriate, technology-based activities will not only teach the fundamentals of technology, and provide engaging educational benefits. Therefore, enhancing the learning experience and addressing different areas of childhood development. Additionally, STEAM learning activities and programs complement perfectly with technology.
In a literature review outlining the positive impact of technology use in early childhood education, in the home and the classroom, it was concluded by stating, “the use of technology in early childhood is an effective way for students to gain confidence, creativity, and collaboration while learning. By using digital tools in the classroom, teachers can educate students as 21st-century learners who use technology to remain engaged, build academic skills, and stay motivated.” **(Davidson, P. 2021)
Creating a personalised learning experience provides an educator with an opportunity to create a suitable learning experience aligned with the kindergarten curriculum.
Practical Ways to Integrate Technology in Kindergarten
Educators can incorporate technology into their teaching methods through the use of educational apps, interactive games, and digital storytelling. Woodlands ELC incorporates technological interactive learning experiences into the curriculum.
Here’s how to use technology in a kindergarten classroom using apps. Many have extensive educational resources, programs, and ongoing support:
For educational apps:
- Consider age-appropriate STEAM apps like ABCMouse or Mathletics.
- ABC Reading Eggs (Great for foundational literacy and numeracy skills)
- Duolingo (Fun interactive language app)
Interactive Games/apps: (Great for cognitive development.)
- PBS Kids games
- Toca Boca
Digital storytelling:
- iPad apps such as Book Creator are a great option for creating “social stories” or “creative stories” to demonstrate and convey how to learn a skill, conduct behaviour or create an imaginative tale (I.e. “how to use kind hands”, “how to make friends”, a story about dinosaurs or mermaids etc.)
These options provide a fun interactive experience to enhance creativity, literacy, and group work environment.
Top Technology Activities for Kindergarten
Here’s a list of apps with technology activities for kindergarten that focus on promoting creativity, problem-solving, and basic coding skills.
- Hopster Coding Safari (ages 2 years and up) – Can teach children the fundamentals of coding and pre-coding skills like problem-solving and computational thinking.
- ScratchJr. (Ages 5-7) – A block-based coding platform offers colourful blocks that represent coding commands, allowing children to create interactive stories, games, and animations while learning basic coding concepts such as sequencing.
- Artie’s Magic Pencil or Drawing Pad – Provides tools to create digital artwork, sparking creativity and fine motor skills while encouraging experimentation, and self-expression.
- Endless Puzzles or Busy Shapes – Offers interactive puzzles that promote problem-solving, spatial awareness, and cognitive skills in a fun and engaging way.
- Sago Mini World – A sensory exploration providing interactive, open-ended play experiences that stimulate senses, and curiosity. Enhancing emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
How Woodlands Early Learning Centre Incorporates Technology
Woodlands ELC’s use of technology serves as a vital communication and educational tool between educators, children, and their parents.
We use specific apps as a form of communication between the educator and parent/caregiver. The apps allow us to upload photos and videos that showcase what your child is learning daily/weekly. These include learning modules, observations, areas of learning, and personalised suggestions on areas that require further exploration.
Ongoing communication between educators and parents is of the utmost importance to assist the children’s development and educators’ teaching methods and objectives.
The consistent updates and feedback offer insight into your child’s progression. The collaborative process between educators and families has a positive impact on your child’s learning outcomes, therefore boosting your child’s confidence and giving reassurance to the families.
Preparing for the Future: The Role of Technology in Early Education
Introducing children to technology at an early age equips them with vital 21st-century skills, preparing them for future educational and career endeavours.
Interactive educational apps and games encourage cognitive development and creativity, while digital storytelling enhances communication skills. Moreover, early technology exposure instills adaptability and resilience in navigating rapidly through the ever-evolving digital society.
However, balancing screen time with traditional learning methods is crucial to ensure a more holistic development. While technology offers numerous benefits, excessive screen time can impede social skills, physical activity, and attention span. Educators and parents should integrate technology purposefully, incorporating hands-on activities, outdoor play, and face-to-face interactions.
The balanced approach promotes well-rounded development, igniting creativity, social-emotional skills, and physical health alongside technological proficiency. By striking this balance, children gain the skills and competencies necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world while maintaining a strong foundation in traditional learning principles.
Ensuring a Balanced Approach to Technology in Kindergarten
Here are some practical tips for maintaining a healthy balance between appropriate technology use and traditional play-based learning:
1. Allocate set time limits. Establish clear guidelines for screen time and ensure it remains balanced with other play-based activities.
2. Combine hands-on exploratory play with technology-based activities. ( I.e Dinosaur-themed iPad activity with a sensory-based activity to demonstrate comprehension and application.)
3. Take a break from excessive technology usage. Here are some play-based ideas for busy hands and active minds.
- Love drawing or art? Stationary, paint, and colouring books are always a hit!
- Practice handwriting with wipe-away handwriting books. A great “school-readiness” activity!
- Fidget toys, Lego and Play-Doh are great for fine motor skills.
4. Outdoor play activities like ball games, bike/scooter, gardening or Flisset table/messy play activities are fantastic for active and inquisitive minds/bodies. Outdoor play improves gross motor, communication skills, and imaginative play.
The Importance of Digital Literacy from an Early Age
Integrating and developing digital literacy skills from a young age helps better prepare your child for the technology-driven world. Woodlands supports this development by offering age-appropriate interactive games and activities, through the guidance of our educators.
Your child will learn foundational digital skills, which may develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities necessary for online safety and responsible technology use.
As your child prepares themselves to transition from kindergarten to primary, they’ll have a basic familiarity with how to use and navigate technology. Setting boundaries and expectations during the early years will assist with responsible technology usage.
Navigating Concerns: Technology Use in Early Childhood Education
We understand that many parents and educators may have concerns about technology use in kindergarten.
Technology is used intentionally, not just to pass the time. It is considered a tool used for learning and meeting developmental objectives. Technology is used as a form of communication and in conjunction with our learning program. Setting clear, screen time limits, age-appropriate content, and cyber-safety measures early ensures proper technological responsibility.
For further information relating to our technology use click here
Joining the Digital Age with Woodlands Early Learning Centre
The importance of integrating technology into early childhood education will ensure your child has their best foot forward in a digital world.
Woodlands Early Learning Centre stands at the forefront of this initiative by providing a technology-enhanced learning environment that nurtures digital literacy skills from a young age.
We encourage parents to explore Woodlands’ innovative approach to early learning, where technology is smoothly integrated into the curriculum to support children’s development and prepare them for future success in a technology-driven world. Join us in shaping the next generation of digitally fluent learners.
To learn more about how we can guide your little learner or book a tour of our many campuses, click here
