Information, communication and technology (ICT) is often overlooked in a nursery environment. It is tempting to just find a CD player and get the children to use the buttons to stop and start a song and feel that we are using ‘technology’. At Apricot nursery we have decided to take a much more proactive approach. We understand that technology is a part of everyday life for children and adults alike. As the world fills itself with more technology we want to enable our nursery children to have a great introduction to this development.
At Apricot Nursery we will be supporting children’s learning using various apps on our new interactive screen for the children. We have invested in this so that we can introduce toddlers and preschool children to the benefits of technology in a safe and controlled manner. The apps we use relate to all seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), in particular we have enjoyed using Yellow Door apps that are designed specifically for toddlers to help extend their learning using imagery and audio in a fun and easy to use interface. The interactive screen also allows many learning experiences to be shared as it is large and easy to see for a large group of children.
Our practitioners play a vital role ensuring that technology is used to promote awareness and development of key skills. They do this by linking technology to the world around them and showing the children the purpose of technology in a positive light. Using technology to gain knowledge can be fun and educational at the same time.
Apricot nursery wants this new generation of children to feel safe not only in their environment but also in the virtual environment of technology. Whilst supporting children’s learning Apricot nursery acknowledges the dangers of the web for children. We will be working with parents and carers sharing ways to keep children safe online.
What you can do now:
1 – Set parental controls – all tablets, phones and personal computers have parental controls that are easy to set up.
2 – Talk about Safety on the tablet – even at an early age it is ok to discuss the how to be safe on a tablet, phone or computer
3 – Set boundaries – time limits are great discipline to put in place, they allow children to be aware of limits and ensure that they are not becoming dependant on or addicted to screens.
Some great FREE applications to help children’s development include:
Beebot – this helps with language and communication and understand positional language.
Number Train – Number train supports maths and is a simple to use application.
Letter School – has in-app purchases – this is a great app to develop ABC’s and letter writing and helps with fine motor skills.
The NSPCC has great guidance online; please follow this link.
For more information about Apricot’s nursery in Peterborough, contact us on 01733 390 969 or click the bold link.