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Raising ‘App-y’ Readers Apps to build early literacy skills Clara Hendricks, Children’s Librarian Wellesley Free Library January 27, 2014

Raising ‘app y’ readers 1.27.14

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A presentation on apps to build early literacy skills for young children, by Clara Hendricks, Children's Librarian at the Wellesley Free Library.

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Page 1: Raising ‘app y’ readers 1.27.14

Raising ‘App-y’ ReadersApps to build early literacy skills

Clara Hendricks, Children’s LibrarianWellesley Free LibraryJanuary 27, 2014

Page 2: Raising ‘app y’ readers 1.27.14

Technology and the Young Child

• All screens are not created equal• Tablets/smartphones are multi-functional:

camera, notepad, picture book, TV, arcade, etc.

• Tablets are more develop-mentally appropriate • Engage with your childwhen using technology

• “Technology Pyramid” – provide healthy doses of‘nourishing’ choices

• Limit screen time before bed

Photo by Joe Shlabotnik

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Content, Context, Child

• Content• Thoughtfully assess apps, rather than just setting time

limits• Anything can call itself ‘educational’

• Context• In what context is the app being used?• What role does technology play in the child’s life?

• Child• Children have individual developmental needs

Guernsey, L. (2012). Screen time: How electronic media-from baby videos to educational software-affects your young child. New York: Basic Books.

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Technology and the Real World

• Quality apps give kids tools that they can’t access in the “real-world”

• Make connections between technology and real-life experiences

• Use technology to enhance, not replace real-life experiences.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnyHMSz7JDE

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Apps for babies?

•AAP says no screen time under 2 but…• Research based on TV doesn’t always apply to

interactive technology•NAEYC and Fred Rogers Center: Interactive media use under 2 should be interactive and strengthen adult-child relationships.

"Position Statement." Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8. NAEYC & fRED ROGERS CENTER, January 2 2012. Web. 15 Oct 2013. <http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ PS_technology_WEB2.pdf>.

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Swimming in a sea of apps: criteria for choosing quality apps

• Option to turn sound/narration on/off• No ads or push-to-buy• Ease of use• Plain, clear, legible fonts• Not busy/distracting• Lasting power• Supports exploration, creativity,

interaction• Don’t use an app if there is a better

real-life solution

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App Reviews

•Common Sense Media: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/•Reading Rockets: http://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/reading101/literacyapps/

•Parents’ Choice: http://www.parents-choice.org/•Digital Storytime http://digital-storytime.com/

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Developing Early Literacy Skills

TALKINGSINGING

READINGWRITING

PLAYING

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Apps to talk with:

Storytelling & drawing apps

Doodlecast for Kids

Draw & Tell

Sock Puppets - FREE

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Apps to talk with:

Apps that build vocabulary & letter knowledge

My A-Z Tiny Tap - FREE

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Apps to sing with:

My First Songs

Mother Goose on the Loose Feltboard -FREE

Wee Sing A-B-C

Look for song apps where the lyrics are displayed and highlighted as the song is sung!

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Apps to sing with:

Everyday Grooves - FREE

Grow a Reader - FREE

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Apps to read with:

Overdrive Media Console - FREE

International Children’s Digital Library - FREE

Whenever possible, choose book apps with:

•Options to turn off automatic narration

•Individual word highlighting

•Animated/interactive features that do not distract from the story.

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Apps to read with:

Sandra Boynton book-apps

Dr. Seuss book-appsByron Barton book-apps

Book apps by Nosy Crow

The Book of Holes

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Apps to write with:

Drawing/scribbling apps

Drawing Pad

Fingerpaint with Sounds - FREE

Doodle Monkey - FREE

Drawing with Carl

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Apps to write with:

Apps that teach letters & numbers

Interactive Alphabet

Intro to Letters

Beginning Writing Letters & Numbers

Numberland

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Apps to play with:

Games that build vocabulary/background knowledge

Make It Pop!

Max & Ruby Science Educational Games

Big Baby

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Apps to play with:

Alien Assignment - FREE

Play and Learn - FREE

Apps that encourage play in the “real world”

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Questions?

My contact information:

Clara Hendricks, Children’s LibrarianWellesley Free Library781-235-1610 x [email protected]