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

1. Clara Hendricks, Children’s Librarian
Wellesley Free Library
October 28, 2013

2. All screens are not created equal
 Tablets/smartphones are multi-functional: camera,
notepad, picture book, TV, arcade, etc.
 Tablets are more developmentally appropriate
 Engage with your child
when using technology
 “Technology Pyramid” –
provide healthy doses of
Photo by Joe Shlabotnik
‘nourishing’ choices
 Limit screen time before bed
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3. 
Content
 Thoughtfully assess apps, rather than just setting time limits
 Anything can call itself ‘educational’
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Context
 In what context is the app being used?
 What role does technology play in the child’s life?
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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.

4. 
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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

5. 
AAP says no screen time under 2 but…
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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>.

6. 
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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

7. 
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Common Sense Media:
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/
Reading Rockets:
http://www.readingrockets.org/teaching/readin
g101/literacyapps/
Parents’ Choice: http://www.parentschoice.org/
Digital Storytime: http://digital-storytime.com/

8. TALKING
SINGING
READING
WRITING
PLAYING

9. Storytelling & drawing apps
Doodlecast for Kids
Draw & Tell

10. Storytelling apps
Feltboard
Sock Puppets - FREE

11. Apps that build vocabulary
Toddlers Seek and Find
My A-Z

12. Song apps
Wheels on
the Bus
Over in
the Jungle
Bunny Fun: Head, Shoulders,
Knees and Toes

13. Grow a Reader - FREE
Musical Me

14. Sandra Boynton book-apps
The Monster at the End of this Book
Pop-out: The Tale of Peter Rabbit

15. Red in Bed
The Three Little Pigs
Overdrive Media Console - FREE

16. Drawing/scribbling apps
Fingerpaint with Sounds - FREE
Drawing Pad

17. Apps that teach letters
iWriteWords
Interactive Alphabet
Intro to Letters

18. Games that build vocabulary/background knowledge
Panda’s Veggie Garden
Toca Kitchen
PEEP Games - FREE

19. Tiny Tap - FREE
Play and Learn - FREE

20. My contact information:
Clara Hendricks, Children’s Librarian
Wellesley Free Library
781-235-1610 x 1108
chendricks@minlib.net
www.wellesleyfreelibrary.org