Recently we have noticed
the children in the Kiwi Toddler room have become a little distracted with
other resources and each other at mat time. During this time we usually read
books, sing songs of the children’s choice, converse about what they may have
done the previous day or their experiences in relation to the book we are
reading. I think at this point they were getting bored with the reoccurrence of
these happenings, so I suggested that we read along with an electronic story.
Before I put this on for the children, I talked a bit about it and they were
excited to hear it. As the story started, there was absolute silence! They were
so into the book, listening and sitting ever so quietly, it was amazing! The
children followed the book as it was being red and actually paid attention to
the words, pictures and even started to sing along with the tune. With this use
of technology the children learnt recognition and recalling through the sound of each word
pronounced and the pictures on each page. Their reaction to certain
parts of the story like "I like that teacher" and "I got that in
my home" displayed their comprehension of what was happening in the
story. In addition to the learning that took place, it also encouraged the
children’s use of language and that it was another form of communication.
Throughout the day I noticed some of the children were rein acting
what we red in the story through their dramatic play. The story talked about
jungle animals and the children were dressing up in these costumes and making
the sounds effects to each one they were. This shows how effective the use of
this piece of technology was. It benefited the children in ways where they
still remembered and it was dictated throughout their play continuously. From
personal experience, the attention span of toddlers is quite short and the use
of electronic stories was a good way to keep them interested and focused.
Ministry of Education stated in regards to experiencing exploration, that toddlers
have opportunities to use different skills, such as listening, observation, remembering,
reflection, decision making and language skills (Te Wharki, 1996). This refines
and supports the technology I used for mat time. The electronic story did
enable the children these opportunities that contributed to their way of
expression and communication.
Although technology is
everywhere in the room, it’s not quite recognised for what it is in our room.
Smorti stated technology is about helping people and solving problems, it’s
also a creative and purposeful activity aimed at meeting needs and opportunities
through the development of products, systems or environments (Smorti, S. 1999).
In support of this statement I strongly agreed and applied this to my teaching.
I observed mat times weren't working out accordingly and I found a solution
through technology. I will continue to use electronic stories but every so
often so children don’t form a pattern of always expecting it. I have learnt
for myself as an educator how to enhance learning opportunities by using
technology and other ways of scaffolding a child's learning with positive outcomes.
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ReplyDeleteSorry I referenced Te Whariki wrong, Its suppose to be (Ministry Of Education, 1996).
ReplyDeleteKa pai Megan! It was a good idea to incorporate technology in children’s learning during mat time. Technology has become an essential part of the world that the children are going up in (Ministry of Education, 2007). Therefore it is quiet crucial that we as teachers implant the use of technology in our practice. Technology does not undermine children’s learning; if teachers use it correctly like you did, it can enhance, extend and increase children’s learning experiences (Tsantis, Bewick & Thouvenelle, 2003).
ReplyDeleteTechnology does indeed hold children’s attention for longer as children get so engrossed in it. Routine after routine can get boring for children as it would for an adult. However introducing technology can create a new and exciting experience. Te Whāriki supports this as it states that children should be given opportunities to enhance and develop skills that enable them to face the future and take on new challenges (Ministry of Education, 1996).
Hey Megan, I really enjoyed reading your blog as I have had the same experience in my centre. It is really great that you thought of an idea that could change the environment as well as the attitudes of children. Children were not only introduced to a new form of technology but they were well engaged with the story at mat time, great job. This also links with Te Whariki where children can provide opportunities of what they learn and emphasize with others (Ministry of Education, 1996). I believe that you have provided a consistent process of learning for children where they were able to extend this learning in the family corner by dressing up in animal suits and making the sounds of the animals. This clearly states how effective was the strategy that you used in keeping and extending children’s interest and allowing children to develop new interest (Gonzalez-Mena, 2008).
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ReplyDeleteI like how you noticed children was distract reflect on your practice and improve your practice by providing children something that is attractive and interesting, which encourages children to gain new knowledge and skills. I have a question for you, have you even though about is this technology developmentally appropriate? According to McManis and Gunnewig (2012), they point out that technology developmentally appropriate should be responsive to the ages and developmental levels of the children, to their individual needs and interests, and to their social and cultural contexts. As what I have read from your reflection, the age group that you have implemented the electronic story is toddler, so how can you make sure the electronic stories are developmental appropriate for them?
ReplyDeleteI like how you use technology to catch toddlers’ attention, but I think children will learn effectively if you can involve them to use the technology such as teach them how to choose their stories and allow them to play the story by themselves.
I am not feeling confidence with electronic story telling but I enjoyed how you plan and explain first the book is an electronic reading. Children always exciting in finding new things, new resources because it brings to their attention and they like to explore and feel or taste.I like the way how you started bringing children's attention with the animal sound, and you did really well Megan because when you use it correctly it enhance and extend and increase their learning for example, children acted out the story when they put on animal costumes(Bewick & Thouvenelle,2003).
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