in the Preschoolers in Rotation Discussion Board
moved here by moderator.
Written by Neil McQueen
FOLLOW UP on Preschoolers in the Computer Lab. I've now had preschoolers, ages 3 1/2 to 5, coming in to my computer lab for the past 2 years. It has been going surprisingly well.
- My most important observation is also an "assumption buster." Traditional assumptions are that preschoolers need a constant mix of activities and can't sit still for long periods. Yet in our computer lab we routinely spend 25 minutes at the computer.
They are enthralled by it. - Another "assumption buster" is that they CAN share --as long as you work with them.
Even when using short programs, such as the stories in Play & Learn Children's Bible CD, we routinely take our time, talk, click, and when done with the story --go back and do it again with another child at the mouse. They enjoy it. - Another assumption buster --we don't always need 'preschool-ish' software to use with them.
I've used some older kid’s software with preschoolers with great success. Even the complicated game/story programs like Joseph's Story CD are easy to use IF you have someone there to help the kids run the mouse. Extra HELP is essential. - Here are THREE THINGS I include in almost every computer class, in addition to time spent at the computer:
1. Storytelling time
I don't read to them. Instead, we re-enact the story using puppets and dolls and props. Last Sunday one kid's blankie became the Red Sea. He loved it. We take some story-telling liberties and the kids don't just sit and watch, they help.
2. Coloring Time
After using the software we work on a picture related to the story. They love it and it serves as a "go home" reminder
3. Snack Time
We regularly go on a "snack-hunt" down to the church kitchen. They love that too. In fact, I wouldn't keep the snacks in the lab if I could. - Would I schedule preschoolers into my computer lab at the expense of the older kids' time there? NO. But given the opportunity to have preschoolers in the lab --it has certainly worked out quite well.
- One last comment: the parents and grandparents of our preschoolers think it is very cool that their kids are learning with software at church.
Post by Cindy T
Play & Learn Bible CD (by the way, this is one of the best children's software I have ever seen - - the kids and adults loved it!) in the computer workshop, I noticed how the kindergarteners were helping the preschoolers and how each received so much from that interaction. The kids were singing along with the music on the software, they were helping each other with using the mouse - - it worked out extremely well.
