Feature of the Month: Toddler Technology

No longer are toddlers wanting to play with daddy’s keys or mommy’s purse. Today, the new generation of children are more likely to want to play with mommy’s iPhone or daddy’s iPad. We know that toddlers love to mimic what their parents do, so why not turn the iPad into a valuable learning tool? Before the age of three years, children learn though many of their senses (e.g., sight, touch, hearing), and an early skill learned is that of cause and effect. With the iPad, that skill is easily taught with the press of a button, something instantly happens and the child receives an immediate positive reinforcement. The iPad is also easily accessible to toddlers, they can use it in a high chair, on the couch, during tummy time, in mommy’s lap, or even on their back. Some call it a 21st century “rattle,” and we like to view it as the most innovative learning tool on the market. This video is proof that toddlers will never know what life was like without mobile devices!

 

 

Where do we start when introducing the iPad to a toddler? With over 500,00 apps to choose from, how can you determine which ones will help your child learn language? The first step is determining your child’s developmental level and his main interests. Then, look for apps that mirror his interests and determine what he can learn from the apps while interacting with you. For example, maybe your child is not yet using words or sounds but you know he loves animals because he gets excited when he sees real animals or animals on TV. A good activity would be to play on the floor with him with some pretend animals and model the sounds the animals make. Then, you can extend the activity with the iPad by using one of the animal noise applications such as Zoola or Sound Touch. Let your child choose what animals he wants to hear and then wait to see if he will make the sound. Then, you take a turn and activate a different animal sound. During this activity he will be learning to make a variety of sounds (which are easier to do than words) and also learn turn taking skills, which are important when leaning to talk because during conversations we all take turns. When using apps with your toddler, always keep in mind that language learning is a social activity. Your child won’t learn language by taking your iPad and walking off with it to do his own thing!

When using the iPad with toddlers, try the following tips and tricks to keep the interaction going:

1. Observe what your child is interested in, what are his favorite real life activities and what apps are favorites?
2. Wait for your child to start the conversation such as giving him a turn first with the app and see what sparks his interest
3. Let your child lead by having him pick his favorite apps and then expand on his play with the app (e.g., if he likes the music apps then add gestures to the actions or take turns recording your own voice for the music)

We’ve narrowed down some of our favorites apps here for children between the ages of 2-3 years and arranged them by categories of early language learning. Some more key points to keep in mind when choosing apps for your toddler:

• What are your child’s interests? Does he love animals, music, vehicles, cooking, play dough?

• Find an app that will extend a play activity that your child enjoys (e.g., if he loves play dough then cut out some real play dough shapes and then try the cookie doodle app for virtual play dough play)

• The key to your child learning language is that he needs to stay engaged with you while using the app together

• Remember, the most important factor in your child’s success with the iPad is….you!

Here are some websites with app reviews for young children:

www.momswithapps.com

www.childrenstech.com

www.autismepicenter.com (app reviews for children with autism)

www.a4cwsn.com