The document discusses the role of technology, particularly apps, in developing early literacy skills in children. It emphasizes the importance of selecting high-quality educational apps, engaging with children during tech use, and balancing screen time with real-world experiences. The author provides guidelines for choosing appropriate apps and suggests specific tools to enhance storytelling, vocabulary, and creativity.

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

2. 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 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, 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.

4. 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
•

5. 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>.

6. Swimming in a sea of apps:
criteria for choosing quality apps
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•
•
•
•
•
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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. 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/

8. Developing Early Literacy Skills
TALKING
SINGING
READING
WRITING
PLAYING

9. Apps to talk with:
Storytelling & drawing apps
Doodlecast for Kids
Draw & Tell
Sock Puppets - FREE

10. Apps to talk with:
Apps that build vocabulary
& letter knowledge
My A-Z
Tiny Tap - FREE

11. 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!

12. Apps to sing with:
Grow a Reader - FREE
Everyday Grooves - FREE

13. Apps to read with:
Whenever possible,
choose book apps with:
•Options to turn off
automatic narration
International
Children’s Digital
Library - FREE
•Individual word
highlighting
•Animated/interactive
features that do not
distract from the story.
Overdrive Media
Console - FREE

14. Apps to read with:
Sandra Boynton book-apps
Book apps by Nosy Crow
The Book of Holes
Byron Barton book-apps
Dr. Seuss book-apps

15. Apps to write with:
Drawing/scribbling apps
Drawing Pad
Drawing with Carl
Doodle Monkey - FREE
Fingerpaint with Sounds - FREE

16. Apps to write with:
Apps that teach letters & numbers
Beginning Writing Letters & Numbers
Interactive Alphabet
Intro to Letters
Numberland

17. Apps to play with:
Games that build vocabulary/background knowledge
Make It Pop!
Big Baby
Max & Ruby Science Educational Games

18. Apps to play with:
Apps that encourage play in the “real
world”
Alien Assignment - FREE
Play and Learn - FREE

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