Theme 02 - Children and Screens

 Children and Digital Media 

Introducing Children to Digital Media in Preschool: A Smart Start

In today's digital age, children are exposed to technology from an early age. As educators and caregivers, it is our responsibility to ensure that their first steps into the digital world are safe, educational, and balanced. Digital media can be a valuable tool in preschool settings, but it must be used thoughtfully. So how can we help young children navigate the digital landscape while fostering media literacy?

Teaching Media Literacy in Early Childhood Education

Media literacy is more than just knowing how to use a device. It involves understanding content, recognizing emotions, and developing critical thinking skills. In early childhood education, media literacy should be introduced in a playful, interactive, and guided manner. This helps children build a healthy relationship with digital media while encouraging creativity and social interaction (MLL, n.d.).Here are some engaging and developmentally appropriate activities that introduce young children to digital media in a responsible way:

1. Digital Storytelling with Interactive Books

• Use story apps that allow children to listen to and interact with animated stories.

• Encourage children to narrate their own versions of stories using simple recording apps.

• Discuss story elements such as characters, settings, and emotions to build comprehension skills.

2. Photo Exploration and Digital Art

• Let children take pictures of their surroundings and discuss what they captured.

• Use digital drawing apps to allow them to express their creativity.

• Compare digital and traditional art methods, encouraging tactile experiences alongside digital ones.

3. Educational Videos and Guided Discussions

• Show short, age-appropriate educational videos on nature, science, or emotions.

• Ask open-ended questions: "What did you learn?" or "How did the character feel?"

• Teach children to differentiate between real and make-believe in digital content.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Media in Preschool

Advantages:

✔ Enhances learning through interactive and engaging content.
✔ Improves digital skills from an early age.
✔ Encourages creativity and problem-solving.
✔ Provides access to diverse educational resources.
✔ Strengthens early literacy and numeracy skills (MLL, n.d.).

Disadvantages:

❌ Excessive screen time can impact physical activity and social interactions.
❌ Some digital content may not be age-appropriate without proper supervision.
❌ Overreliance on digital tools may reduce hands-on learning experiences.

❌ Can contribute to shorter attention spans if not balanced with offline activities (OPH, 2018). 

Finding the Right Balance

Digital media should never replace traditional play, social interactions, or outdoor activities. Instead, it should complement them. In preschool, digital tools should be used purposefully and in moderation. Caregivers and educators play a crucial role in guiding children through digital experiences, ensuring they are beneficial rather than overwhelming (MLL, n.d.; OPH, 2018).

By thoughtfully integrating digital media into preschool activities, we can set a strong foundation for lifelong media literacy, helping children become responsible and mindful digital users. Here you have a nice video regarding the topic. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ8SPrD26dk

How do you incorporate digital media in early childhood education? Share your thoughts in the comments! 😊

🌸By Maneesha Thathsarani🌸

References 

MLL. (n.d.). Media Education. Mannerheim League for Child Welfare. Retrieved from https://www.mll.fi/en/about-mll/media-education/

OPH. (2018). National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care: In a Nutshell. Finnish National Agency for Education. Retrieved from https://www.oph.fi/en/education-and-qualifications/national-core-curriculum-ecec-nutshell