Here are the first and second posts in Darien Library’s series about dealing with technology. The program also includes library events. Check out the library website for more weekly posts or sign up for tech emails and the library will send you one email a week through March 14:
Tech Series Week 1: Digital Darien (Jan. 15)
The big issue on every parent’s mind as tablets and apps abound is screen time. How much is appropriate for children? At what age should a child be exposed to media? What is the effect of screen time on young minds?
Darien Library photo
The research is constantly being updated. The main thing to keep in mind is that the answer to all these questions is: it’s up to you as a parent!
These rules are yours to make. It’s not that different from decisions you make around nutrition, education, and afterschool activities. At the library, we can help you with resources to help you make good decisions. [See also the event announcement at the bottom of this article.]
Tech Series Week 2: Screen Time & Your Family (Jan. 21)
So, how much screen time and when? The American Academy of Pediatrics used to recommend no screen time for children under two, but has since changed their tune.
Like other organizations, such as the National Association for the Education of Young Children and Fred Rogers Center, they now assert that “All screens are not created equal.”
Interactive media, such as apps on a phone or tablet, needs a different set of criteria than passive media like television.
Technology, when used correctly, can be beneficial in the “context of conversation and interaction with an adult” — especially for toddlers.
Preschoolers and Kindergartners can benefit from free exploration of interactive apps, especially when connected to real life learning and relationships.
Here are some ideas for ways to use media in an educational way with children:
- Make a media plan. Think about apps used, hours spent, and who is using the media.
- The key to media use with young children is joint media engagement. When an adult is there to give context to the app, it makes using a tablet into a learning opportunity. Just like reading a book, playing apps should be a collaborative activity with your child.
- Let apps inspire real life play! Connect what you’re seeing in media to what you’re seeing in real life. For instance, after playing Build a Train, talk about things you’ve seen in the game in the car.
- Be a media model! You are your child’s first model for media use.
- Connect your app use to the five early literacy practices: read, write, talk, sing, and play.
We are always available to talk about screen time and technology here at the library, and have many books in our collection to support you!
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LIBRARY EVENT: “App Evaluation for Parents”
An announcement from Darien Library:
Thursday, Jan. 28 at 4:15 p.m.
With the millions of apps out there, it can be difficult to choose good apps for your kids. Join us as we discuss evaluation techniques.
Open – no registration necessary. Parents.
*Concurrent to our kid’s art program Bookworms for 4-7 year olds.