Preschool & Pre-K | Applied Technologies | ALA (2024)

FAQs

What kind of technology can I use in a preschool classroom? ›

Digital cameras and tablets can be used to capture and share images, videos, and other multimedia content with students. This can be a great way for kids to document their learning and share their experiences with others.

Hands-On Activities

Hands-on experiences, especially those that are repeated, also facilitate learning. As your preschooler explores an action multiple times, they're making sense of what's going on. As they engage with their environment, they observe, ask questions, and assess their surroundings.

Childcare centers and preschools provide environments that mirror the classroom to encourage adaptability and prepare children for future academic challenges. These early educational settings also play a crucial role by imparting various skills necessary for healthy development.

Learning Goals: Use tools such as forks, spoons, tweezers, clothespins, or paintbrushes with ease. Dress and undress without help. Draw shapes and write letters and numbers.

The first thing to teach preschoolers is counting and letters. These skills are foundational to all knowledge they'll acquire throughout the year; starting here is best.

Storytelling and puppetry: These are powerful tools in pre-primary teaching methods. They not only captivate a child's attention but also enhance their vocabulary, listening skills, and comprehension abilities. Field trips and real-world exploration: These provide children with hands-on experiences.

The essential indicators of quality preschool

Opportunities for art, music/movement, science, math, block play, sand, water, and dramatic play are provided daily. There are materials and activities to promote understanding and acceptance of diversity. Parents are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the program.

Children will learn, in fun and engaging ways, about the early concepts of reading, math, and language. They are often exposed to earth science, art, music, and simple history. As children learn these pre-academic skills, they can enter kindergarten and grade school better equipped to learn harder concepts.

What math do preschoolers learn? ›

Numerical concepts ask the question, “How many?” and are referred to as discrete quantities because they can be counted. Mathematics during the preschool years should focus on number, geometry, measurement, algebra and patterns, and problem-solving.

Preschool teachers are central role models in a young child's life. Early childhood educators support children during a pivotal time of academic development and personal growth. Preschool is often a child's first time away from their parents for an extended period.

Aspiring preschool teachers in California can earn either an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education or childhood development. Choose an undergraduate program accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), which establishes standards for teacher preparation in California.

Assistive Technology, or AT, refers to items, devices or adaptations that enable a child with a disability to actively participate in their world. AT can help them play independently with toys or with other children, communicate their needs and ideas, make choices, and move around on their own.

Technology and Developmentally Appropriate Content

The ECERS-3 defines developmentally appropriate content as materials that are right for the ages and abilities of the children and do not send negative messages, promote stereotypes or compromise the emotional security of any child in the group.

Several examples of successful technology integration in Montessori classrooms include: What is this? Interactive Learning Apps: Apps that focus on math, language, and science have been used to complement traditional Montessori materials, allowing students to explore concepts at their own pace.