Since most households now have access to a smart phone or a tablet, it’s time to start looking at free and inexpensive resources which are available to us. It’s very easy to give a child a tablet or phone and let them watch, but it’s so much more beneficial to let them play and discover.
Anytime I walk into a classroom with my iPad, I know the children will ALL want a turn for whatever activity I have planned. These young learners are already, “technologically literate.” They know more about my iPad then I do. It is truly amazing to watch these children dive into technology as if it were a second language.
Below you’ll find links to a website which gives recommendations for “the best music apps for children,” and “the best Spanish apps for children.” Most of them are either free or reasonably priced. They contain the Mr. Hunter Seal of Approval!
Music apps: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/best-music-apps-for-kids
Spanish apps: http://bestappsforkids.com/category/apps-for-education/language-apps/learning-spanish/
With the latest update from Apple computers, iOs 8, all iPhones and iPads have been uploaded with a great program called “Garage Band”. It allows us to record songs, play instruments, layer tracks, and add prerecorded music to existing singing. This new app allows children to become pop stars and really explore the technological side to music recording. It’s fun for all ages! Below you will find a link which gives some simple instructions on how to introduce garage band to your children.
http://www.maclife.com/article/howtos/how_help_your_kids_make_music_garageband_ipad
As an educator, I myself, use a lot of these resources while teaching the children at LifeSpan School and Daycare. I find that children become “electronically literate,” much faster than most adults. It’s up to us to encourage them!
Below you will find a great article from “The Alliance For Childhood” about the importance of Technological Literacy in Children.
http://drupal6.allianceforchildhood.org/technology_literacy
As always, if you have any questions and you see me walking about, feel free to stop and ask!
