Technology items can be added into the early childhood setting throughout all your learning centers to enhance play … from to dramatic play and blocks, to math and writing centers.
Consider adding:
- Adding machines or calculators
- Old typewriters or keypads
- Old rotary push button or cell phones
(be sure to remove cell phone batteries, otherwise cell phones can still dial 911, even if there is no service plan) - Voice recorder machines
- Microphones or karaoke machines
- Walkie-talkies
- Watches or timers
- CD/tape players, books on tape
- Old cameras or video cameras
- Old computer keyboard or mouse
Other ideas to low-cost ways to incorporate technology into learning centers and pretend play:
- Repurpose old or outdated laptop/computer for children’s use – Children can use simple programs like MS Word or MS Paint – just let them type and practice using the mouse! (see post on PreK+K sharing blog)
- Build a pretend computer for play – Use a box and old keyboard to make a pretend computer for dramatic play. (see post on Brick by Brick blog)
- Make pretend iPhones for literacy play – Make “pretend” technology gadgets that children can use for pretend play, letter recognition and pre-writing skills. Children can imitate technology use that they see every day. (see post on Dragonflies in First blog)
