Lisa Guernsay recently gave a presentation regarding digital media in early education. But rather than jump in and begin discussing the pros and cons of using media with young children she reviewed what she believed to be the six needs that students have. They are as follows:
- "attachment and security
- conversational partners
- early exposure to new words and ideas
- physical movement and hands-on exploration
- practice at self-regulating
- deeper learning."
Many times we get so wrapped up in a debate about a certain topic, such as whether or not we should use digital books or only physical books with children, when the whole time we aren’t focusing on what the students need the most. Guernsay made a good point in calling everyone’s attention back to the basics. If we are not supporting our children with these fundamentals then how much does it really matter if they are using a Kindle or a paperback?
I think we can all take a page out of Guernsay’s book and take time to reflect about what is the most imperative for your students at this time. Perhaps setting aside a certain time of the year to do so would be beneficial. You could take Christmas break to really assess whether or not you are giving students the basics that they need and then work to improve upon them and add the icing on top.
I hope to one day work in a school where I am supported in my reflective process.
Guernsay’s blog is found here: A Modest Proposal for Digital Media in Early Childhood
No comments:
Post a Comment