Preschool Technology Activities in Tarzana and Surrounding Areas
Enhancing Early Childhood Education With Technology
Preschool curriculum involves a wide range of subjects and resources to ensure students get the most out of their early childhood education. In recent years, technology has become a major part of any classroom, even for the littlest students. At Woodcrest Preschool, we’re proud to use the latest technology to enhance children’s learning. Whether you’re interested in our pre-K program or want to know more about our kindergarten offerings, our friendly staff would be glad to talk to you about how we implement technology. Based in Tarzana, CA, we also welcome students from Encino, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Canoga Park, West Hills, Reseda, Sherman Oaks, and Agoura.
Investigate the Benefits of Technology in Preschool
Adding preschool technology activities into the classroom can be hugely beneficial for young students. Not only does introducing technology early set them up for future success, but it allows for more creative and comprehensive means of instruction. Here are just a few advantages of implementing technology for preschoolers:
Introduce New Ways of Learning
Preschool technology in the classroom introduces kids to new ways of learning. While they might have already had some classroom instruction and practice with arts and crafts, smart devices open up a whole additional form of gaining knowledge.
Improve Cognitive and Social Learning
Research shows that allowing students some contact with technology helps boost cognitive and social learning. This boost comes as a result of better engagement with the material and unique opportunities to socialize with classmates.
Encourage Creativity and Exploration
After using blocks, art supplies, and other educational toys, it may be time to introduce a more creative way of exploring the world. Technology is a valuable way for students to self-guide their lessons and investigate the topics they’re most curious about. The internet is an endless resource for education, and with guidance from our instructors, children can make the most of this resource.
Mix in Crucial STEAM Topics
Learning doesn’t exist in a vacuum. In other words, topics like science and math aren’t completely separate from language arts and social studies. Technology education also presents opportunities to mix in topics from other subjects. Teachers might incorporate math games into their curriculum or introduce collage-making apps to get the creative juices flowing.
Ability to Revisit Lessons
Did your child miss a day of preschool? Perhaps they’ve forgotten what they learned about shapes last week. For a technology-savvy classroom, these aren’t issues. Tech allows children to revisit lessons they may struggle with and review material from days they miss.
Help Children With Special Needs
The benefits of technology to students with special needs cannot be overstated. Assistive devices can help these children feel included in the classroom and ensure they’re staying engaged along with their peers. Inclusion is a big deal at Woodcrest Preschool, and we strive to make sure every child feels comfortable and able to grow and thrive.
Explore the World
Technology transports children to places far and wide! Thanks to smart devices, kids can learn about animals on the plains of Africa or cultures in the heart of China without ever leaving California. In this way, technology can help to expand children’s worldviews and increase their understanding of different cultures and values.
When Is Technology Too Much?
These days, as technology takes over more hours of our lives, many parents are limiting their children’s screen time. And while this may be a good idea to encourage kids to get outside, it’s important to strike a balance between beneficial technology and other activities. Anymore, tech is an integral part of nearly all professions, and getting started on a tech education early can only help children feel comfortable exploring the world. When used properly, technology in the classroom can be a part of a healthy lifestyle.
Using Preschool Technology Effectively
It’s important not to use technology in the preschool classroom just for the sake of doing so. When we design our curriculum, we take special care to use our tech resources effectively. Our instructors implement proven pedagogical methods to help children make the most of the technology they have in front of them. Take a look at some of the ways we use classroom technology effectively:
It’s important not to use technology in the preschool classroom just for the sake of doing so. When we design our curriculum, we take special care to use our tech resources effectively. Our instructors implement proven pedagogical methods to help children make the most of the technology they have in front of them. Take a look at some of the ways we use classroom technology effectively:
- Be Intentional: Before using a new piece of tech, it’s crucial to consider how it will be used in the context of that day’s lesson. We don’t recommend simply using tech because it’s available. Instead, Woodcrest Preschool encourages instructions to be intentional about what they use as learning tools.
- Get Students Comfortable: We don’t expect students to immediately feel comfortable and confident in front of a computer screen. Rather, our teachers provide plenty of opportunities for students to turn on their devices, perform internet searches, and complete other small tasks associated with tech.
- Promote Active Learning: As with any kind of lesson, it’s crucial to create an atmosphere of active learning. Our instructors consider ways to keep children engaged and involved in the day’s material.
- Evaluate Outcomes: Using technology without considering the results doesn’t make for effective instruction. When the Woodcrest Preschool implements a new device, we take a look at how it’s affected the classroom and think of ways to improve instruction. If there were issues, we consider where the tech may have gone wrong and brainstorm methods to enhance its use in the future.
- Celebrate Successes: Oftentimes, children are very successful with classroom technology. When a student does a good job, we’re happy to celebrate their successes! This keeps students engaged and increases their confidence in the classroom.
- Encourage Parental Involvement: Parent involvement can make a huge difference in children’s success. We encourage parents to promote healthy digital media habits at home and model that technology should be used mindfully.
Get Familiar With Popular Classroom Tech
At Woodcrest Preschool, we’re proud to implement technological advances in the preschool classroom. Every class is unique and may use a different set of tools to promote learning, but it’s a good idea to get familiar with some of the most popular classroom tech. Here are just a few examples of technology that can enrich a young student’s learning:
- Google Classroom
- Word processors
- PowerPoint and Canva
- Spreadsheets
- Adobe Spark Video
- YouTube
- Virtual reality headsets
- Video conferencing
- Online textbooks
- Synchronous and asynchronous learning tools
Learn More About Our Tech Curriculum
If you’re curious about the specifics of our curriculum, don’t hesitate to reach out to the administrative staff at Woodcrest Preschool. We’re committed to child development and keeping parents involved every step of the way. Whether you’re hoping to prepare your child for kindergarten or you’re excited to see them make friends, Tarzana, CA’s Woodcrest Preschool is the ideal place.
