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Computers and Toddlers
Making the Right Connection By Jacqueline Bodnar
There are several reasons why Dr. Burnham and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)recommend that children under the age of 2 not be exposed to screen media. Children learn best through interaction, sensory experiences, manipulating objects and engaging in conversation. Computers do not offer sensory experiences that include the kind of engaging experiences experts recommend for child development.
Getting Started
"If parents are thinking of introducing their preschool-aged children to computers, a good place to start would be to research good developmental software," Dr. Burnham says. "Then allow the child to explore the computer freely, using the appropriate software." Shopping for appropriate software can seem like an overwhelming task in and of itself because of the vast array that's available. Dr. Burnham offers the following guidelines for deciding what type of software would be best:
- The software should offer realistic expectations and be age-appropriate. It should also allow the child to engage in problem-solving, exploration and the ability to correcthis own errors.
- The child should be active in deciding the flow and should need very little adult supervision to be able to participate in the software activity.
- The software should have graphic or verbal instructions that are simple and easy to undertand.