We all know the ever-present question at the moment: how much screen time is enough for a child, and how much is too much? Digital technology is a large part of our lives, but it’s important that early childhood isn’t taken over by it. There is so much else to explore in the early years: play, imagination and creativity in the real world.
At Cressy Road Early Learning, screen time, when it is used, is used purposefully. It supports learning rather than replacing real-life experiences.
Understanding Screen Time in Early Years
It’s no secret that little children love screens. Bright colours, moving pictures, exciting sounds – all these are tempting and enticing to growing minds. The Australian Government Department of Health recommends limiting screen time for those under five and supervising it closely.
In trusted early learning settings, this recommendation is followed, and we focus on developmental appropriateness rather than imposing arbitrary limits. We know our children and use this knowledge to make decisions about their next steps in development.
Our goal isn’t to ban screens from the premises, rather to teach children positive ways to incorporate technology into their lives and maintain a balance between screens and reality.
Educational Technology Done Right
When digital tools are introduced to the learning environment, it is to enhance the learning that is happening. We use technology in short, interactive bursts and group activities, or it is used by adults to document children’s learning without the need for lengthy paperwork.
There are a multitude of educational apps on the market that can encourage early literacy, early number sense, and creative skills, and these are the ones we introduce during screen time in our setting.
Children are encouraged to become confident in their learning journey, exploring ideas in different ways and sharing their thinking with others. We choose apps and tools carefully to meet with our goal of providing play-based learning. Passive screen time is not on the agenda.
Balancing Screen Time with Play, Movement and Nature
Screens make up a very small part of the day in quality childcare settings. Children in the early years should (and do) spend most of their time playing practically, creating imaginatively and moving freely. We support children to explore the outdoors through practical and imaginative play, introduce music to play sessions, and invite exploration with varied sensory activities.
Learning experiences should support the development of the whole child, and this is something that we are passionate about as a nurturing and child-led setting. We use technology to enhance and extend learning, never to replace the play that is so key to children’s development.
Healthy Digital Habits
As Educators, we aim to model the healthy and responsible use of technology. We show children that devices are tools, not toys. In this way, we can lay the foundations of digital citizenship in simple ways: children learn to share devices, take turns and talk about what they see on the screen.
You can mirror this development at home too, encouraging co-viewing during screen time and starting conversations about what children are watching and playing. The ultimate goal is to nurture digital wellbeing. We want to help children to be confident, respectful and mindful in our increasingly digital world.
A Balanced Approach for Growth
At Cressy Road Early Learning, we value connection, creativity and play above all. Technology is one of the many tools that we use to enhance the learning experience and inspire children’s curiosity. It is always balanced with hands-on experiences and social play that prepares children for the world they live in, in a fun and practical way.
Contact us to arrange a visit, to see how we integrate technology with traditional and innovative hands-on play, facilitating timeless joy in the modern world.