Stretching Your Software to Younger Students -- Sunday Software

Stretching Your Software to Younger Children

Classroom tested advice for using older children’s software with your
Preschoolers and Early Readers
by Neil MacQueen, Sunday Software, www.sundaysoftware.com

Most of us have Sunday Schools where preschoolers and early readers will eventually come into the computer lab.
There isn’t that much good Christian education software for non-readers, so we have to adapt.
And it's not a bad thing that there isn’t a bunch of good software for non-readers, because most of us don’t have the budget to buy separate software for each age group anyway!
Many excellent programs for 3^rd grade and up can easily be used with younger children IF you are selective and employ many of the tips in this document.

The following concepts are discussed IN DETAIL in my book Teaching with Computers in Christian Education. The book also has a section on teaching Middle Schoolers in the lab.

You can also view my lesson plan example for using Play & Learn Children's Bible CD with Kid Pix for some lesson planning tips. The example is at www.sundaysoftware.com/resources/playand-lesson.htm

For the purposes of our software, we define "younger children" as Age 4 through 1st Grade. 2nd graders are on the cusp, especially during the first half of the school year when they are learning to read. That said, all these techniques and tips will help through 3rd grade as well.

Observations and Tips on Stretching your software to Younger Children…

1. There is no substitute for having extra help. In fact, if you plan to ignore #1 here, you might as well stop reading. BTW...teens make great "Bible Lab Buddies" when your younger children are scheduled into the lab.

2. They can’t read, but they do like to be read TO. (Actually, some CAN read, a little. Don't discourage it, because we want them to feel good about themselves.) If you have a Bible Lab Buddy to read to them, you can use a LOT of programs you otherwise wouldn't be able to.

3. They can’t type on the keyboard because they can’t spell, but they can type words if you write them plainly on a large piece of paper. Give them plenty of time and short typing projects. Even a four year old can find the "shape" of the letter if you help them. And they gain a sense of empowerment. Again, Bible Lab Buddies rule!

4. They can’t always maneuver the mouse, so put your hand ON TOP OF THEIRS to help guide their hand.

5. Their timing may be off when trying to press a key in a game, but if they have another student help them, they will enjoy it.

6. Many programs have typing as an activity. Young students might not be able to type much, but they like to try if you point out the keys, and they don't mind dictating their words to any older student who can type for them.

7. The onscreen discussion question in the software might be over their heads, but only if you read it to them verbatim. Break it down for them as you read it (they can't tell what the words mean anyway), bring out props/dolls/stuffed animals to illustrate points being made in the notes.

8. Recognize that the visual images in the program are word pictures to them. "Read" the pictures... talk about what's in the pictures.

9. Know when to end the software program. Surprisingly, preschoolers will stick with software longer than most other activities, if they have help.

10. If you have more than one student per computer (and you should) let each student repeat program sections with each of them at the controls. When preschoolers use software, they often want to do exactly what their fellow student JUST did. Repetition isn’t a bad thing! But it may seem odd to an adult. It will also extend their “time in the software.”

11. Don’t be afraid to use Quiz Programs with younger children. Just make the quiz questions EASIER for them and READ the questions and answers to them. They will enjoy knowing they are “ahead” or “got it right” even though they can’t read a thing.

Tip: Give preschoolers and Kindergarteners only two possible answers instead of four in a multiple choice quiz game like Fall of Jericho CD. Give them true or false questions too.

12. Save files often when using a program like Kid Pix 3 in which the children are creating their own materials.

13. Keep a pack of monitor screen wipes in the lab. Let them touch the screen to point out who's who in the picture.

14. Remember to pass along your insights, successes and failures to fellow teachers.