We often think our youngest learners couldn't possibly use technology independently to create individualized work. We know they can get onto apps and play games or read from a certain reading site such as Epic or Scholastic. But truly create and show their learning seems so out of reach. HOWEVER, this is not the case! We need to give our youngest learners the benefit of the doubt. They can and will be successful using tech in meaningful ways when given the opportunity to do so.
Is this easy to begin with? Absolutely not. They must learn how to log in with their unique login. Not an easy task, but they don't get any better at it by NOT doing it! Start them practicing day 1. This practice can start on a laminated paper keyboard, looking for and circling each of their letters/numbers EVERY day when they come into class. Then it can move to logging in on a physical device. By the time they move to the physical device they will be familiar with where to find each of their letters/numbers in their user ID and password.
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Logging in is just the first step in the battle. Now you have to teach them HOW to use an application, such as Google Slides, Flipgrid, Seesaw, etc. They need to know the basics of the tool first before they can start to use the tool to show their learning. This step is very messy and chaotic. Don't give up because the first time seems so overwhelming! The next time you show them the tool, they get a little better. Before you know it, students are helping each other problem solve and creating beautiful pieces to show their learning. Just remember, when you first show a new tool, it takes a bit of learning that tool, before students can use it to showcase their thinking/learning.
If we start with our youngest learners teaching them to be independent in their learning and thinking, we will create students who are able to think critically, create, collaborate and communicate more effectively! Our littlest learners deserve the opportunity to show what they can do. Don't be afraid, they can do this!
If you have suggestions or things you have done with young learners using technology, I'd love to hear about them. Please leave a comment and share!
