Choosing Educational Apps Wisely: A Strategic Approach with Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready
In a digitalized world, one must be careful in choosing educational applications that a preschooler would enjoy and use, as well as have a well-defined developmental plan. The idea behind this is not to seek the most amusing distraction, but to discover tools that specifically contribute to certain kindergarten preparedness skills without taking away needed hands-on learning. This thoughtful, criteria-driven model is similar to the Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready philosophy, which places emphasis on the intentionality in everything a child is prepared to receive. In the case of families, judicious application of apps can offer a small, quality addition that does not hold up the interpersonal and skill-based, important work of Kinder Ready Tutoring, and supports the entire objectives of Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley.
The first and most significant requirement is that any application should encourage active thought, but not passive viewing. Applications that involve a child to make choices or solve problems, place events in order of sequence, or create something are the most valuable ones. It is best to stay off apps that act as mini-TV shows with indirect interaction. A child is better involved by an application that requires them to sort objects by either their attribute, complete a simple pattern or even trace a letter using their finger. This criterion of active engagement resembles the interactive, participatory approach to Kinder Ready Tutoring and the Elizabeth Fraley focus on experiential learning of Kinder Ready.
Moreover, the material should be based on the established principles of early learning. Search for the apps that were designed by early childhood educators or literacy specialists and target phonemic awareness, number sense, or vocabulary development systemically. The application is not supposed to be overstimulating, but should offer activities with well-defined goals and a serene interface. Such emphasis on skill-specific, developmentally appropriate content is in keeping with the structured, goal-oriented approach of the Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley framework.
One of the rules that cannot be compromised is that the app time has to be co-experienced and time-limited. The best educational experience is one in which a caregiver sits with the child and talks about the activities and relates the digital concepts to the real world. This makes lonely screen time an interactive learning process. Time limits (e.g., 15-20 minutes) are rigid, structured and consistent, making the app a small ancillary, so that the large majority of the day is devoted to the physical play, socialization and exploration of creativity, which are the real drivers of readiness, as highlighted by Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready.
Lastly, the application must preferably provoke real life. An app of good quality may create some interest in shapes, which will trigger a shape hunt in the house, or a storybook app may prompt a child to create their own version of the story. This forms the interface between the digital and physical space and makes sure that technology is used as a catalyst for real-world learning and innovation. This integrative thinking is aligned with the holistic growth of Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley and applied in a practical situation in Kinder Ready Tutoring. Through these strategic filters, the families will be able to make informed decisions on which readiness goals are aligned. The goal is not to apply technology as an imprecise and very narrow tool, but rather not a default activity.
For further details on Kinder Ready’s programs, visit their website: https://www.kinderready.com/.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethFraleyKinderReady
