Learning through play – The Boys & Girls Nursery way: ICT

Research shows that the most effective way for children to learn is through play.  Play underpins the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Each area of learning and development must be implemented through planned, purposeful play and through a mix of adult-led and child-initiated activity.

At Boys & Girls Nursery we understand that for children to learn through play they need to feel safe, secure and confident.  We provide a fun and stimulating environment which offers a wide range of opportunities to inspire young children in our care. Our continuous development allows children to grow in all areas of the EYFS ensuring they are school ready.

Here are some examples showing how we encourage children to learn through ICT:

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  When using ICT equipment such as computers, digital cameras, calculators, walkie talkies and remote controlled toys, children will learn to wait, share, take turns and negotiate with their peers. This will help build relations with other children and adults alike. As they learn new skills, children take pleasure in their achievements.
• Physical Development
  As children use ICT equipment they will enhance their fine and gross motor skills, develop motor control and improve their hand eye co-ordination. They will also develop an awareness of space.
• Communication and Language
  Using new equipment will introduce new words and extent vocabulary. Listening, memory and questioning skills will also develop as the children will be learning new terminology through researching new topics.
• Literacy
  CD players and listening centres assist the enhancement of early language and literacy skills. Computers enable children to view different texts and fonts and encourage simple letter recognition.
• Mathematics
  ICT equipment will enable children to gain a deeper understanding of number, shape, size, quantity, patterns and relationships. Early language development will be supported through ICT.
• Understanding the World
  Children will have the opportunity to investigate how ICT equipment works and how to use it appropriately and safely. As their confidence develops they can start using technology to learn about the world around them by researching questions such as ‘Why does it rain?’ 
• Expressive Arts and Designs
  ICT will give children the opportunity to appreciate various types of media and allow them to create their own images using different technology. Listening to lots of different rhymes, songs and music on audio equipment will develop an appreciation of music from around the world.