July 2010 Newsletter

Greetings Parents / Guardians,

We would like to thank parents for taking their time to join us in the Parents & Teachers Dialogue on 24th and 31st July 2010. We trust that parents will now have a better understanding of your children learning in school through the discussion. Kindly note that our Field Trip to visit Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) will fall on 30th July 2010, Friday and we believe that children will have a great time together.

Computers and Internet have become an almost indispensable tool for adults. From writing letters to finding information on the Internet, adults rely on computers in numerous ways every day. Computers and internet are increasingly becoming a part of our children's world as well.

Many parents have questions about their children and computers. What do experts recommend? When should children begin to use internet? How can parents and children grow together with the use of technology? Are there any educational benefits for young children in using computers and internet? The articles below will provide you with important information, guidelines and tips to consider as you weigh the benefits and challenges of internet and computer use for your young child.

Happy reading!

Computers And Young Children - PBS Parents

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is an organization that sets standards of excellence for programs for children from birth through age eight. Their research shows that computers can have important benefits for even very young children, including language development, literacy development, social development, and the development of important problem-solving skills. However, computers are most beneficial when parents and teachers provide appropriate guidance, when computer use is related to other kinds of learning, when high-quality software is used, and when children work on the computer with peers or adults.

The following specific recommendations from NAEYC about the use of computers with young children are based on both current research in child development and the professional opinions of early childhood educators.

• Computers should supplement--and not replace--activities and materials such as art, sand, water, books, music, outdoor exploration, experimenting with writing materials, dramatic play, and socializing with other children.

• Parents should guide children's use of computers. Be on hand to help your child, answer questions, and interact with your child as she works on the computer.

• Take the time to observe and participate in computer activities to gain an understanding about how your child thinks and learns. Observing children at the computer can reveal much about the way children are thinking and solving problems.

The Internet and Young Children - Child Care Resources Inc.

Let’s face it—the Internet is here to stay. But despite the potential known and unknown dangers of going “on-line,” this technology can be useful to develop literacy, cognitive, and social skills. Following are some tips for families and child care professionals on how to make the Internet a safe, enjoyable, and friendly place.

• Trusting and curious children are often anxious to explore the Internet and the experiences it provides, but similar to crossing the street and teaching other life skills, adult supervision and common sense advice are essential for their safety. Closely monitoring what children are doing on the computer is the best way to assure that their travels into cyberspace are healthy and productive.

• It is common for young children to take pride in being able to remember and recite their home addresses, telephone numbers, or spell their names. The adults who care for them should instruct them to never give out identifying information on the Internet without permission from a parent or caregiver. This includes the name of the child’s school or child care program.

• Discuss and make rules with your children about the length of time they can be online, the time of day they can be on-line and appropriate areas to visit. Bookmark their favourite sites to provide easy access.

• Encourage children to tell you if they receive an inappropriate message or one that makes them feel uncomfortable. If this should occur, forward a copy of the message to your service provider and ask for their assistance.

• For added security, Internet filtering software that provides protection from inappropriate material is available to restrict children’s access to undesirable forums, discussions, and bulletin boards. Many of the commercial on-line services also have systems in place to block out parts of the service they feel are inappropriate for children.

• Be in the same room when your young child uses the computer, or perhaps keep the computer in an area where other family members are usually present. This will promote interaction and exchange between your child and others in the home while on the computer.

• Many adults who have had little or no experience with computers perceive them as a task requiring complex technical skills. Try to make time to familiarize yourself with the Internet by going on-line at home or your local library. Learn from your children by asking them questions about how to log on to the Internet and how to access their favourite Web sites. -By spending this time together, a technology-wary adult can enhance his or her computer literacy skills, hear insights from children that go beyond expectation, and observe actions that may cause you to rethink what your children can do and understand. This interaction can also provide children the sense that you care about their hobbies and interests.

• Teach children that everything they read on-line may not be true--offers that sound "too good to be true" probably are. Be very cautious about any offers that involve your coming to a meeting or having someone visit your home.

• Adults should get to know a child's "virtual" friends just as they get to know all of his other friends.

Computers steadily redefine the ways we interact with others and gain knowledge about the world around us, and the Internet is becoming increasingly important in our daily lives. By taking responsibility for children's computer use, families and early childhood professionals can greatly reduce the potential associated risks, while at the same time allow children access to a multitude of positive learning experiences.