Teaching in the Digital Age for Preschool and Kindergarten (eBook)

As Executive Director of the Fred Rogers Center, Rick Fernandes is responsible for strategic partnerships, program development, and outreach and communications. He has been involved in children’s television for 30 years where he has worked on shows including Blue’s Room, Between the Lions, Out of the Box, Bear in the Big Blue House, and Reading Rainbow. Rick’s achievements include 11 Emmy nominations covering five different children’s series for PBS, Disney Channel and Nickelodeon, and one Emmy win for directing Disney Channel’s Bear in the Big Blue House. He also has experience in general entertainment, working on sitcoms, reality, game shows and music videos. Previously, Rick served as Executive Director, General Entertainment Content in Southeast Asia for Turner International Asia Pacific Limited.

Brian Puerling, MS, NBCT, is a National Board-certified teacher, a graduate of the Erikson Institute, and the director of education technology at Catherine Cook School in Chicago. He is a former preschool teacher, teacher coach, curriculum reviewer, and presenter and consultant for the Chicago Public Schools, the Early Childhood Council of New Zealand, United Way Miami-Dade, and NBCUniversal. Brian currently serves on the Nickelodeon Curriculum and Content Advisory Board, and is a former participant on the Sesame Workshop Teacher Council. He was an early career fellow for the Fred Rogers Center and was a recipient of the PBS Innovative Educator Award, and PBS Teacher's Choice Award.

Contents

Introduction: Goals and Intentions of This Book

Chapter 1: An Integrated Approach to Curriculum

Chapter 2: Science

Chapter 3: Mathematics

Chapter 4: Literacy (Language, Reading, and Writing)

Chapter 5: Art

Chapter 6: Music

Chapter 7: Social Studies

Chapter 8: Health and Safety

Chapter 9: Physical Education

Conclusion: Moving Forward

“This book is the next best thing to hanging out with Brian at his school. As your tour guide to intentional and developmentally-informed tech integration, he models the value of sharing learning with others. He offers classroom-tested examples for a whole child/whole teacher approach across the curriculum, throughout the classroom, and all-day long. As your media mentor, he affirms what you already know about early learning, encourages you to embrace your own creativity as you invite the children to express theirs, and offers a gentle nudge to unlock the potential—of the technology, the children, and your teaching.” —Chip Donohue, Ph.D. Director, Technology in Early Childhood (TEC) Center, Erikson Institute



“Teaching in the Digital Age for Preschool and Kindergarten is an essential resource for educators. It’s thoughtfully laid out, well-researched, and most of all—practical. This is not technology for technology’s sake; the book highlights how technology expands what can be done in the classroom, and not just substitute for real world experiences.” —Michael Robb, director of research, Common Sense Media



“A growing number of teachers are introducing technology to early learners to increase engagement and effectiveness in the classroom. This book provides teachers with practical tips and tricks for using technology in meaningful ways as an everyday tool for teaching and for enriching the classroom experience.” —Vikas Gupta, co-founder & CEO, Wonder Workshop



“Teaching in the Digital Age for Preschool and Kindergarten is chock full of valuable information, helpful tips, and terrific resources for intentional teachers seeking wise uses of technology in a developmentally appropriate classroom. Brian Puerling’s strategies are both inventive and accessible, based on his own hands-on experience working directly with teachers and children. Highly recommended!” —Ann Gadzikowski, author of Robotics for Young Children: STEM Activities and Simple Coding



“In a very practical way this book provides context for using technology—for families, parents, teachers—which is essential when technology can be a Pandora’s box in the wrong hands. Brian Puerling’s strategies support and encourage children’s curiosity for things they could not otherwise experience. Never does he use technology as a reward or punishment, rather simply another tool for learning and enjoyment.” —Barb Gander, Senior Lecturer, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse



“Brian Puerling understands young children. His foundation as an early childhood educator allows him to show how technology can enhance learning while not letting the technology take the place of important early childhood experiences. Teaching in the Digital Age for Preschool and Kindergarten is a great resource for teachers who want to use technology in a way that is developmentally appropriate.” —Matt Glover, consultant and author of Engaging Young Writers



“This book is my go to when I want to share the best way for educators to explore creativity with their students and their families. As a technology novice, the book gives me the courage to explore creative ways to approach key concepts and ideas. It’s a tool that enables my work to go deeper and meet teachers, students and families where they are. It’s a must have resource for our digital natives and especially our novices.” —Alyse Eisenberg, early childhood specialist, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas