MakingConnections

"In our last post we described how theories of creativity and learning should be integrated with creative problem solving approaches to address our nation's creativity crisis. Recent advances in technology are enabling creators of children's digital media to design more experiences that foster children's creativity and learning. Although children's digital media producers are beginning to create products for children that are marketed as creative tools, there is still a lack of mechanisms that have fully captured the type of open-ended, imaginative play that is proven to foster the roots of creativity in children."

There has been a wealth of research in recent years into the current provision, benefits and potential dangers of using ICT in Early Years settings. It is widely accepted that appropriate use of ICT in settings, where there are skilled practitioners and quality ICT resources, has the potential to greatly enhance and support learning and development of young children.

"Browse our activity exchange to find a variety of activities you can download and use with your students free. Contribute your own activities to our website and share your expertise and creativity with other professionals around the state!"

Video Chat with up to 20 people for free. TokBox requires no download, only an internet connection and a webcam. Sign up is free and takes just seconds.

article from Scholastic

" Adaptation Station - Augmentative/Alternative Communication (AAC) Strategies No AAC device or picture board stands alone. Just as children need interaction and reinforcement from adults to learn to speak, they will need the same attention to learn to use AAC. It is helpful to think of learning to use AAC as learning a new language. YOUR ROLE as an adult in the child's life is VITAL to success! The following strategies describe YOUR ROLE in detail. Often, a good teacher uses a combination of the following strategies throughout a single interaction. It must be said one more time - if you think that having pictures and voice output available in your class is all there is to providing AAC to your students, you have missed the boat! "

Great resources for AT and curriculum adaptations

Not sure how to start? Our StoryStarter makes telling stories easy. We'll help you write a story in just 7 steps. Use our art or your own drawings & photos to illustrate your story"

Janice Light "What is the purpose of this website? This website provides guidelines for early intervention to maximize the language and communication development of young children with special needs including: * Infants * Toddlers * Preschoolers The website provides guidelines for early intervention specifically designed for children with complex communication needs, including children with: * Autism spectrum disorders * Cerebral palsy * Down syndrome * Multiple disabilities The website provides: * Step-by-step guidelines for early intervention to build language and communication skills * Photographs and videotaped examples of intervention with young children with special needs"

"Early Childhood Resources from the Center for Literacy and Disability Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Includes information on the Bridge Assessment, presentations and handouts, OWL book symbols, ERF Grant materials, and other materials."

Imagine a monthly Consumer Reports style publication, dedicated solely to children's technology products. Children's Technology Review (CTR) is designed to keep you up-to-date on the latest technology products for children birth to 15 years of age.

"Create personalized children's stories instantly. Turn any time into story time. It's free. 1. Add the details about your children and family -- what do your kids call Mom? Dad? Grandma? 2. Tell us what kinds of stories your kids like. 3. Have new personalized stories based on your child's age and interests delivered to you automagically."

"ONLINE COLORING BOOK PAGES You can save your interactive online coloring pages that you have created in your gallery, print the coloring pages to your printer, or email them to friends and family. These coloring pages are fun and they also help children develop important skills such as color concepts, the names of the 192 colors, eye-hand coordination, picture comprehension. These skills form the foundation for early learning success No java, flash or applet is necessary to load our online coloring pages. The pages load immediately so you can start coloring immediately. If you would like to save your gallery of pictures on TheColor.com you can do so by registering for our site. We will never spam our users as we are COPPA; compliant so open an account start coloring online for free Toda"