Effective Use of ICT
Technology through Play
Role play planning sheets can be used to incorporate the use of technological toys into role play areas and provide a common framework for all adults working in the setting. They outline vocabulary to be developed, suggested lines of questioning, potential play scenarios and focus on personal and social development.
Opportunities are therefore created for children to represent their understanding of the technology that surrounds them in appropriate and meaningful ways. For example, offices can be set up with real and/or pretend computers, photocopiers, mobile phones, scanners and so on.
Shops and cafes could contain swipe tills with bar coded items, electronic weighing machines, microwaves and cookers. Hospital and doctor surgeries could also contain a medical trolley.
Metal detectors can be used to develop children’s understanding of materials in an enjoyable way and as part of their everyday play. A variety of objects can be buried in the sand- pit and children can be encouraged to observe and discuss the common characteristics of the materials detected. Individual numbers and letters can be attached to paper clips to develop numeracy and literacy concepts.
Remote controlled cars can be used as part of outdoor play to develop a variety of skills such as spatial awareness, hand-eye co-ordination and reinforce a range of concepts.
Electronic microscopes can be used to sharpen observational skills and develop subject specific vocabulary. This works well when used in conjunction with an Interactive Whiteboard as illustrated below where children are observing and discussing the features and characteristics of a woodlouse.
The overhead projector is a resource that can be used to greatly enhance children’s learning and play. It enables children to create their own imaginative play area whilst also developing concepts of light and dark as well as scale:
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Exploring shape |
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Develop the concept of setting within a story |
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Shadow play |
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Exploring shape and colour |
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Creating imagined worlds based on experience |
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Role Play Form Word Document (33 Kb) |
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Role Play Form Blank Word Document (31 Kb) |