'Mythbusting Screen Time for Kids' event findings & resources

On Tuesday 9 November, Story Box Library hosted an expert discussion featuring Early Childhood education teacher and consultant Linda Harrison, and Story Box Library’s Education Resource Developer, Amelia Otto, as they busted myths about screen time for young kids, and explore how digital technologies can enhance creativity and learning.

Topics included:

• The role and importance of digital play in early learning settings

• Picture books as provocations for learning

• Busting myths about screen time for young children

• Using Story Box Library’s multimedia stories to enrich play and learning

• Educational resources and approved learning frameworks with national curriculum links

Attended by educators and teachers from across Australia and New Zealand, this informative and practical speaker series event is now available to watch. Suitable for all educators, librarians and families looking to learn more about using multimedia stories to enrich learning and play, we shared practical tips and information to integrate multimedia storytelling into early childhood education. Discover important resources and readings below, for education professionals, teachers and librarians looking to learn more about digital stories in early childhood education.

Watch now: Mythbusting Screen Time for Kids: Using digital stories to enrich play & learning in early education

Information for educators and librarians

Watching this session will contribute 1.5 hours towards meeting Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, and will provide learning that contributes towards LIANZA professional registration. ALIA Professional Members can reflect on this event to claim PD hours in the ALIA PD Scheme. Certificates available upon request.

Resources and references

• ‘Statement on young children and digital technologies’, launched by Early Childhood Australia (ECA) at the 2018 ECA National Conference

• 'Belonging, Being & Becoming - The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia’, Department of Education, Skills & Employment’

• Imagination in play and imagination in STEM, Monash University

• ‘Literacy in 21st Century Australia: ALEA Declaration’, endorsed by the ALEA National Council

• Developing children’s interest and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through picture books, Early Childhood STEM Booklist

• Resources to support oral language development, Evidence for Learning

Have you considered sharing literature with young children via digital technology? Some of us remain cautious about the inclusion of technology in early learning settings, however, it doesn’t have to replace hands-on learning, instead it can be used as another tool to enable and enhance it. Read more from Linda Harrison.