Anyone raising kids today has heard that children are natives of the digital world. They are! They are masterful at the touch screen, in app purchases, creating digital worlds that are elaborate and self-sustaining. It is amazing to see how comfortable children of all ages are at interacting with technology.
But we want to remember to carve out time each day for our little learners to have low-tech experiences too. Why, you ask? Why lug out the glue, and macaroni necklaces, play-dough and finger paints? These activities are so messy and take a while to clean up.
The answer: low tech experiences develop open-ended play skills, foster creative and, equally important develop fine motor skills.
Some of my favorite low-tech preschool activities include:
• Placing coins in a bank.
• Stringing dry macaroni on yarn or twine to make necklaces, bracelets or lanyard cords.
• Making one of a kind art with colorful duct tape, markers and empty cardboard shoe or cracker boxes.
• Creating homemade holiday-themed cards for family members.
• Designing a mosaic masterpiece by gluing small pieces of construction paper onto a piece of cardboard (paper can be cut or torn into small pieces).
You and your little learner may be surprised at the results!
Julie Tourigny OTD OTR/L
Dr. Tourigny is the founder and director at the Colorado Center for Pediatric Learning and Development. She also developed and published a handwriting program for young children called Letter Leaders.
