3 SIMPLE Ways to Make Screen Time INTERACTIVE for Toddlers - Appropriate Screen Time by AGE

We LISTEN and don't judge: EVERYONE uses screen time at some point during the day so I am not going to sit here and say that it is something we need to get rid of. Yes, too much screen time is shown to "negatively affect language acquisition, early language development, and play" (Karani, Sher, Mophosho, 5), but something interesting happens when adults become the bridge between what is ON the screen and what the child UNDERSTANDS from their time watching. We as adults can use screen time as a TOOL to help our children learn at STRUCTURED times of the day and I believe using technology rather than banning it models a healthy relationship for children.

Now BEFORE we get into the ideas- here is what most Pediatricians recommend as far as Screen Time:

To me, screen time is very hard NOT to use just because of the amount of educational content for kids. I think it is better to focus on the FIRST important point: QUALITY not quantity.

Also... before we start with the tips I am not sponsored by Super Simple Songs I just LOVE their music and other educational content for littles!

Here are some ideas that I use at my Registered Child Care Home as a former Special Education teacher in order to make screen time more interactive:

1) Choose educational content:

This tip is probably the EASIEST thing to promote participation during educational songs and content: only choose EDUCATIONAL content. Most, if not ALL educational content for toddlers and young children will have pauses, repetitive or predictable wording, and developmentally appropriate themes that are easy to jump into and model. For EXAMPLE:

At my Child Care Home, Super Simple Songs is a FAN favorite during circle time and music time. Their songs make it so easy to be INTERACTIVE and that is what we are looking for when trying to find educational video content for littles. The songs typically have movements that adults can do with their children as well as easy lyrics that you can sing along to.

TRY THESE:

• Little Animal Dance- This song goes through different animal movements- you can focus on animal sounds here too!

  
  
  
  

• One Little Finger- This song covers body parts and incorporates movement that is easy to repeat.

  
  

• Pop the Bubbles!- My students LOVE this one and it is so easy to incorporate participation, you can even use REAL bubbles to make it even more exciting for students!

  
  
  
  
  
  

2) Pick REAL OBJECTS or PROPS to use WITH the song:

Using real life objects or props to go with the songs help children to apply what they are seeing in real life. For example, if you are watching a song about sharing toys, you may have a toy set aside for the child to roleplay sharing during or after the song. If the song has to do with specific animals or insects, have children imitate the animals or insects in the song with their props.

TRY THIS:

• Walking in the Jungle- This song incorporates MOVEMENT and ANIMALS so it is perfect for toddlers learning their animal sounds. You may have animal figurines lying around but if you don't, you may also print off pictures of the animals in the video. You may also use puzzle pieces or other toys- anything that you may already have without having to spend extra money (I like to offer this as an option for those that do not have the means to go and buy things often. EVERYONE deserves to be able to implement these tips in their home!)

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  During the song you can:

  - Say animal names or sounds

  - Move animal figurines or pictures like in the song

After the song you can:

-Hide animals around the room and find them

-Match animals to stickers or pictures

-Have a variety of animal books to read

3) Pair TOYS or PRETEND PLAY to apply new concepts learned FROM the song:

This is probably my FAVORITE tip of all and one that I have started to use in conjunction with life skills and functional communication. First, pick a song that has to do with life skills or routines (Super Simple Songs has SO many good ones) and introduce that concept to your child. For example, when I started my sons night routine, I introduced this song:

They even have videos on HOW to teach the routine to your kids:

Second, I like to set up a pretend play area in my Registered Child Care Home that has to do with the routine we are focusing on. THIS is how I teach life skills to toddlers and see if they will apply what they have learned.

Third, I MODEL how to play and go off of the actions that the children do. This is the fun part! Make sound effects, add some books (I love the ones that play music), and use big expressions to attract and keep attention.

The reel below shows the way I set up my Life Skills station:

FINAL NOTE: As an educator, I know the effects of screen time when it comes to infants and toddlers. I know that there is a set appropriate amount of screen time per specific age recommended by pediatricians. As a parent, I understand that getting things done is not only important but NECESSARY. I am NOT here to shame you. If you must use screen time, use it wisely and make it count! It CAN help children with academics, communication, and more when adults bridge that gap between the screen and the child's brain. You are NOT a bad parent for putting on screen time for your child. I do it all the time. Don't beat yourself up about it and take it one day at a time. Try to start fresh the next day. You are in survival mode and trying your best with this whole parenting thing!

Karani, N., Sher, J., & Mophosho, M. (2022). The influence of screen time on children’s language development: A scoping review. South African Journal of Communication Disorders, 69(1), 7 pages. doi:https://doi.org/10.4102/sajcd.v69i1.825