Open Discussion Forum

  • 1.  Video Visits- Grandparents/Parents using videochat for Reading/Playing

    Posted 07-26-2019 06:34 AM

    Increasingly, family members are using videochats to stay in touch with loved ones and build/maintain relationships. Thought it might be fun/educational to share stories of activities and experiences-how are you using videochat to stay in touch-play and learn with a young family member?


    Do you read together over videochat? Discovered that using an inexpensive adjustable stand to hold the iPad/device is helpful, so hands are free to show/share a story, or play.

    iPhone on stand showing cover of The Very Hungry Caterpillar

     



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    Bonnie Blagojevic
    Morningtown Consulting
    Orono ME
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  • 2.  RE: Video Visits- Grandparents/Parents using videochat for Reading/Playing

    Posted 07-26-2019 10:02 AM
    I thought screens are not recommended for children under 18 months. Was this not a guideline for early child care teachers?

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    Esi Bekoe
    Teacher
    Holton-Arms School Child Care Development Centre
    Potomac MD
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  • 3.  RE: Video Visits- Grandparents/Parents using videochat for Reading/Playing

    Posted 07-27-2019 12:42 PM
    I have seen that video chatting friends and family is the one exception to no screen time under 18 months as it still provides reciprocal, active conversation unlike TV or games that are more passive.
    --
    Ayana Blackey





  • 4.  RE: Video Visits- Grandparents/Parents using videochat for Reading/Playing

    Posted 07-28-2019 01:38 AM
    Actually,  the American Academy of Pediatrics made a special caveat about video chats with family members. I'm sorry that I'm on my phone and it isn't easy for me to link it here. 
    Basically they said no screens for those under 18 months, with the exception of video chatting with family members.

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    Heather Finnegan
    Preschool Teacher
    Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with School
    Delavan WI
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  • 5.  RE: Video Visits- Grandparents/Parents using videochat for Reading/Playing

    Posted 07-27-2019 11:06 AM
    Research shows that young children do learn concepts and vocabulary when interacting with responsive adults via video chat. It's not the same as passive screenviewing. The screen is not the problem - passivity is the problem. Here are some tips in this blog I wrote for NAEYC: Tips for Video Chatting with Young Children - Staying Connected While Far Apart 

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    Karen Nemeth
    Author/consultant/keynotes
    Language Castle LLC
    Allentown PA
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  • 6.  RE: Video Visits- Grandparents/Parents using videochat for Reading/Playing

    Posted 07-27-2019 01:59 PM
    Hi Bonnie,

      Great idea! My 6 year old grandson is starting to read. At least 3 times a week we use videochat so he can read me a book at bedtime. We set ourselves up with snack and a drink first - as much as possible I try to have the same snack he's having. In this way I can also say good-night and be part of his bedtime routine too. I treasure these moments together and they help even though we're thousands of miles apart.

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    Anna Parker
    Head Teacher
    Montessori Borealis Preschool
    Whitehorse YT
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  • 7.  RE: Video Visits- Grandparents/Parents using videochat for Reading/Playing

    Posted 07-28-2019 06:26 AM
    Esi, I am really glad you asked this question. I think there is still alot of confusion, and mixed messages in the field about tech use with young children, so appreciate Karen, Ayana and Heather's replies mentioning research based guidance-there is benefit for children under 18 months to videochat, when it is an interactive experience. NAEYC has links to information/guidance on their website on this topic, and recently learned about the short. free (bi-lingual English and Spanish) resource Living and Learning Well: A grown-ups guide to using technology with young children for parents from @Chip Donohue, which also includes suggestions for birth-2 years.

    As Karen mentions in her article, have found having a basket of materials prepared is really helpful. In addition to some favorite books (my grandchild is a toddler- some of her favorite books are lift the flap books, like "Where is Maisy" which has questions/suspense built in), have some games based on her interests, and only recently have started looking at/playing instruments. Would be fun to hear how others integrate music/singing.

    Anna-loved hearing about your read-alouds with your 6 year old grandson three times per week! What a great way to join in the bedtime routine that is so valuable for both.Will keep your ideas in mind as my grand child grows up!

    As we exchange ideas, we can learn new tricks for our own use, and perhaps can share suggestions with families we work with to consider how to use these tools in enriching ways...

    (since my grandchild is interested in different kinds of balls and in counting/numbers, keep these in the basket of materials, for counting and discussions-examining and looking more closely at the different kinds of balls/objects.)
    egg carton holding different types of balls for counting


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    Bonnie Blagojevic
    Morningtown Consulting
    Orono ME
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  • 8.  RE: Video Visits- Grandparents/Parents using videochat for Reading/Playing

    Posted 03-25-2020 07:47 AM
    Actually, am finding when videochatting to read/share picture books, it has worked better to have the book flat on a table (avoid glare) and to switch from holding the phone far away,/see the whole page, to zooming in when discussing/showing details in the illustrations-like the expressions on a characters face or other areas of interest/focus (which may vary for each reading of the story. ) With so many people home all day, child care programs may want to share resources that suggest ways grandparents can become involved, such as Karen Nemeth's post Creative Ideas for Playing with Grandchildren When You Can't Be Together.

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    Bonnie Blagojevic
    Morningtown Consulting
    Orono ME
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