Ready-to-Learn

Ohio's Ready To Learn, formerly known as Help Me Grow, is offering free workshops created for home childcare providers. If you are currently caring for children in your home or are considering doing so, these workshops are for you! Find out more...

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Stages of a Child's Development

Babies learn the most when they can touch what they are seeing. TV Viewing is not encouraged, but can still be used appropriately. When your child is ready to begin watching television, point and label objects that you see, ask questions, and interact with your child as you would when reading a picture book.

Toddlers are beginners when it comes to using language; it is easier for them to learn when they can see something rather than just hear about it. Media presents that information in pictures, as we; as with words, is appropriate for this age. Simple stories that relate to a toddler's experiences will be especially appealing and can help expand the options they consider as they learn to make choices. At this stage, allow you child's interests and abilities to help you determine when it is appropriate to introduce a new technology.

Preschoolers are ready to connect what they see onscreen to things in their lives. You can help them integrate the use of technology into their learning by engaging in hands-on follow-up activities and reading related books. Talking with youngsters about which onscreen messages you value is very important in helping them learn to make healthy media choices. You can also help preschoolers to practice good decision making by allowing them to make their own program selections from options you provide. Making available pre-approved software and videotapes can encourage this process. Similarly, set time limits for media use and help preschoolers plan how they will use their time.

WOUB Television
9 S. College St., Athens, OH 45701

kids@woub.org