Surrey Libraries is excited to announce the launch of their first ever Storytimes with iPads on Wednesday, March 29 at the Newton Library.
Storytimes with iPads is a responsive and innovative program featuring a diversity of strategies that support early literacy. Storytimes with iPads will look and feel like a traditional storytime with books, puppets and felt stories. What is unique is that each week, the storytime will include a guided introduction to a featured app specially selected to support early literacy.
The goal of this program is to model the positive use of technology as one early literacy tool. The program will also encourage caregivers and preschoolers to interact ‘together’ with media, with Librarians in the role of media mentors.
“Studies show that richer learning happens when a child is cozy on a caregivers’ lap sharing the story and app together – interacting, expanding on language, talking about feelings, and bonding,” says Sara Grant, Manager of Youth Services.
“We often hear from families who are concerned about how much screen time is appropriate for their young children, or will their children be left behind if they don’t have access to technology, and what digital media is the best for learning,” explains Grant. “In our Storytimes with iPads program, Youth Services librarians will guide and support families in using early literacy strategies such as singing, reading, and playing together on iPads, modeling and practising parent-child learning interaction.”
Every child needs and deserves the chance to become literate and knowledgeable in the technology that now defines our modern age. But not every family has the means to have the costly technology available for use by children at home. With this program, Surrey Libraries aims to lessen the digital divide while promoting healthy parent-child learning.