Digital Technology to support Early Mathematics and Literacy – Early Years
Introduction
Below are a series of activities to support the development of mathematics and literacy skills using different types of technology.
Typing, Phonics and Reading Activities
Typing Activities
Please also look at our EYFS/Year 1 Mouse and Keyboard Activities for a range of typing activities.
Letter formation and Phonics (40-60 months)
The ICT Games website has a range of phonics and reading activities with instructions for each one. Some are designed for the teacher to model and others for pupils to try. Some of the activities, such as Spooky Sounds and Phonics Pop can be setup for different sounds to support individual pupils needs.
There are various iPad apps to support this such Hairy letters and Jolly Phonics, which develop both letter formation and phonics.
Reading and Re-telling Stories
There are a number of websites and apps that can support children with their reading including the Oxford Owl website that has a number of interactive ebooks, including the Oxford Reading Tree. Reading Eggs has a number of interactive reading activities that captures the children’s progress.
Making a story
The free Xavier Story Creator allows children to choose different parts of a story as it is being told. You could do this as group or individual activities.
Mathematics Activities
Areas of Learning for Technology;
Interacts with age appropriate computer software. (40-60 months)
Websites
Below is a breakdown of websites covering different early maths skills.
Top Marks Website
The Top Marks website includes a series of interactive activities for 3-5 year olds, divided into counting, sequencing, shapes, money and measure.
Maths Learning Centre
The Maths Learning Centre has a number of online apps (compatible with any device) that can be used by teachers to work with children and discuss numeracy skills. Each app includes a video tutorial and information how to use it.
Create number recognition activities or sequence activities using Tiny Tap app (see video tutorial above)
Sequences – Bug and Button app has a series or sequence and sorting activities.
Number recognition and counting can also be tried on the excellent Little Digits app. (Video tutorial above)
The Toca Store app can be used by pupils to add number skills to role-play where one pupil is the shop keeper and other pupils are customers.