Pre-K Technology Applications TEKS

Prekindergarten guidelines for Technology Applications were made available to schools in December 1999. They articulate what three- and four- year old students should know and be able to do using technology. The learning experiences of the preschool years provide a foundation that guides children academically, socially, and emotionally. These experiences can influence the rest of a child’s life. Children’s learning and intellectual growth are affected by the specific experiences (e.g., instruction, guidance) they have in a preschool classroom. Curricula, educators, and early care settings all contribute significantly to children’s learning and development.

Teachers should always consider five key interactive behaviors that support a child’s emotional and cognitive growth.
• Respond promptly and appropriately to a child’s needs.
• Respond with warm sensitivity.
• Maintain rather than redirect children’s focus.
• Provide rich language input and explanations.
• Avoid restricting children’s behavior too frequently.

The Technology Applications TEKS are designed as a dynamic, spiraling curriculum. Effective learning activities are purposeful, planned, and playful. Misbehavior is not reprimanded; teacher always displays a positive attitude. Students receive attention and appreciation. Their sense of success is promoted by giving students a chance of learning the same concept in different ways.

Finally, shared writing activities are a perfect example of how to extend the lesson and address outcomes from multiple domains. It is a great hook to keep children engaged, when the teacher writes down kids’ quotes she is promoting ownership. It also promotes phonics when the teacher makes the sounds out while reading aloud, can be used also for clapping the words.