ICT in the Foundation Stage

ICT in the early years encourages your child to find out and identify the uses of everyday technology such as office equipment, music keyboards, alarms and programmable toys. Children also practise what they have learnt by using the technology.

In early years ICT they will gain a range of skills and awareness widely applicable in life, such as cognitive, coordination, literacy and numeracy skills.

Colour-coded stepping-stones

Your child will follow three colour-coded stepping-stones in ICT to achieve the above ICT early learning goal. The steps are:

Yellow step

Your child is encouraged to show an interest in ICT. Examples of what some children have done include:

On a visit to the school office children watch the school secretary using the photocopier, fax, email, telephone and computer. One child is fascinated to see a photocopied version of a picture she drew that morning

A small group of children visit the local supermarket with their teacher and are excited to see themselves on the CCTV screen. They all try to look for the camera

Blue step

Your child learns how to operate simple equipment. Lesson examples include:

Some children use a walkie-talkie and pretend to be in a supermarket. They take it in turns to give instructions on what to fetch for customers

Four children work together to work out how to put an audio story tape into the tape recorder. They learn how to rewind, forward, pause, play and stop the tape

Green step

Your child should now be able to complete a simple program on the computer and/or perform simple functions on ICT apparatus. Lesson examples include:

Two children work together to create their own Mr Men character on a special website. They select the appropriate facial features, accessories and colours to make Mr Angry. Finally they print him out

Digital cameras and sequencing

You don't have to wait for a special event to take pictures. Even the journey to nursery or school can be captured using a digital camera, which can then be downloaded to the computer and printed off. Your child can then piece together the sequence of the journey showing the different landmarks and features passed on the way. You can try this with other events or activities, for example preparing a meal, tidying up a messy room or getting dressed.

ICT at home

• If you own an answering phone let your child help you to record a greeting message and to play back any messages left. Take turns to call your number and leave your own messages, too
• Encourage your child to point out information communication technology around your home and while you are out. Show your child how you programme the washing machine - better still if you have a delay timer system. Stimulate interest by pointing out bar-code scanners and weighing scales in the supermarket, and on the roads point out the pedestrian crossing box and speed cameras
• Show your child how to move the mouse and point out how it moves the curser on screen. If you don't have a computer at home remember libraries offer access free of charge
• Televisions - show your child how to change channels, and switch them on and off.

Resource tip

Simulation Explorer

Simulation Explorer is designed to introduce children to computer simulations and allows children to explore situations that would be difficult or impossible to in practice. It recently won the Primary BETT Award for Science. Granada Learning £19.99