Using Interactive Whiteboards with young children

Using an Interactive Whiteboards with Young children

There are many things you can use an IWB for in an early years setting

• using web-based resources
• showing video to help explain concepts
• demonstrating a piece of software
• presenting pupils’ work to the rest of class (take a photo and upload)
• creating digital flipcharts (perhaps to show a visual timetable,)
• practising handwriting and fine motor control skills
• sharing photos from a class trip
• as a backdrop for roleplay
• to share a really big book! (many are available to download)
• to listen to stories

Points to consider

There are some important issues you should be aware of when children of this age use an Interactive whiteboard. Although children usually look on the computer as a source of enjoyment, they must be taught that it is not a toy. The same safety rules should apply as those you teach children about the television, video recorder and any food preparation machines you may have in your kitchen.

• Food and drinks must be kept away from the computer.
• Trailing electrical leads are a particular danger at this age as children love to rush about and roll on the floor
• Make sure the children are able to reach the majority of the areas of the board.
• Ensure children do not look into the projector.
• Check the projector arm is not dangerous for adults
• Make sure the children know what to use (and not use) on the board. (eg pens).
• Interactive whiteboards can be very difficult to see when direct sunlight shines on them. If a board is in direct sunlight at any time of the school day, black-out blinds (or similar) will be needed.
• it is advisable to have wall-mounted external speakers, which will ensure that sound is of better quality and carries better across the classroom.
• Make sure there is plenty of space both in front and to either side of your whiteboard so that you can move around it and access all parts of the screen easily without standing in the beam.

Internet Resources

J        The Internet has many benefits over buying software- it is often free allowing a wide variety of resources to be used with young children.

J        it can change with the ever growing favourites of your children

J        The many activities are suited to use on an interactive whiteboard where they are not dependant on mouse control.

Below are some ideas of websites to choose from (correct Jan 09)

 

Bob the Builder

http://www.hitentertainment.com/bobthebuilder/

 

Fun with Spot

http://www.funwithspot.com/house.asp?locale=UK

 

Cbeebies

http://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/

 

Angelina Ballerina

http://www.angelinaballerina.com/uk/home.html

 

Thomas the Tank Engine

http://www.thomasandfriends.com/uk/?cid=fromPortalThomasUK

 

Pingu

http://www.pingu.net/uk/whale.htm

 

Fireman Sam

http://www.firemansamonline.com/uk/?cid=fromPortalBobUK

 

General resources

http://foundation.e2bn.org/

 

Great selection of early years games

http://www.crickweb.co.uk/Early-Years.html

 

Crayola activities

http://www.crayola.com/gamesFun/games/console.cfm?game=switcheroo&ok=true

http://www.crayola.com/gamesFun/games/console.cfm?game=fireworks&ok=true

 

create a monster

http://juliasrainbowcorner.com/html/creature.html

 

a whole host of American games

http://www.thekidzpage.com/

 

Lots of great ICT activities and links for early years

http://www.kented.org.uk/ngfl/earlyict/index.htm

 

The Hoobs

http://www.channel4.com/learning/microsites/H/hoobs/index.jsp

 

activity for big and small

http://www.ngfl-cymru.org.uk/vtc/big_small/eng/Introduction/default.htm

 

bobinogs games

http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/bobinogs/games/gamespage.shtml

 

a comprehensive list of hundreds of activities for early years

http://www.coxhoe.durham.sch.uk/Curriculum/Foundation%20Stage.htm

 

an online town for children to explore

http://www.northerngrid.org/ngflwebsite/cjearlyyears/EarlyYears/Towntrail.htm

 

more activities to use

http://ngfl.northumberland.gov.uk/ict/

 

topmarks- rhymes and songs

http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Interactive.aspx?cat=139

 

topmarks maths

http://www.topmarks.co.uk/Interactive.aspx?cat=1

 

Pictures to colour

http://www.coloring.com/pictures/choose.cdc

 

Primary 1

Words and pictures

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/index.shtml

 

Numbertime

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/numbertime/index.shtml

 

Dottie and Buzz- (RE/PSHE)

http://www.dottieandbuzz.co.uk/

 

Digby the mole

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/laac/index.shtml

 

Naturewalk

http://www.sebastianswan.org.uk/index.htmlmaths

 

Numeracy

http://www.edu.dudley.gov.uk/foundation/current/numeracy.htm

 

literacy

http://www.edu.dudley.gov.uk/foundation/current/literacy.htm

 

Alf and Betty

http://www.lancsngfl.ac.uk/curriculum/literacy/lit_site/html/earlyyears/alphabet/alphafront3.htm

 

 

Training

 

Smart board training

http://smarttech.com/trainingcenter/index.asp

 

Places to download Promethean flipcharts and training

http://www.prometheanworld.com/uk/

Becta booklet

http://foi.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=35753

Teacher TV top tips

http://www.teachers.tv/video/143