March Top Media Picks
*Find my favorite colors, shapes, art and early spring inspired media picks by age groups here: March Top Media Picks. Links for books, audio stories, music and toys are included.
Since the topic of rainbows is tied to the fun holiday of St. Patrick’s Day, I thought the month of March would be the perfect month to explore and learn about colors, shapes, and art! March is also when you can start to witness some early sings of the much awaited Spring season, which is also a fun topic to explore during this month. This month’s selection of media focuses on various topics such as colors, shapes, art, St. Patrick’s Day, rainbows, rain and early signs of Spring. As you focus on these topics with your littles with the help of my media selections, you will be supporting them in the following developmental areas:
Language acquisition: Vocabulary production will be fostered through repetition of language across all media types. Some examples of the target language: all names of colors (red, yellow blue, etc.), the arts (such as paintings and dance), art museum, painting, names of shapes (circle, square, triangle, etc.), rainbow, rain, raincoat, rain boots, umbrella, Spring, blooms, bird. As kids read picture books, watch age appropriate shows, listen to music and podcast and play with toys that utilize the target language over and over again, language develops more seamlessly.
Early literacy skills: Visual and auditory stimulation through books, audio books, podcast stories and music help to promote early literacy skills such as comprehension skills, phonetic awareness and print awareness. Children connect more easily with stories about things they are living in real time. For example, reading or listening to stories about observing colors and mixing colors can help kids make connections to real life as they experience the same activities, while at the same time help strengthen those early literacy skills.
Cognitive development: All types of media, when used appropriately, help support the development of cognitive skills. Executive function skills such as working memory, focus and sustained attention are some of the benefits children can experience through the correct use of media. Making connections, fostering imagination and creativity are other cognitive benefit of media. Tools such as developmentally appropriate toys can help make connections between new concepts and real life. For example, playing with toys such as manipulatives of various shapes can help kids connect the names of the shapes to the actual shape.
Social emotional development: Books, audio stories and shows can help teach children to recognize and label emotions, promote empathy and kindness, and teach social skills like sharing and collaboration. Through media, children can also learn what to expect and how to act in new or challenging situations. Digital media surrounding the topics of the arts can be of great impact on a child’s ability to explore their own creativity. Watching others crate art as a form of expression can serve as inspiration for self-discovery of their own creative abilities. For example, following a draw-along video can help promote love for drawing and other artistic abilities.
I hope you enjoy incorporating my top media picks with your little ones!