Google

Google is amazing!

In today's world Google has become as common to some young children as McDonald's. In the past parents have been proud of their three year old child because he or she can "read" the McDonald's sign from down the street. The fact is that the child had simply learned that the building with the big "Golden M" stood for McDonald's.

Today children including my three year old, Kaylee, can "read" and even operate Google applications. We use Google based applications in our home every day. We have it on our tablets, phones, laptops, and even on our television where Kaylee uses YouTube every morning to watch her favorite cartoons. My husband and I typically use Hangouts to communicate with each other, and to also have group chats with family more often than we communicate with them in person. While playing with her friends Kaylee was using a toy cell phone and we heard her ask, "OK 'doodle', how do I help my baby sister get out of her crib?" Later I heard her exclaim, "Oh no we are lost I can't find the restaurant what should we do..." A short pause later, "OK doodle, take me to dinner..."

I love that Google has provided all these free ways for us to connect with others and help people of all social levels be able to use modern technology to its fullest. All without monthly fees or subscriptions. I feel that most, if not all Google applications will be useful for teachers of all ages of children. I have been able to use them quite a bit already with even young Preschool aged children.