Powerful PowerPointPowerful PowerPointPresentationsPresentations

In the VPK Classroom forIn the VPK Classroom for

Young ChildrenYoung Children

Julia Curtis EME 2040

Why use technology?

• Technology provides tools that can be used as engagers and facilitators of thinking, helping young children construct their knowledge of the world (Jonassen & Howland, 2003, p. 12).

Using Microsoft® PowerPoint™ to Support Emergent Literacy Skill Development for Young Children At-Risk or Who Have Disabilities - Jack Hourcade

Things to think about….

When presenting PowerPoint presentations to young children…

– Keep slides simple– Use a recognizable font– Use clipart and pictures to complement print– Do not make presentation too long– Have an interactive element to the presentation

Recognizable Fonts

• Children who are learning letters and numerals need to have fonts that are familiar and readable. Many

fonts do not have a complementary lower case.

Poor Choice Good Choice

ABCDEFGHIJK ABCDE / abcde

ABCDE/abcde ABCDE / abcde 12345 12345

Use Minimal Text

Rule of Seven

• No more than seven lines with seven words per line.

Teaching and Learning with Technology / Fourth Edition. Judy Lever-Duffy, Jean McDonald

Clipart!Using visuals are important to create and enhance learning for the young child.

PicturesReal life pictures are important to

connect a young child to their world and provide realism.

Use of White Space

Young children can be confused when the page is too busy or has too many colors and

distractions.

“ White space is needed to provide the contrast that catches the reader’s eye. But white space is much more than just background. It lets the design breathe & allows

important objects or words to stand out.”

Bringing Down The House: Creating Sensational Knock Your Socks Off Presentations

By: Ian Jukes

3 Three

2 Two

1 One

Three Little SnowmenExample Slide

Don’t be afraid to use technology…many times the kids know more than you do!