Latest Blog Posts
Architecture, Block Play, and the Hundred Languages of Children
I had so much fun presenting my block play workshop titled "Architecture, Block Play, and the Hundred Languages of Children." Here are the resources I referenced in my presentation. Links and Resources (In Order) Ann Gadzikowski: Author website Young Architects at...
What Can Preschoolers Learn from a Screen?
The best remote learning experiences for preschoolers involve play and engagement with tangible materials on both sides of the screen. An excerpt from my recent article in Early Insights. The debate about children and screen time is a luxury we can no longer afford....
Announcing Britannica for Parents!
New website provides information, resources, and advice from trusted experts in child development and early education. As Director of Early Learning at Encyclopedia Britannica, I’m especially happy to announce the launch of Britannica for Parents. This new website...
Allow Time for Learning
What happens when we allow time for learning? An example of a long-term creative project in a preschool classroom An excerpt from my recent article in Early Insights. Parents and policy makers are often misinformed about what teachers need to improve learning outcomes...
Maps Matter!
The Importance of 2D Representations in the Lives of Young Children An excerpt from my upcoming book Young Architects at Play (Redleaf Press, 2020) As digital technology advances, our relationship with maps -- as learners and as navigators of the physical world -- has...
Planting the Seeds of Computational Thinking in Early Childhood
by Ann Gadzikowski The following is a reprint of an article that was published in Early Insights on February 2, 2019. Attitudes about the role of technology in early childhood tend to be unnecessarily polarized. On one side are those who believe we must protect...
Preschool: A Smart Investment
“Look! A squishy worm!” A small child lifts her mud-covered hand to show her teacher the worm she found on the preschool playground. Soon a group of children are gathered around the muddy patch, searching for more worms with spoons and shovels. Later, after washing up...
Reflections on SXSWEDU
I’ve just returned from the SXSWEDU conference in Austin, Texas where I gave a talk on computer science education for young children and signed copies of my new books: Robotics for Young Children and Coding, Robotics, and Engineering for Young Students. The focus of...
Why I’m Optimistic about Children and Technology
Each time I read the news I see dire warnings about technology: Robots are taking our jobs! Driverless cars are speeding through our streets! Hackers are stealing our secrets! It’s easy to become frightened and pessimistic about the future of technology in our world....
Coding & Robotics Link Pack!
Just FYI: When I speak to groups of educators about coding and robotics, these are the resources I recommend most often. NAEYC Position Statement on Technology and Interactive Media...