5 September 2024
As an advocate for tech education, I recently launched Technology Books for Children, a charity aimed at making tech topics accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for all children. With a mission encapsulated by the strapline Discover, Learn, and Enjoy, this charity is not just about books—it’s about shaping the future.
Why the Charity Was Started
The roots of Technology Books for Children grew from my reflections on the current state of technology education – many young learners view tech as something complex and distant, not as something that could be fun or integrated into their everyday lives. I noticed that women and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds were often underrepresented in the tech industry, highlighting a broader STEM gap and digital skills gap. These observations sparked the idea of promoting Reading for Pleasure on tech topics — a way to make technology relatable and enjoyable for children.
Also, based upon my previous experiences of teaching and leading computing education nationally, I noticed attitudes of children and families regarding tech, in that it was not something to be embraced. During the pandemic, these reflections led me to author and self-publish a tech themed children’s book series, The Digital Adventures of Ava and Chip, which were first published in 2021 and recently featured as prizes in AIT’s latest schools’ competition. Due to the response I received from this series, I began to see an even greater role for bringing children’s tech based texts to the fore. These combined events and reflections are the seeds from which the charity started, with a clear goal, to foster reading for pleasure on tech topics and help children become engaged and questioning digital citizens.
The Role of Books in a Digital World
In today’s digital age, it might seem counterintuitive to focus on physical books. However, books remain a vital tool in a child’s learning journey. There is something profoundly comforting and engaging about holding a book, feeling the texture of the pages, and even smelling the paper. This tactile experience can’t be replicated by digital screens. It fosters a unique connection to the content, encouraging deeper engagement and enhancing mental well-being.
Reading for pleasure also plays a crucial role in childhood development. It provides enjoyment, stimulates the imagination, supports social development, advances vocabulary and digital literacy, fosters computational thinking, and ultimately improves life chances. When children enjoy what they read, they are more likely to absorb information, think critically, and develop a lifelong love for learning. Books on tech topics can make complex ideas accessible, spark curiosity, and inspire young readers to explore the world of technology with enthusiasm.
Discover the World of Tech Books
Technology Books for Children, is on a mission to unlock the exciting world of technology for young readers. Carefully curated book lists introduce children to the wonders of tech, covering topics such as online safety, gaming, artificial intelligence, and the latest innovations in the digital age. Whether children are just starting to explore technology or already have a keen interest, the book recommendations are designed to spark curiosity and inspire a lifelong love for learning, helping children and their families to discover the endless possibilities that technology offers.
Learn About the World of Tech Books
Empowering young minds with the knowledge they need to thrive in a tech-driven world is at the heart of the mission. Technology Books for Children, provides resources and book recommendations that make complex tech concepts accessible and engaging for children. The educational materials are designed to help children learn and grow, whether they are reading about artificial intelligence, coding, or cybersecurity. Blog articles also support families and educators with insightful articles and tips on how to make tech a fun and integral part of children’s education.
Enjoy Tech-Themed Books
One of the core beliefs at Technology Books for Children is that learning about technology should be fun and relatable. With an aim to turn screen time into quality reading time, offering a wide range of books that entertain as well as educate. From bedtime stories to classroom reads, the collections are designed to make tech an enjoyable part of everyday life. With our carefully selected titles, tech books can become a beloved part of every child’s reading journey, bringing smiles to children’s faces while expanding their horizons.
Introducing The BIG Book of Tech
As part of our ongoing efforts to inspire young minds, we are currently inviting contributions to The BIG Book of Tech. This annual volume will showcase real people and their careers in the tech industry, providing relatable role models for children. The book will be school-facing, and in our first year, we aim to send 100 copies to schools, with 25% of those going to schools in education opportunity areas. Our goal is to double this distribution year on year, ensuring that more children have access to inspiring stories and resources that demystify technology and highlight its relevance to their lives.
Bridging the Gaps: Addressing Digital and STEM Inequality
Technology Books for Children is deeply committed to bridging the STEM gap between men and women and addressing the broader digital skills gap. Our work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Gatsby Benchmarks, emphasizing the importance of quality education and equal opportunities for all. By promoting literacy and reading for pleasure in tech, we aim to foster a more inclusive future where every child has the chance to explore and excel in the digital world.
Opportunities to Volunteer
Our charity’s success relies on the passion and dedication of our volunteers. We are currently seeking individuals to join us as fundraisers, grant writers, book reviewers, website developers, and finance experts. By contributing your skills, you can help us make a lasting impact on the next generation’s understanding of technology. If you’re interested in getting involved, head to our website to express your interest and learn more about how you can support our mission.
Join Us as a Book Ambassador
Are you an avid reader with a passion for technology? We are launching a Book Ambassador programme, where you can support our mission by reviewing tech-themed books. As a Book Ambassador, you will have the opportunity to influence the selection of books we recommend and help guide young readers in their tech learning journeys. Register today to be part of this exciting programme and make a difference in children’s lives.
Be Part of Our Book Review Team
Our dedicated book review team plays a vital role in curating our book lists. Meeting regularly, they highlight texts for children aged 4-14 across a range of categories, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, online safety, and coding. Their recommendations ensure that our collection stays relevant, engaging, and educational. To see our recommended titles, visit the book section on our website. If you have suggestions for tech-themed books, please fill out our form to submit your recommendations and mini reviews.
How to Donate
Your support is crucial to our mission of making tech education accessible and enjoyable for all children. We welcome individual and corporate donations, which can be made through our website. Your contributions will help us provide more resources, reach more children, and continue to inspire the next generation of tech-savvy digital citizens.
Learn more
To learn how to make technology a fun and engaging part of your child’s reading journey, visit the Technology Books for Children website, sign up to their mailing list and follow on social media @techbooks4kids.
