Read & Play

An Interactive App with Dance Mat for Early Childhood Literacy

Abstract

This study presents the development of a technological solution aimed at supporting early childhood literacy, focusing on children aged 6 to 8. The project seeks to address the challenges many young learners face in acquiring reading and writing skills during the initial stages of schooling. Research shows that effective literacy is essential for educational and personal development, yet issues such as attention deficits and the lack of interactive teaching methods continue to hinder student performance. The main goal of this project is to propose a playful and technological solution that enables children to learn in a fun and interactive way, using an educational app compatible with smart TVs, tablets, and smartphones, along with a touch-sensitive dance mat. The methodology adopted was based on exploratory and descriptive research with a qualitative approach, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges in teaching reading and writing and guiding the design of a solution tailored to these needs. Although the physical prototype has not yet been developed, the study provided a solid foundation for understanding the problem and conceptualizing a viable solution. Expected outcomes include increased interest in reading and writing among children, improved memorization of letters and syllables, and active participation in educational activities. Future plans include implementing the prototype and conducting practical tests in both school and home environments to assess its effectiveness.