Kids and Electronics

[iheartscience]

My girlfriends and I were talking about whether kids these days have too much exposure to electronics. (YIKES-I sound like my father when I use the term "kids these days!" ) Most parents seem to have iPads, iPhones and other smartphones, and almost everyone I know let their kids use them pretty often. When my nieces and nephews come to my mom's house, they all fight over her iPad and iPhone. (They range in age from 5 to 10.)

When I was a kid, my parents seriously limited my TV time (never on a school night, 1 hour per day on the weekends) and now that I'm an adult, I'm happy about it! If I pop out a kid or two I hope to do the exact same thing. That said, the internet wasn't widespread until I was in middle school, and obviously smartphones didn't exist, so I know it's a different ballgame these days.

I know there are educational games, so it's not all brain-rotting stuff, but it just seems like most kids I know use electronics WAY too often. How much is too much? Does anyone have any actual data on this topic?

 

[Circe]

I sort of think it's a question of content, not medium. I think having a kid watch TV - or play with an iPad - isn't problematic, it's whether the material is worthwhile. The bigger problem is that there's so much junk material out there ....

 

[monarch64]

What a timely thread. I was just talking to my mom (who is 70, has an iPhone5) the other day about this very subject. I'm a luddite and she's just turned 70 and still wants to keep current. However, the topic of my niece who is almost 5 and my daughter who is 6 months old came up regarding their use of electronics. My mother and I agreed that kids aren't really PRESENT and living in the moment anymore when they are constantly attached to electronic devices instead of playing or interacting with other kids or adults.

I have friends who see nothing wrong with allowing their toddlers (children ages 1-4 by my personal definition) to play with smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, etc.

I grew up without all of these devices and played outside, in the woods on my parents' property, and at other families' homes constantly. My family didn't have cable television. My brother and I didn't have access to television, period, unless it was PBS, Jeopardy! after dinner weeknights, Saturday morning cartoons, or some Sunday movies like Shirley Temple or other classics. We read books for entertainment, or again, played outside.

While I will make sure that my daughter has all the skills she needs to compete in everyday life when it comes to technology, I really have an issue with letting her be attached to a screen during most of her free time. She's already grabbing my phone, and is extremely interesting in my laptop to the point of smacking it with her hands and trying to chew the corners of it. At that point I stop what I am doing and re-direct to actual learning toys...

I have no problem with kids keeping up with technology. It's always been the case; children love the latest, greatest. What I DO have a problem with is the replacement of everyday, tactile toys by virtual activities which require no human contact. And I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but what child under 5 years of age needs an arsenal of electronics such as an iPad, iPod, iPhone? I keep seeing this phenomenon and I am totally flummoxed.

Maybe I'm just old.

 

[justginger]

There are children in my own life that have FAR too much of themselves invested in electronics and video games. It's very offputting. The only interaction they have with me, when I see them once every other year, is to ask me to watch them play video games. They don't have normal conversations or outside interests, everything is about gaming and gadgets. It actually makes me sad.

This has definitely impacted how I view the use of electronics in the home. I am getting as bad as everyone else with my phone (half the time I'm on PS!), so I have to make a concerted effort to walk away from it at times. Future children will not have tvs or gaming systems in their rooms, and use of these things will be monitored. I don't want to be a total controlling mother if my children self-regulate and still have normal societal interactions (talking on the phone, playing sports, getting good grades). But if things start slipping, electronics are the first port of call for investigation.

 

[yssie]

Funny timing...

We had a family GTG and my little cousin wanted to play monopoly. Fine. He pulled it up on one of their iPads! I was taken aback - it honestly wouldn't have occurred to me to play a game like that on a 10" device!

Then again, I'm the dinosaur with no data plan on her phone and no other gidgets so... we dug out the boardgame

I'm becoming increasingly convinced that it's not a matter of too much or too little - it just IS. We can't really compare the way they use techology to the way we used to because this IS their normal... it's a fundamentally different way of using a fundamentally different toolset. And if iPads for 6yos are just a way of life for so many people, well, we may as well focus on content...


ETA: That's not to say I necessarily *like* it! It's completely absurd to spend hours waving one's arms around with a remote control to hit a baseball or swing a tennis racquet when there are, y'know, actual courts and fields a half mile down the road...

 

[ksinger]

Well, the danger I see, is that too much use of electronics ALLOWS people of any age, to disengage from real people in all their difficult affect-ridden glory. When the default of rude is quickly becoming CALLING someone or SPEAKING to them, something is seriously amiss. Avoiding learning genuine people skills is not going to be good for that thing called "society", which implies that other people and I exist in relationship to one another, not that we live in our own isolated virtual realities.

I work in an IT shop, and I can tell ya, most of those types would rather IM you than step 10 feet to come TALK to you with this nifty thing called a VOICE, because it's MESSY. I use IM at work too, but my patience wears thin if I have anything really pressing or important to convey, because interacting with real people is also far more layered with (tech talk alert) metadata too. I can communicate much more far more quickly and effectively in person than typing for HOURS, not to mention that I want to communicate with more than a collection of black squiggles on a screen.

The pressures to get on every bandwagon of technology on kids is extreme, but they don't have the ability yet to discriminate what uses and how much are good for themselves or the broader society. Considering that technology addiction is about to make its way into the DSM, this is not just sour grapes. The same addictive behaviors and brain changes of substances abusers are exhibited by those with technology addiction. That's why parents should try to limit overexposure - like say, don't use the TV/iPad/Phone/etc/ad/nauseum as a babysitter. I know many who do.

 

[TooPatient]

Great timing!

We spent Thanksgiving with my family and both of my little cousins (both under 10) had out various electronic gadgets the entire time. Games, iPods, etc. The only conversations either of them participated in were related to their electronics.

I don't like this focus on electronics. They don't want to do anything IRL because they've got their games.

We don't have any gaming systems in our home. TV is watched together -- no turning it on and drooling in front of it for hours.

Our biggest problem right now is that "A" (13) really wants electronic gadgets. She REALLY wants an x-box and PlayStation.... and cell phone with internet... and iPad... and......
(she's not exactly electronic deprived -- she's got a netbook and a laptop)

SO and I don't want gaming systems in our home. We both think it is much healthier to actually do stuff IRL. I had to spend a couple of hours on the phone to A's mother this last week letting her know that even if she buys games for A we do not have a system for her to play on, won't be getting a system for her to play on, and will NOT hook one up even if she is given one by her mother. (thankfully she decided a digital camera and some drawing gadget to hook to laptop would be better gifts anyway)


Oh....
It doesn't help that the school was giving away iPads for prizes. When I had to sell stuff for a fundraiser, the most exciting thing we could win was something like a new bicycle! Her Jewish teen group is having a game night next week -- prizes include iPads, iPods, xbox, etc.

 

[Loves Vintage]

My kid is still a toddler, so can't speak to older kids and also can't speak to studies. We follow the no tv 'til age 2 rule as recommended by the AAP: http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-a...000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR:+No+local+token We will limit tv after she turns 2. Not sure how much, or what the recs are on that. I will follow my own intuition. My kid LOVES being outside. I agree with Monarch that kids should be out exploring the world. It is an endlessly facintating place, isn't it? That is my intuition too, and I will happily follow it. I am sure the day will come where she is asking for a phone of her own. We will cross that bridge when it comes. The media onslaught is never-ending, and then there is the need to fit in with others.

It seems like people really want to stick these little ones in front of the tv whenever possible. Even when I brought her to the dentist office, the receptionist offered me a selection of movies for her to watch while we waited!! Huh?? Uhm, no thanks!

********

Above link is general and does not speak to the age 2 no tv rule specifically, but this is interesting. I don't have much time to write more right now, but curious what others think about the possible link to attention problems, since that seems to be an increasingly prevalent problem these days. Were kids just not diagnosed before?

"Today's children are spending an average of seven hours a day on entertainment media, including televisions, computers, phones and other electronic devices. To help kids make wise media choices, parents should monitor their media diet. **** Studies have shown that excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and obesity. In addition, the Internet and cell phones can provide platforms for illicit and risky behaviors."

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Well, I have two kids who are now in the older years of elementary school and what I feel is that TOO MUCH is when the parents rely on video games to keep the kids entertained which RESULTS in lack of communication or interaction with the parents/kids. There should be family & talking time. The kids should always finish homework and the reward for finishing shouldn't be the kid retreating to their room to play video games the rest of the night. The child and parents then should have some additional conversation time.

We have many electronic gadgets, but not a wii or Xbox and I think that has helped. With the rest of our gadgets, we have rules. One of my big ones is NO playing games on my iphone. Absolutely not. A child should learn that the parents phone is for the parent ONLY, unless the child is talking to someone on the phone. It is not a kid's toy. It's over-endulgent and entitlement to give over a phone so the kid can play video games.

 

[qtiekiki]

I haven't read through all the responses. IMO, it's a matter of balance. My kids (2.5 and 4 years old) play game on our phones and iPads. My kids still love playing outside, going to the museums and zoo, playing with lego, play-doh, etc. Those and other electronics are a regular part of their lives. I mean the world isn't going to go back to the time where everyone isn't connect. As a parent, it's our job to regulate and monitor their uses. It's an issue when parents rely on it to entertain or occupy their kids for their own convenience, and when they no longer have rules regarding such devices.

 

[iheartscience]

My kid is still a toddler, so can't speak to older kids and also can't speak to studies. We follow the no tv 'til age 2 rule as recommended by the AAP: http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-a...000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR:+No+local+token We will limit tv after she turns 2. Not sure how much, or what the recs are on that. I will follow my own intuition. My kid LOVES being outside. I agree with Monarch that kids should be out exploring the world. It is an endlessly facintating place, isn't it? That is my intuition too, and I will happily follow it. I am sure the day will come where she is asking for a phone of her own. We will cross that bridge when it comes. The media onslaught is never-ending, and then there is the need to fit in with others.

It seems like people really want to stick these little ones in front of the tv whenever possible. Even when I brought her to the dentist office, the receptionist offered me a selection of movies for her to watch while we waited!! Huh?? Uhm, no thanks!

********

Above link is general and does not speak to the age 2 no tv rule specifically, but this is interesting. I don't have much time to write more right now, but curious what others think about the possible link to attention problems, since that seems to be an increasingly prevalent problem these days. Were kids just not diagnosed before?

"Today's children are spending an average of seven hours a day on entertainment media, including televisions, computers, phones and other electronic devices. To help kids make wise media choices, parents should monitor their media diet. **** Studies have shown that excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and obesity. In addition, the Internet and cell phones can provide platforms for illicit and risky behaviors."

Yes, this sums it up for me! I had heard the no TV for under 2 kids before. I have no kids, but some of my girlfriends do, and they all tend to be in agreement with you. One friend has a "no toys with batteries" rule, which I love. Good for parents' sanity AND for the kid! If I do have kids I'll do the same.

 

[TooPatient]

Well, I have two kids who are now in the older years of elementary school and what I feel is that TOO MUCH is when the parents rely on video games to keep the kids entertained which RESULTS in lack of communication or interaction with the parents/kids. There should be family & talking time. The kids should always finish homework and the reward for finishing shouldn't be the kid retreating to their room to play video games the rest of the night. The child and parents then should have some additional conversation time.

We have many electronic gadgets, but not a wii or Xbox and I think that has helped. With the rest of our gadgets, we have rules. One of my big ones is NO playing games on my iphone. Absolutely not. A child should learn that the parents phone is for the parent ONLY, unless the child is talking to someone on the phone. It is not a kid's toy. It's over-endulgent and entitlement to give over a phone so the kid can play video games.

I agree! Phones are NOT a toy for the kid.

This is one thing "A" has had to learn. Her mom let her play with her cell phone all the time so when she came to us, she'd walk up and take the phone out of our hands so that she could play games or do an internet search . "A" came to find me one day because she'd picked up my phone to play a game and couldn't get in because I've got a password. She was shocked when I wouldn't tell her my password... I've watched my cousins do the same thing!

FWIW, I do understand that people are different and there are some parents who allow their kids to play games on their phones.... at least teach the kid to ASK politely first!

 

[ksinger]

My kid is still a toddler, so can't speak to older kids and also can't speak to studies. We follow the no tv 'til age 2 rule as recommended by the AAP: http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-a...000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR:+No+local+token We will limit tv after she turns 2. Not sure how much, or what the recs are on that. I will follow my own intuition. My kid LOVES being outside. I agree with Monarch that kids should be out exploring the world. It is an endlessly facintating place, isn't it? That is my intuition too, and I will happily follow it. I am sure the day will come where she is asking for a phone of her own. We will cross that bridge when it comes. The media onslaught is never-ending, and then there is the need to fit in with others.

It seems like people really want to stick these little ones in front of the tv whenever possible. Even when I brought her to the dentist office, the receptionist offered me a selection of movies for her to watch while we waited!! Huh?? Uhm, no thanks!

********

Above link is general and does not speak to the age 2 no tv rule specifically, but this is interesting. I don't have much time to write more right now, but curious what others think about the possible link to attention problems, since that seems to be an increasingly prevalent problem these days. Were kids just not diagnosed before?

"Today's children are spending an average of seven hours a day on entertainment media, including televisions, computers, phones and other electronic devices. To help kids make wise media choices, parents should monitor their media diet. **** Studies have shown that excessive media use can lead to attention problems, school difficulties, sleep and eating disorders, and obesity. In addition, the Internet and cell phones can provide platforms for illicit and risky behaviors."

This. Absolutely. I read an article about this several years ago - about the increasing speed of images on TV (from a second or more 20-ish years ago to well under a second today). It seems that your article is echoing the one I read back when. All these rapdily flashing images are CNS inputs to developing brains, especially under 2. No one really questions that listening to classical music early is helping build certain types of synaptical connections in a child's brain, but many seem to be unaware or resistant to the idea that electronic inputs could be wiring kids to ever-shorter attention spans.

There are several movies that make ME so nervous and jittery I can hardly stand it. One, that a friend let her young child watch, was one of the Scooby Doo movies. It was just FRENETIC, as are the Transformer movies. I get crazy headaches from stuff like that. I can hardly imagine subjecting a developing brain to that input chaos.

 

[Dancing Fire]

when i was a kids there were no electronics we go to the park and play balls.i am one of the few people on earth who don't own a smart phone.i don't need one i don't wanted to learn on how to use one.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Well, I have two kids who are now in the older years of elementary school and what I feel is that TOO MUCH is when the parents rely on video games to keep the kids entertained which RESULTS in lack of communication or interaction with the parents/kids. There should be family & talking time. The kids should always finish homework and the reward for finishing shouldn't be the kid retreating to their room to play video games the rest of the night. The child and parents then should have some additional conversation time.

We have many electronic gadgets, but not a wii or Xbox and I think that has helped. With the rest of our gadgets, we have rules. One of my big ones is NO playing games on my iphone. Absolutely not. A child should learn that the parents phone is for the parent ONLY, unless the child is talking to someone on the phone. It is not a kid's toy. It's over-endulgent and entitlement to give over a phone so the kid can play video games.

I agree! Phones are NOT a toy for the kid.

This is one thing "A" has had to learn. Her mom let her play with her cell phone all the time so when she came to us, she'd walk up and take the phone out of our hands so that she could play games or do an internet search . "A" came to find me one day because she'd picked up my phone to play a game and couldn't get in because I've got a password. She was shocked when I wouldn't tell her my password... I've watched my cousins do the same thing!

FWIW, I do understand that people are different and there are some parents who allow their kids to play games on their phones.... at least teach the kid to ASK politely first!

There has to be boundries. There is NO reason why a parent must share every electronic gadget with the kids. Kids need to learn that not everything is at their disposal or that they are entitled to use it. Kids are just given too much these days. ETA - my biggest pet peeve is when there is a school function - like a school play/concert and the siblings in the audience are playing games on their gadgets rather than watching their brothers/sisters do the play/concert. It is so disrespectful!

I will say we are more on the strict side, but that said, my kids DO use electronics every day. It's become such the norm that the schools use online math programs for the kids' math practice and to advance, they have to use these.

 

[chrono]

To say "no" to electronics is to remain behind the times and not fully utilizing the improvement technology brings to our lives in terms of keeping in touch with people, information at our fingertips and more. That said, there has to be balance. If the child is unable to control himself or herself, preferring to play games, not communicate with parents or peers, falling behind in school, getting distracted and etc. obviously the parent must step in. I am on the stricter side, limiting the eletronics to only an hour per weekend if my child earned it with responsible behaviour.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

To say "no" to electronics is to remain behind the times and not fully utilizing the improvement technology brings to our lives in terms of keeping in touch with people, information at our fingertips and more. That said, there has to be balance. If the child is unable to control himself or herself, preferring to play games, not communicate with parents or peers, falling behind in school, getting distracted and etc. obviously the parent must step in. I am on the stricter side, limiting the eletronics to only an hour per weekend if my child earned it with responsible behaviour.

Chrono - I'm not sure how hold your kids are...mine are in elementary. There is a HUGE transition. Before the state standardized tests were done with fill-in-the-bubbles (when my older son started out). Now they are done on a computer! If your kids are little (toddlers), who knows what school will be like by then! What bugs me is that even though the kids are expected to do all these projects on the computer, they're not taught how to type!

 

[chrono]

Both are in elementary school. On weekends (and sometimes weekdays), the eldest is required to do math homework online, so that is not counted because this is schoolwork, not recreational fun. I peep in on him once a while to make sure he's not on some other website or playing computer games instead of doing his work. His computer class in school includes formal typing lessons.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Both are in elementary school. On weekends, the eldest is required to do math homework online, so that is not counted because this is schoolwork, not recreational fun.

Okay, yeah, we have online math, but it's not counted in schoolwork, however is expected of the kids (the time spent is noted). I do think it's good for my younger son because his homework packets do not contain much math that is at his level. My older son brings home a lot more printed-out material so he is busy for hours. Which program is your school using?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Both are in elementary school. On weekends (and sometimes weekdays), the eldest is required to do math homework online, so that is not counted because this is schoolwork, not recreational fun. I peep in on him once a while to make sure he's not on some other website or playing computer games instead of doing his work. His computer class in school includes formal typing lessons.

Looks like you added on - we were using a great program but it was switched to a new one that seems to include many distracting features, so I'll be buying a subscription to the other program my kids had been using.

 

[chrono]

MC,
Last year, DS1 was required to do Rocket Math online. The scores were noted and he earned points for his class. This year, it seems the class is no longer doing this. For other work, we do the online research together. I know this is going to sound crazy but whenever we are driving along someplace in the car, I give out pop quizes on simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It seems to work though because DS has been consistently scoring As in math for the last 2 years.

 

[erinl]

I know this is a thread on limiting electronics, but I am thinking of getting my daughter a learning tablet for christmas-- from her grandmother. She is in pre-k 4 and I was looking at the leap pad 2. Does anyone recommend this or another product?

I feel like my kids have way too many useless, very similar toys, and I am trying to limit them coming into the house. Between gifts from santa, gifts from us, and gifts from aunts, uncles and grandmother, they drown in stuff--- I know, first world problem.
So an electronic item might help my daughter with spelling, math, etc and may be more useful in the long run.

Any suggestions?

 

[AmeliaG]

Yes! I don't have kids of my own but my brother and SIL actively limit the computer time their children spend.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

MC,
Last year, DS1 was required to do Rocket Math online. The scores were noted and he earned points for his class. This year, it seems the class is no longer doing this. For other work, we do the online research together. I know this is going to sound crazy but whenever we are driving along someplace in the car, I give out pop quizes on simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It seems to work though because DS has been consistently scoring As in math for the last 2 years.

Thanks. Okay. We had a different program that taught the math facts and provided the same framework of having the children memorize all the basics so they wouldn't be wasting time trying to remember multiplication while trying to do algebra. Then there are two additional programs which progressed from the basics all the way into geometry, which both boys have used, but my older son is beyond that and I may have to look on some homeschooling websites for ideas.

That is great that your son is doing good in math. It's so nice when you find little tricks to bring learning into daily life!

 

[iheartscience]

To say "no" to electronics is to remain behind the times and not fully utilizing the improvement technology brings to our lives in terms of keeping in touch with people, information at our fingertips and more. That said, there has to be balance. If the child is unable to control himself or herself, preferring to play games, not communicate with parents or peers, falling behind in school, getting distracted and etc. obviously the parent must step in. I am on the stricter side, limiting the eletronics to only an hour per weekend if my child earned it with responsible behaviour.

Oh of course I don't think parents should say no to all electronics. They need to use computers to develop the necessary skills to succeed in school and life! But I don't think a kid gets those skills from playing video games on an iPhone or iPad or other game console.

 

[Kunzite]

I sort of think it's a question of content, not medium. I think having a kid watch TV - or play with an iPad - isn't problematic, it's whether the material is worthwhile. The bigger problem is that there's so much junk material out there ....

This x1000! My son is allowed to play with my iPad for a limited time each day. Taking goofy pictures and videos of himself isn't going to make him an antisocial zombie (and I cherish those videos!). He's also allowed to watch a few (as in one or two) short PBS videos too. Does he want to watch more than that? Sometimes. But when I say no and put it away there isn't any arguing and he moves on to something else. Parenting is about boundaries. Zombie kids aren't created by technology they're created by a lack of parenting and reasonable content. There was a study done showing how kids reacted to watching Spongebob compared to watching a slow paced PBS show. So yes he can watch some things, but never anything fast paced or without some sort of educational content.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/watching-spongebob-makes-preschoolers-slower-thinkers-study-finds/t/story?id=14482447

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I sort of think it's a question of content, not medium. I think having a kid watch TV - or play with an iPad - isn't problematic, it's whether the material is worthwhile. The bigger problem is that there's so much junk material out there ....

This x1000! My son is allowed to play with my iPad for a limited time each day. Taking goofy pictures and videos of himself isn't going to make him an antisocial zombie (and I cherish those videos!). He's also allowed to watch a few (as in one or two) short PBS videos too. Does he want to watch more than that? Sometimes. But when I say no and put it away there isn't any arguing and he moves on to something else. Parenting is about boundaries. Zombie kids aren't created by technology they're created by a lack of parenting and reasonable content. There was a study done showing how kids reacted to watching Spongebob compared to watching a slow paced PBS show. So yes he can watch some things, but never anything fast paced or without some sort of educational content.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/watching-spongebob-makes-preschoolers-slower-thinkers-study-finds/t/story?id=14482447

Having kids make silly videos really can enhance imagination. My son has spent hours coming up with stories and then making them into "movies" using his ipod & legos. It is a great way to encorporate modern technology into timeless activities (such as Legos).

 

[Puppmom]

I sort of think it's a question of content, not medium. I think having a kid watch TV - or play with an iPad - isn't problematic, it's whether the material is worthwhile. The bigger problem is that there's so much junk material out there ....

This x1000! My son is allowed to play with my iPad for a limited time each day. Taking goofy pictures and videos of himself isn't going to make him an antisocial zombie (and I cherish those videos!). He's also allowed to watch a few (as in one or two) short PBS videos too. Does he want to watch more than that? Sometimes. But when I say no and put it away there isn't any arguing and he moves on to something else. Parenting is about boundaries. Zombie kids aren't created by technology they're created by a lack of parenting and reasonable content. There was a study done showing how kids reacted to watching Spongebob compared to watching a slow paced PBS show. So yes he can watch some things, but never anything fast paced or without some sort of educational content.

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/watching-spongebob-makes-preschoolers-slower-thinkers-study-finds/t/story?id=14482447

This...my son enjoys Sprout and I allow him to watch a limited amount each day. He watches 20 minutes a little before bed ( shoot me )and the Sprout goodnight show helps him wind down. It's very *quiet* and slow and they do a stretch that he imitates ( ). I don't see anything wrong with it to be perfectly honest. I also allow him to watch videos on my phone here and there (mostly on long car rides). What I don't do is keep the TV on in the background while we are playing because it is VERY distracting and I find that he isn't engaged in his play if the TV is on...no matter what it is.

Unlike Kunzite's toddler, mine does put up a stink when it's over and usually begs, "One more please?" The answer is always no and I think it teaches him that sometimes things he enjoys only come in limited quantities/increments.

 

[zoebartlett]

I think balance is key. I think technology is growing every day and it's good to keep up with it. I'm too tired right now to quote it, but I like what you had to say, Yssie. You mentioned that times have changed since we were little and having technology at kids' disposal whenever they want it is what they're used to, so we may as well focus on content.

Having said that, I also think it's important to encourage kids to play on their own, without electronic devices. I've read so many stories from little kids who write only about video games. Their world revolves around them and they focus on it so much, too much. Go play outside! Ride your bike, build a fort...I feel like kids don't use their imaginations as much as they could, and that's sad.

I'm using way more technology in my classroom now than I have in the past. I have a classroom blog and my kids (students) post on it. They use our Smartboards (interactive whiteboards), and our laptops and desktop computers all the time. They practice typing using various programs and sites, they practice math facts weekly on different sites, they read and listen to stories online, they type documents in Word. The list goes on and on. I'm amazed by how many technological skills my kids learn at school in such a short amount of time. It's great! Like I said though, I think there has to be a balance. Put the computer game, Wii, DS, Play Station, XBox, whatever, away and find something else to do for an hour or two.

 

[zoebartlett]

MC,
Last year, DS1 was required to do Rocket Math online. The scores were noted and he earned points for his class. This year, it seems the class is no longer doing this. For other work, we do the online research together. I know this is going to sound crazy but whenever we are driving along someplace in the car, I give out pop quizes on simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. It seems to work though because DS has been consistently scoring As in math for the last 2 years.

Thanks. Okay. We had a different program that taught the math facts and provided the same framework of having the children memorize all the basics so they wouldn't be wasting time trying to remember multiplication while trying to do algebra. Then there are two additional programs which progressed from the basics all the way into geometry, which both boys have used, but my older son is beyond that and I may have to look on some homeschooling websites for ideas.

That is great that your son is doing good in math. It's so nice when you find little tricks to bring learning into daily life!

MC, do you remember what the programs are? Just curious?