Article on finding books for boys with ease.
http://wtdwithkids.blogspot.com/2014/06/finding-books-for-boys-with-ease.html
Saturday, June 21, 2014
sharon mills park in Manchester review: http://wtdwithkids.blogspot.com/2014/06/sharon-mills-park-in-manchester-mi.html
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sesame Street: TV's Best Choice
Baby Einstein: multiple colors and shapes. Classical music. Nickelodeon: Dora, Diego, and Spongebob. Many other shows, some from the major networks combine and congeal to form a confusing puzzle confronting parents. Questions abound?
When should I let my kid watch TV?
What should they watch when they can watch?
Why?
The first question is not supported by much scientific evidence. Free range parents might say: Never let them watch TV. Montessori parents would say: Wait until they show interest. Other answers might include a specific year/month, after certain cognitive or physical goals are reached, or still others might mention a range.
The Federal Government (anti-obesity task force) says TV should be banned until age 2 (http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/childhood-policy-straight-out-of-fantasyland-20091019-h38f.html). Then, only one hour until they are five. That sounds pretty good, scientifically. A more realistic position probably would be a year and a half to two, depending on interest. A limit of an hour sounds pretty good. As a working parent, I’ve come to love the half hour shows too.
We know when we can start letting kids watching. What to let them watch?
Baby Einstein videos are okay, but they are designed for the pre 2 age group. I tried them with my daughter, and she was very unenthused, as was I. I’ve been to enough “light shows” through high school and college to know this was little more than one of those, with well regarded classical music. What made it less attractive, really, was the target audience age.
After looking over the options, I chose Sesame Street as the show my daughter would begin watching. At first, she liked only Elmo (even though the doll we got her freaked everyone out…creepy). She now is an avid watcher of the show. We watch it with her, mostly and try to emphasize what is important and learningful.
Here’s why I chose Sesame Street:
1. History. It has been around forever. Forever. 40 years. It is so effective it has been regenerated in many countries around the world. Departments of Education throughout the world have used it to teach kids “ready to learn” skills through the colorful characters and archetypes on the show.
2. No stereotypes. There are many different ages, genders, ethnic, and racial groups on the show. None, that I can see, have stereotypical jobs. They all have jobs, just not ones that may be based on a preconceived notion of what that person should do.
3. Research. When I was thinking about this question, I researched Sesame Street’s effect on children. I figured, it has been around for years, someone must have studied it. The best example is here (from 1972): http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED070317&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED070317
4. Thematic, integrated learning. The learning on the show is not separate or out of context. From what I see, it is integrated into storylines and different vignettes that make sense with the show. I think occasionally they stretch what makes sense. Overall, the show has a nice textured and contextual way of framing what they want kids to learn.
5. Made not for profit. When I think about major broadcast networks or Nickelodeon or Baby Einstein, they exist to grab kids’ attention and get they to buy items from commercials or items from the show. Sesame Street is there to help kids learn. If you go searching for merchandise, video, or music, it is a challenge. That’s because, IMHO, they don’t really want to do all the merchandising and retailing. People demand it. I like that. Sesame Street is made for the public good. It is not made to make money and then do some good, if it can. Big difference to me.
6. Historic. There’s something comforting and nice about my daughter and I sharing our first TV experience. It connects generations.
7. Heavily supported (by people like me). People, as well as some corporations, support the show. People like me supporting the show makes it a more attractive staple.
8. Cameos. From Jessica Alba to Adam Sandler to Jimmy Fallon. Really good stuff (for parents too). Kids get to know people who are known. I want my daughter to know Brian Williams and Michelle Obama. This helps toward my aware of society end.
9. Socially aware. Whatever is happening outside the walls of PBS, it affects the show. This year, climate change is a big part of the show. This adaptive nature in addition to a general awareness of the changing atmosphere outside the TV studio makes it a more cutting edge, yet safe option.
10. Never objectionable. I watched the 2008-2009 episodes 10 times each. I’ve analyzed, not necessarily through my choice, many parts of the show. I am certain I could not, even in the least object to any part of the show. I was sitting on vacation this summer and we were returning from a rather remote, outdoorsy spot. We made a rest stop at a pizza place. Spongebob was on. I was a bit hungry for any TV, so I watched. Spongebob was about a murder. A murder. My daughter was watching right beside me. My guess is she didn’t really get it. But, what if she did? In viewing several other shows, there is violence, commercialism, inappropriate jokes, and scariness to which I don’t think anyone under 5, and maybe even 10, should be exposed.
Those are my reasons. Though Sesame Street is my favorite, I do endorse three other shows. All are on PBS. All are a half hour. All are SS substitutes.
1. Arthur- Yes, he’s an aardvark. Yes, his stories are simple. However, I enjoy the nuanced look at family, school, and life on the show. Sidebar..the guy who draws Arthur illustrated a book called Walk About Books. That tome is worth having. Great illustrations by the Arthur guy.
2. Curious George- Been around forever. Great stories. Not a ton of education or pizzazz. But, good stories.
3. Super Why- Developed by a partnership between PBS and the US Department of Education. All the tools of literacy, fluency, and writing. They are all part of this cheesy, yet learning packed show.
If you have any questions or concerns, email me.
Thanks for reading.
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