- Maria Montessori
"Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn."
O. Fred Donaldson
Contemporary American martial arts master
Contemporary American martial arts master
I love these quotes especially the first one because I see so many times parents and teachers help children rather than letting them try first and having them work through the steps themselves. There are also many times I struggle with not letting my perfectionism affect letting the children make crafts and do projects.
I grew up with two older sisters and two older brothers on a farm. We spent most of our time playing outside. My parents did not want us spending all our time watching television so there were several times I can remember growing up that our TV "broke", but would magically start working when the news came on.
This is so different than children today because many children spend their time watching television or playing with their phones or iPods. I think this robs children of their creativity and problem solving skills. When my husband's niece came to live with us she had not idea what to do if we told her no TV or iPod. She also struggles to think through problems because the only games she plays are with technology. Technology is a wonderful invention, but it is relied upon too heavily and our children are suffering. Play is when children learn to cooperate with others and use their imagination. It also teaches them persistence and helps promote thinking. Playing with toys is so important to future success in school.
Jennie,
ReplyDeleteI loved the quotes that you selected. Especially the first one. When children are able to complete a task on their own I think it gives them a great sense of accomplishment. Although as adults we should assist when needed I strongly believe that we should allow children to be creative and use their imagination to accomplish certain tasks.---Deon
Jennie,
ReplyDeleteYou have no idea how much I can relate to you about the children today and there dependence upon technology. My children too would rather be stuck in a screen that playing and using imagination. How do you limit the time that your children are on the ipod or computer?
Jolene
Hello Jennie,
ReplyDeleteI loved your second quote, I feel it describes play perfectly. Also I can relate to what you were saying how t.v. was not much of an option, but playing outside was often encouraged. I think this helped us to become creative and independent thinkers. Children today rely so much on their parents help or technology on ideas for what and how to play.
Thanks for sharing,
Tierra Jackson
Hi Jennie,
ReplyDeleteI can completely relate to your experience with your niece not knowing how to play without technology. We have had to encourage the school age children in a local program to observe the preschool children so they can learn to use their imaginations and play cooperatively. Our school age students did not know what to do without a computer, IPad, or other device at their fingertips. Playing outside was even more of a challenge. Why do you think this is becoming more prevalent? Is it because parents are afraid to let their kids out of their sight because of real or perceived danger of being outside? Or is it more convenient to sit the child down with a television, computer, IPad, or gaming device and tell them to be quiet and play?
I found very similarities between our childhoods, although i didn't grow up on a farm I did grow up in a small town in Canada, where I had to go outside most of the time. It is very concerning to me not only as an educator but as a parent of the crippling effects that technology has on our youth, like you said it has many benefits, but in the case of our children it has more of an abundance of negativity. I ask myself many times, what can we do as parents and as educators to combat this epidemic?
ReplyDeleteJennie,
ReplyDeleteIt's crazy how children have become so dependent on technology that they don't even know how to play. When I was growing up we had to go outside and play. If the weather didn't permit, we had games to play in the house. I think it is up to parents to limit their children's time with technology. Parents have to set an example for their children to go outside and be active. My mom and dad were always outside working and me and my brothers were always playing outside. Technology is great, but it's hindering our youths creativity and also their health.
Your post was hilarious! I love how the TV "broke." I thought my mom was the only one that did that stuff. She used to hide my Nintendo for days and we'd find it her linen closet. That stuff still cracks me up but I'm grateful that she did that. I realize now that it could have been easy for her to just ignore us because we were quiet and not running through the house when we were playing video games.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting it must have been to grow up with so many siblings on farm!