Mary Manz Simon's Blog, page 51
March 9, 2016
Parent play
How much time do you spend playing with your child?
According to new research commissioned by the Toy Industry Association, kids living in the South get more playtime with their parents than children who live in any other part of the U.S.
Parents in the Northeast play with their kids the least. That makes total sense to me. In Baltimore, we were buried by the biggest snowfall ever this winter. Playing in 29 inches of the white stuff is only fun for about five minutes.
March 7, 2016
Wearables, not
Predictions were wrong:
All of us are not wearing sensor-laden clothes like smart bras and intelligent shirts.
Although I would have appreciated heated sneakers during the January blizzard here on the East Coast, I don’t need to add to my junk drawer!
March 4, 2016
Those endless numbers of YouTube videos showing babies an...
Those endless numbers of YouTube videos showing babies and toddlers using iPads finally have some value: researchers are studying the clips to see how toddlers tap and swish.
Of course, academics are horrified that the ages of these young video stars can’t be confirmed and there’s little opportunity to follow them for long-term study.
But analysis might reveal points that will prove helpful to developers working on television shows and educational apps.
March 2, 2016
Fragmented parenting
I continue to hear educators echo my concern about distracted parenting.
It will be years before we have long-term data on how cell phones impact parenting, but we now have at least one study warning that disruptive caretaking (ie. parent on cellphone when interacting with a child) might impact brain development.
Research from the University of California at Irving was done with rodents – so as I mentioned, we’re a long way from drawing conclusions relevant to children – but data shows that predictable and unpredictable maternal care can impact brain development.
Even the early conclusions from this research underline what we already know: children need predictable routines. Rituals, routines, traditions – all of those give a child a sense of safety and security.
A parent who carries on a half-hearted conversation with a child while on the phone, isn’t emotionally present to pick up signals from a child. As a result, the child has fragmented care and attention.
Does this impact a child’s brain development? We’ll see, but stay tuned.
February 29, 2016
Coding wins
Coding is sure to be one of the most popular camp offerings for older kids this summer. (And yes, sign-up for summer activities is happening now!)
Programming or coding, which is creating a set of instructions to power computer functions, has been offered at an increasing number of schools during this academic year. Once students master the basics, the fun stuff – programming for immersive experiences – isn’t far behind.
February 26, 2016
Next gen stage moms
“Instamoms” have created an entire generation of amateur child models on Instagram.
Some of these kids have a significant online fan following. But except for using social media, the current crop of stage moms doesn’t seem any different from those who exploited their children through pageants in previous years.
February 24, 2016
Boost me up
Is your child warming up this winter with hot chocolate, coffee or tea?
A growing number of kids are choosing a grande chai latte, or similar caffeinated drink, when given a choice.
Although most kids don’t drink coffee until their teen years, younger kids are now choosing caffeinated beverages. Energy drinks are common.
How much caffeine is too much for a child? Research is ongoing, but until studies conclude, decaf is a wise choice for young coffee lovers.
February 22, 2016
Recess: more time needed
The argument to designate more time for recess is peaking now, as students prepare for the dreaded testing season.
Going to school in our test-driven culture has changed the thinking about the importance of recess. Although many previously considered recess a simple 15 minute break for students and staff, time away from the rigors of the classroom has become increasingly important.
The amount of time for recess depends on the school, district and state. “Pressure to prepare for upcoming exams” is a lame defense when explaining why kids can’t have more time for unstructured play. This is true, especially since recent research shows that a 15 minute recess isn’t long enough to re-charge the brain.
February 18, 2016
Makerspaces
Libraries are leading the way to collaborative and communal spaces.
In a growing number of schools and communities, libraries are being transformed from hushed spaces of stacks to makerspaces and “learning commons.”
In some locations, the only visible change is a table tucked into a corner with a box of electrical circuits, wires and batteries. But robotics labs, 3-D printer stations and group work areas with over-stuffed chairs are becoming more popular. The purpose is to expand opportunities for learning engagement.
What’s available at your library?
February 17, 2016
The Great Trade-In
Have you taken advantage of the Great Trade-In?
Started by Toys “R” Us in 2009, customers can trade used playthings (outdated, recalled, old, etc.) for a 25% coupon off a new toy.
That coupon might be just enough incentive for your kids to clean out the closet.
The event continues until the end of the month.
