Summer: Don't Waste it Behind a Screen!
If you live in Canada like me, you’d know that summer seems (still) ages away! But, as we all have learned from experience, it will creep on us quicker than we can prepare for. For children, summer = Free Play 24/7.
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In the year 2017, it seems that children are more likely to simply stare at the sun through their windows, as they close their blinds to cut off the glare on their TV screens. We see it happening more and more as technology progresses…children aren’t participating in “normal kid activities”. This may seem scary and inevitable, but there is a way that we can find that much needed balance of both giving children time to choose what they want (that may include digital technology) AND giving them opportunities to put them away and enjoy life!
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Now, this is a technology blog. It is a place where I have, time and time again, discussed the pros and cons of young children being exposed to digital technology. For the purpose of this blog post, and in all honestly, I feel that I will be leaning more towards the using technology in moderation (in the summer months). As a future ECE, I 100% believe that technology is a future primary method of teaching, but do I see it having to surround children’s everyday lives outside of the classroom…no. During their time off, children can still naturally explore what they seem curious and interested about, but that shouldn’t only come from unlocking an iPad and typing in something on Google.
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One thing that I have seen during my summer job searches are camps dedicated to coding, technology, graphic design, programming and robots. Referred to as the STEAM Project (Inc), it is a safe space where children can participate in all typical day-camp activities while exploring the vast world of growing technology. Camps that draw the attention to the creation of things and ideas with the help of technology are popping up around the GTA. Children with an interest in building can put forth the physical work as well as the behind the scenes to creating bigger and better projects. I believe camps like these give children the best of both worlds: they can still be social with other children and peers while they participate in what interests them the most!
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I am not assuming that all children are intreated in building and creating things using technology. Some children may just enjoy using technology in their daily routines for games, activities and so forth. What I can recommend for these children (most cases these children fall into the earlier years category) is to try and use technology as an added bonus to something else that are participating in. Drawing something outside on the sidewalk with chalk but a storm is coming? Use a camera or mobile phone to snap a picture before it’s gone! Use the internet with the help of parents to look up fun activities or places to go to! Two examples of the many possibilities that can come from viewing technology as that extra flare to an already amazing activity. We need to show children as parents, ECE’s, caregivers, babysitters, camp counsellors, etc., that we must not waste our life away behind a screen. Especially in the summer months where there are endless things to do!
It is amazing when you can begin to compare a child’s life to an adults. Like any grown individual, children seem to be using digital technology in their everyday (school) experiences. Like any grown individual, they will need a break from said digital technologies. Taking the time away from curriculum, planning, projects and all other things that come with school, children should also note that technology as a means for learning should be given a time out as well! It is amazing what some perspective can do in the lives of the digital age. We seem to be ever so consumed in the power of the title device that sits in our hand. We cannot allow the beauty of present day life to go unnoticed. It is time for relaxation, exploration,…and just being a kid!
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Julia
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