I was talking to another Mum recently and she was telling me that she strictly limits her six year old son’s access to the computer. Even though they have access at home, she lets him use it very little and she was surprised by the amount of emphasis his school seemed to place on the need for children to have access to computers and the internet.
As a teacher, I certainly understand the push in schools to be seen to be providing children with an education in computer literacy, and as the Director of a child care centre, I was often asked if the children (especially the 4-5 year olds) had access to computers and the Internet.
My friend went on to clarify that she was not adverse to computers and knew that children needed to grow up to be confident users of modern technology but she wanted her children to know books and reading as their first love. She feels that there is plenty of time to learn to use a computer (the Internet, mobile phones, PDAs, digital cameras, etc, etc, etc) but a limited window in which to inspire a child to love the thrill of discovery contained within a well written book.
And I tend to agree.
There is so much to be found inside a good book – imagination, language, discovery, knowledge, new friends and faithful, old friends. There are books that leave you feeling inspired, thoughtful, comforted, saddened, hopeful.
And while I love the Internet and my trusty laptop for all that they provide me, I am not sure that computers and digital devices will ever be quite as inspiring as a good book. At least to me.
And I hope that Immy feels the same. My wish is that she also grows to love good old fashioned literature first and technology later. I hope we always make time everyday to read as we do now. Even once we find ourselves consumed by the busyness of school days and after school activities, maybe we will even start counting the days like this inspiring Dad and his daughter.
What are your thoughts when it comes to children learning to love reading and books versus using technology?
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Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
You see I think our (and I mean Gen x) will be the last generation to have this odd if not artificial distinction between online and offline worlds.
For Gen Z and the new Alpha (as they call them) Gen born in 2010 this distinction does not and will not exist.
With the acceleration of PDA's not to mention of mobile devices people are already using online to connect, learn, write, create, collaborate etc. The list is endless. Whether a child reads online or offline (a book) in the future it wont matter. It's about entering a different world created by the author.
However that being said I too limit my children's time online. Not because I see there is a case for online v books but because I think too much time in front of a screen is bad for kids (also adults).
:-)
Ann
My husband and I have been reflecting recently that we both now struggle to read a whole book (adult book I mean, not kid's books!). We were wondering whether it is because we have two very young children who wear us out, or whether we are used to the sort of snippets of information you get through online articles... I think DEEP reading is something that CAN be lost with too much online access.
What a challenge!
Good on the two of them for persisting so long that is great
I am not for a second suggesting we should sacrifice any precious reading time with our kids. The value of reading aloud to young children should never be underestimated. However, I don't think technology is the enemy of reading. The two can coexist, and can in fact complement each other in homes and in classrooms.
I don't believe that we need to push or hurry our children into using technology. Sure things will be very different techno wise when they grow up, just like they are now compared to when we were kids... but there is plenty of time for children to be a part of this as they grow up.
For a young child nothing can replace the importance of actually physically 'doing' while learning... there are plenty of ways I like to incorporate computers into the 'doing' in our house, but playing games or checking out websites isn't really meaningful 'doing' in my mind, so that is what we limit.
thinking about a post on this subject but milling over where I stand too LOL
I don't feel that the computers should be replacing books, as you may know I am a HUGE gan of books, but the children of the current generation {not even a GEN Y like me} are within technology everyday. I know 3 year olds that can use a DS, a computer, a DVD player and sometimes even younger!
If we don't allow the children to use these within schools where they are able to access the funding to provide such technology rich backgrounds, are we then showing the message that using technology is bad? If so, then why do we introduce calculators? That is a form of technology.
Just as scissors are, that are a low form of technology.
Not all technology is bad, you can have an overkill and as teachers we need to ensure that whilst we are using technology within our classrooms there is still a richness of print and 'real' books.
{Sorry for blabbing on, but the school I am at has ONE IWB, and I have booked two sessions in already one tomorrow and then Thursday. For me, the students need to know it is there and it is fun! Mind you there is no computers within the classroom either though. Unfortunately I have discovered that not all funding goes to where it should be and sometimes it is designated a specific area..}
Carly
Yes, it would be an absolute loss if kids don't learn to love books. But it would be hugely detrimental if they don't also learn to love and navigate technology. They don't have to compete but they do both have to be there.
Plus, I have a Kreativ Blogging Award for Christie here, come and have a look.
Anyway, I see it a lot like languages. Kids *will* learn computer and Internet usage because it is practically in the air they breathe.
Just like if you want your kids to be bilingual, you speak the target, non-dominant, language at home, I think it makes a lot of sense to keep computers out of the picture, to the extent you can control it, until they are older.
I don't think screen time is that good for kids until they are school-aged and even then, I think that limiting it will still result in plenty of computer usage...since it is just everywhere.
I don't think my three year-old is missing out on her chance to be technologically adept simply because she does not know how to use a computer yet.
My initial reaction was horror and 'how about some good books instead' comment.
I'm still really concerned about the idea of giving such an expensive gift to a child who manages to loose most of her possessions on a regular basis. But I can see why mum suggested it because Annie loves to read and ebooks seem to be here to stay.
Me, I'd still rather hold a real paper book in my hands.
Lots of both I think??
I also have the computer out and going most days. There is a computer within my childcare space for the children to use and educational programs for all levels.
I also watch the TV with my children during care hours. Programs are chosen to fit interests and what we are learning about. What we watch is talked about - I think of it as interacting with the program and each other.
I believe children need to be taught to be good consumers. If they never have the opportunities to watch, use and make choices while young and with educated guidance - when will they?
I do not believe in using TV and computers for background noise or to just keep busy. There is always a purpose.
My kids see the computer as a potential source of entertainment as well as a source of information; questions about how a microsope works or how raisins are made or how bees make honey are answered with my best friend, Google Images. But books are another thing; they're eminently portable, they're tactile, and they're entirely personal; no one comes by and claims that you have to get off the book, and what are you reading about anyway? So I hope (and I hope I say this not only out of a romantic attachment to books) that they continue to share my love of a real, actual book.