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That discussing a television programme with your child can stimulate learning?
According to the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, discussing program content with children and helping them evaluate the programming stimulates learning from television (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/118/5/e1303).
Child development professor at the University of Texas, Aletha Huston, says, “If used correctly, television can be a wonderful medium for kids. It can be a way of exposing them to the world. It can be a resource for kids to get to places and times they wouldn’t get to” (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,20797,24729570-7642,00.html?from=public_rss).
WestStar TV offers many channels with educational programming including Discovery, Discovery Health, Disney Channel, History Channel, and Animal Planet.
That although television can be an educational tool, other activities are just as important to a child’s development?
Educational programmes can help children learn the alphabet, experience history, and learn about the world around them, but balance is important. Experts agree that limiting TV viewing is key. Consider how much television your child watches each week and look into enrolling them in physical activities such as football, or swimming. You can find a list of local sports associations on www.departmentofsports.com.
Make sure the TV is off during homework and meal times and create evening routines that include things like reading a book before bed. And remember children will follow your example so keep your own TV viewing habits in check.
Did you Knowthat children under the age of 8 cannot distinguish between fantasy and reality?
Experts agree that young children do not have the skills to analyse television programming. They often don’t know the difference between programmes and advertising and don’t know what is real and what is not real.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry suggest the following guidelines:
View programmes with your child
Select developmentally appropriate shows
Place limits on the amount of “screen time” your child has per day or per week (this should include computers and video games)
Turn the TV off during meals, family time, and study timeThere are many resources to help you understand how to teach your children and incorporate educational programming. For more check out these sites:
