Jj is for Jottings 152. The Effects of Watching Violence.
Did you know that the effects of watching violence are different from the effects of simply reading about violence? Researchers consistently find that, the more often you watch disturbing scenes, the more anxious you become. This can result in forming long-term traumatic memories. Your brain is unable to distinguish between reality and fiction when viewing violence on screen. Continue reading
Jj is for Jottings 115. Digital Distraction.
WHAT IS DIGITAL DISTRACTION?
Digital distraction is that constant checking of phones and multi-tasking which we see going on around us all the time (or even engage in ourselves). There is a theory that our ancient food-foraging survival instinct has evolved into info-foraging. It is sort of a hijacking of the same system that was critical for our survival in terms of seeking out food. It has now been directed at seeking out information, and the result is digital distraction.
“There is no digital distraction in this paddock, thank you very much.”
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Jj is for Jottings 99. Print Books are Better than Digital Books for Toddlers.
The question of whether print books are better than digital books for toddlers is a concern for many parents who are looking to do the best by their children. Here are two pieces of evidence, one anecdotal and one from research, which will answer this question. Continue reading
Jj is for Jottings 92. Managing Children’s Screen Time.
The easiest way to manage children’s screen time is to avoid screens altogether as much as possible, by providing alternative activities. Rory, the foal, is looking over Amy’s shoulder, trying to read “Aa is for Alpacas” with Amy, Zack and Zara.
This article on managing children’s screen time follows on from the effects of screen time on children and parents’ screen time.
SUGGESTIONS FOR MANAGING CHILDREN’S SCREEN TIME.
This has already been covered in the previous article.
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Jj is for Jottings 91. Parents’ Screen Time.
This follows on from the effects of screen time on children. Before we go into the topic of how to limit our children’s screen time, we need to look to parents’ screen time.
No parents’ screen time here. This “parent” has his full attention on the “child”, complete with eye contact. Good parenting skills, David.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARENTS’ SCREEN TIME AND CHILDREN’S SCREEN TIME.
Studies from the University of Bristol show that the amount of time a child spends on a screen is closely associated with their parents’ own habits. They found that children were 3.4 times more likely to spend more than 2 hours a day watching television if their parents did the same. This is when compared with children whose parents watched less TV. The statistic carries over into other screen types as well. Continue reading
Jj is for Jottings 90. The Effects of Screen Time on Children.
Avoiding the effects of screen time on children – Zara, Amy, Seth and Zack reading “Aa is for Alpacas” AND outside.
By now, there have been many studies done on the effects of screen time on children. My own observations on this subject are here and here. And here is an article on parental concerns about screen time. So, let’s have a look at some of the recent research. Continue reading
Jj is for Jottings 66. 7 Tips for Reluctant Readers.
Some early readers find large blocks of print rather daunting and are therefore reluctant to read. Here are some tips for getting around this: Continue reading
From the colour I thought it was Geisha on the shearing table (she’s medium fawn), but when I saw her face on the next frame it turned out to be Nina – white! I should add that the alpacas are not suffering whilst on the shearing table – not keen, but not suffering, and the result feels so wonderful – no more itchy grass seeds against their skin, and ….freedom! Looking at her this way makes me want to tickle her tummy.
Jj is for Jottings 41. Cutting Out Visual Props.
Enlarging upon the comment on Jottings 40 made by Ann on Facebook, who said she finds another great listening activity is to read a story to children without pictures – spot on! When you ask them questions about the story afterwards, you will really begin to find out their ability to listen and to Continue reading
1. Shanti decided she would jump onto Glenn’s back to get a good view of the toenail cutting. 2. “A good position – I think I’ll sit down.” 3. Settled in to watch the full performance.
Jj is for Jottings 35. Comments Made By Experienced Teachers.
Following are some observations I have made and some comments made by experienced teachers in the last couple of years. I find that experienced teachers have an excellent understanding of what enhances learning and what undermines learning, partly because of their long experience Continue reading
Picture reproduced by kind permission of This England magazine. www.thisengland.co.uk
Jj is for Jottings 34. Even the Queen’s Swan Marker Thinks Children Spend Too Much Time on Computers.
Every July, David Barber, who is the Queen’s Swan Marker, leads a team of Swan Uppers in a flotilla of skiffs up the River Thames from Sunbury to Abingdon in a colourful ceremonial pageant. Their task is to count and mark the bird population in this section of river. Continue reading