Social Learning During Social Distancing

It has been a while- over a year- since I posted to this blog! I have no excuse except that I have been fairly busy and stressed (just like everyone else right now). I am writing just about a week after the last day of my school year- a year that of course had a surprising and challenging shift to distance learning.

As an educator, if I have learned anything this year, it's that creative problem solving can help you wade through unforeseen circumstances. However, it takes a full on effort- a constant attention to everyone involved. You have to care- a lot- and make adjustments based on feedback.

As a parent, life has not been dissimilar. I know the stress and social isolation we've been experiencing isn't particularly healthy for us, but it could be a learning opportunity. This has been a tough problem to "creative" our way around- but not impossible. Plus, getting creative about social learning opportunities for our children right now is a good way to model flexibility and resilience!

Here are some options you may have considered to offer social learning opportunities for your little ones during social distancing:

• You and other immediate family members- your child's first teachers
• Interactive virtual (FaceTime, Zoom, etc)- can give your child a sense of cause and effect, develop social language, and can model participation in a community
• Non-interactive (children's media- TV, movies, books, music, etc)- allow your child to see/hear and learn about different social scenarios and develop empathy 
• In person (socially distancing with people outside on walks, or with extended family if you make that decision)- still available- just please stay safe (wear a mask, socially distance)

With safety first and foremost, opportunities for social learning will look different now, but they are still as abundantly available! Let's take a closer look at how you can offer safe social learning opportunities for your little ones during social distancing. Here are my recommendations:

Take an Online Class There are a variety of offerings for families with young children out there- the beauty of which is you don't have to live close to the teacher, and there is flexibility around the timing. For example, check out these online offerings from children's musicians.

Stay Connected With Playgroups Online This is a way especially for parents of babies/toddlers to stay connected (and sane)! Highly recommended. If you weren't in a playgroup already, try forming one online.

Listen to the Radio This time honored media source connects us to our community because it's  interactive. Try contacting the DJ to make a request! Here are some recommendations (in alphabetical order):

• Hilltown Family Variety Show (The DJs aren't live but may prompt listeners with questions or activity suggestions. Here's my empathy and imagination episode - you'll need art supplies)!
• Radio Active Kids
• Saturday Morning Cereal Bowl
• Sirius XM Kid's Place Live
• WEE Nation Radio (The DJ is Uncle Devin- a local (to me) children's musician colleague and drummer for my songs Sense to Me and Make Believe Zoo)!
• WXPN Kid's Corner

Learn More About Social Justice I recommend the Zinn Education Project. It has resources appropriate for Pre-K to adult. My son (11 years old) and I are using it right now to understand the history and continued effects of systematic racism in our country. Alphabet Rockers, Teaching Tolerance, and The Mosaic Project are all also resources I have used as an educator and as a parent.

Learn About Spirituality and Meditation With many places of worship offering virtual services, now is a good time to learn about different religions without the stigma of perhaps being an outsider to that community- or being that family with the kids who are maybe not that quiet. The more positive messages about universal love and helping those in need, and even the more controversial topics, are great talking points that may tie in to what you learn about social justice. Virtual services also usually offer positivity and peaceful meditation opportunities you can model for your little one- worth a try! (Or you could try the "Calm" app- I'm on the fence about this app. Will probably write a separate article about it).

Donate to Community Helpers As strange as it may sound to recommend watching a late night television host for ideas to donate to community helpers right now, I recommend watching Jimmy Fallon. As a parent of two little girls, he knows what's up, and his YouTubes usually have links to donate. So you feel a little bit more sane by laughing a bit, and then you get to feel like you are helping your community- a win win. How does this help your little ones, you ask? They get to see you in a better mood, and you can explain how you helped the community- you will be a model of resilience and empathy- go you!

Take Walks This is a way to stay connected to one's community that doesn't require a computer, doesn't cost a thing, and is a health boost in so many ways! I recommend saying hello to strangers, sharing or going off the path to maintain social distance, and going at around twilight- it's cooler, and where we live, we can walk with the fireflies!

Bond with a Pet Now is a great time to add a pet to your family, or pay extra attention to your pet(s). Pets can give that much needed unconditional love, develop empathy in your little ones, and can be genuine friends/companions! Have your little one help you feed, walk, or play with your pet- they will love it!

Mail a Letter/Gift! This is a great way to remind those family and friends you are close with that you are there for them. My son has really enjoyed getting letters and gifts in the mail- and it's an opportunity to show gratitude/reciprocate.

Be Real/ Feel Your Feelings As someone who experienced a crisis situation during their child's early childhood years, I was coached to be real and not to hide my feelings from my little one. Our instinct may be to shelter our little ones from any feelings that aren't happy. It's actually a better idea to process the whole range of emotions whether or not you have space apart from your child. It's not easy, and it isn't always pretty, but weathering those storms is a good opportunity to model how to process those feelings and still be okay- to be resilient and forgive ourselves and others. The operative word here is that these emotional storms are temporary- never lasting/harmful to our little ones- but learning opportunities. For example it may be okay to cry in front of your little one, self-calm, and make amends, but never okay to to direct inappropriate physical anger their way. For more information on how to prevent/report domestic violence, check out the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

FaceTime or Socially Distance In Person With Close Family and Friends In addition to connecting through FaceTime, my family has chosen to meet in person for special occasions. We wear masks inside and are considerate of each other's space and health needs. (Please keep in mind the health needs of your family when making this decision).

To anyone who comes across this blog- I hope this was helpful! Feedback is welcome: margotbevington@gmail.com. Or comment below.

Screen Time for Young Children - A Happy Medium

This final article, on finding a happy medium for our children's use of screens - for learning, for enjoyment, and for their safe use - finds me in a bit of a dilemma. Can a happy medium actually be found? I think there can be, but I say so with caution.

Those of you following these articles were kind enough to participate in the poll I posted here. The question was: "Without looking it up, I know the Pediatrician recommended amounts of screen time for young children throughout their development." The two answer choices were "agree" or "disagree." The results were- 17% agreed and 83% disagreed. I think it's safe to say that those results mean we maybe should maybe pay a bit more attention to those numbers: 0 hours per day for babies under 2, with monitored, limited introduction around 18 months, 1 hour per day for children ages 2-5, and 2 hours per day for children older than 5, even into their teens.

There are plenty of great screen time opportunities to be found for children in using learning apps, watching shows/movies for education or entertainment, and even playing video games, but as current events have shown us, it's a good idea to be vigilant and at least partially monitor use for children of all ages. So I think that happy medium lies somewhere in between monitoring the amount, type, and the user experience of screens for our children.

I leave you with two videos I found about screen time for young children. One reflects research done in the US and one reflects more recent research done in the UK. The videos may leave you with more questions, as they did me, but please take a moment to watch, and leave questions and comments below. Maybe there is a chance to find some clarity and that happy medium here- for parents, educators, and for children. Thanks for spending some time with me to reflect on screen time for our kids!

Links to videos:
Is Screen Time Bad for Your Kids?
Mayo Clinic Minute: How Much Screen Time is Too Much for Kids?

Screen Time for Young Children- How to Monitor?

So, let's be reasonable here. Children love technology, especially video games and watching their favorite shows and movies- my child foremost among them. It could be argued that early childhood is a good time to let children explore the basics of operating current devices, so they become technology "fluent" - ready to draw on that fluency later on when they become the next great software engineers.

I let my son watch YouTube and use apps on my IPhone, monitored, ever since he was 2. Monitored because 1) I didn't easily have money to replace my IPhone if he drops it, 2) I wanted to choose what he had access to in terms of content, and 3) I enjoyed the time spent with him using the device. We didn't have a TV, so I would watch YouTube with him. Quite honestly, out of all the media we found, there was only one video that turned out to be very much different than what we expected. It was a Calliou video in which some choice words had been altered. (Be careful when watching the Calliou apple picking episode online)!

My son has wanted his own IPad ever since he was 3. We didn't have one at home, but one was used at his preschool. At age 10, he doesn't have one yet because I have found both the cost and the potential inappropriate online content inhibitive. However, I got him a LeapPad when he was 7. The learning games and curated online content seemed more age appropriate. I got him a DS when he was 9, and then a Switch when he was 10 (because his DS was stolen from my school classroom when he left it there overnight - insert unhappy parent/teacher face emoji here).

Why has my son wanted his own device since he was old enough to request it? Probably because we had fun using a device together, and because we model device use as adults, me foremost among them. I am constantly working on a computer or my smartphone at home- the effect of having both a "day" job as a teacher (meaning this job extends well beyond working hours) and managing a small business as an independent artist and publisher.

Since I'm on screens myself a lot at home, and my now 10 year old son has access to his Switch, he's allowed to use it, partially unmonitored, for a set amount of time. On the one hand, I can see how much time he has been using his Switch with a handy Parental Control app, as well as disable some online features that could be inappropriate at this point. On the other hand, I'm not there with him when he uses it. I've been more vigilant, however, since hearing about recent hacking of children's media this week. If you don't know what I'm talking about, check your messages from your child's school. My county's public school system issued this warning: "Content that may start out as a normal video, game or message can quickly display threats, violence and offensive language and images."

The message also included this suggestion: "Closely monitor your child's online activities." For a 10 year old, that might mean explaining what this problem is so he is aware. In addition, one of my projects this weekend is to really get a better idea what his user experience is like. For instance, he wants to do more on one of his games, and is telling me he needs a Nintendo account, so we're going to figure out what that entails. If he was younger, knowing what I know now, it would mean taking a break from all new online content until I know for sure it's safe. Even though I was the one searching out and watching videos with my son, it did not prevent us stumbling upon an inappropriate video. Googling what I wanted, and using the first video on the search result list led to our Calliou mishap.

As parents, we can be vigilant at home, but what about at school? Leaders of learning have met with this problem since the introduction of internet to schools. Students, hidden behind their screens, access inappropriate content - even though they are supposed to be doing something else - despite the school's rules or firewall. Although some efforts have been made (see links below), I think much more could be done for schools to help protect students and alert teachers and administrators of inappropriate screen use.

Technology has advanced so quickly, it seems like we have often had difficulty foreseeing its potential harmful effects and misuse, from recent hacking to children's media to using it polarize people and sow discord. I believe these challenges are surmountable, however. Technology can also bring people together, make us smarter (we can learn from our mistakes), and help spread positive messages in the world. Take that- people out there who are trying to mess with our kids!!!

Next Generation Firewalls Do More Than Block Traffic
Best Firewalls 2019
Protect Children From Harmful Material and People on the Internet

Screen Time for Young Children- the Outs

So...now for the "outs" of screen time for young children. As you may have guessed there are plenty of reasons to limit the amount of screen time for young children- and studies to back them up. Click here to see the pediatrician recommended amount of screen time for each developmental age and here for a current study about the effects of screen time on the brain, but before you do, take part in my poll, to your right.

Doctors taut a "subtle damage" that occurs with excessive screen use. Recent studies show children spending an average of 7 hours a day in front of screens. That is over 3 times what is recommended, and concerning given what risk there is for the developing brain's frontal lobe. In fact, researchers have found that excessive screen time can atrophy (lessen) parts of the the frontal lobe important for executive function and empathy. That's a big deal- children need to be able to make positive choices to get through their day and accomplish tasks (executive function) and one would hope children would become adults with hopefully enough empathy to make the world a better place.

While some screen use is arguably "better" than others (using a computer to do school work vs. watching screen violence for example),  the dopamine associated with pleasurable screen use can also be somewhat addictive. If you have experienced a child who is unreasonably beyond unhappy at being asked to turn off a screen, you might be witnessing this effect. If you can liken their behavior to yours after not being able to have your morning coffee- maybe it's time to limit screens a bit?

Game-like learning apps take advantage of this effect. When children experience a dopamine rush while learning math in a game-like app like Dreambox, will they be addicted to learning math? It's an interesting question, and I think for some young students, the answer might be yes. However, how much should game-like learning apps drive the learning of students today?

Especially for younger students, I would mostly recommend social, play based learning over game-like learning apps. As a leader of learning, for students in Pre-K to 2nd grade, I would be a little apprehensive to see groups of children this age asked to sit in front of a screen for more than 30 minutes at a time. For 3rd grade and up, I see no problem including screen time for game-like learning apps as long as it's within pediatrician recommended guidelines, and keeps in mind children are probably spending additional time on screens at home.

In conclusion for the "outs" of screen time for young children, while I highly recommend- to educators and families- following the pediatrician recommended amount of screen time for young children, I realize educators and parents must make their own choices. To that effect, I'll share that I'm very honest with my son about screen time. I've let him know what studies show it does to your brain, and I'd like him to follow what doctors recommend for him. He doesn't like it when I limit his screen time, but my hope is that he'll be able to forgive me for it later.

Screen Time for Young Children- the Ins

Now for the first installment on that series of articles I mentioned about screen time for young children. Today I will focus on how using screen based learning opportunities can help young children- the "ins" of screen time for young children. BTW- if you have a moment, please respond to the screen time poll to your right.

Knowing what the "ins" are for screen time and young children (ages 0-8) is tricky. Besides TV, computer/video games didn't enter my home until I was 10, the age my son is now. (Dark Castle on the MacPlus, anyone)?  I know that I enjoyed playing video games and reaching the elusive "end" of the game. My brother and I would have "friendly" competition to see who could beat the game first, (Super Mario- 1-3). We share simpatico to this day involving the goal setting and surmountable challenges posed by early video games. My brother and I both have wicked hand eye coordination and ability to problem solve with trial and error. (Thanks Mario and Luigi)! We otherwise are high functioning humans (both valedictorians and hold Master's degrees), but how much did video games actually have to do with that?

Spending a couple of hours on video games a day at age 10 was one thing, but what about children in those sensitive developmental years, particularly ages 0-8? Nowadays, 5-year-olds who play Minecraft are not hard to find. I haven't watched PBS Kids with my son for a while, a time-tested, excellent screen based learning opportunity in its own right,  but at the time ABCMouse was running infomercial after infomercial about their early learning software, featuring 2-year-olds who had learned to read. What will this mean for our future?

Because technology has developed so quickly, it's not surprising it has made its way into early learning classrooms as well. For instance, when I taught Kindergarten, I would use and recommend that parents use the BOB book app. I'll admit it, I loved everything about BOB books- the app as well. Besides that, however, I didn't have a computer in the classroom or a computer lab at my school for general student use. Time spent working in schools as a music teacher/early childhood assistant meant seeing the occasional computer learning station, and computer lab, but not much more than that. Most of my work was for private preschool and K-8 schools, however.

Sending my son to public school Kindergarten - 2nd grade meant getting codes for RAZ Kids and Dreambox. Students used the apps twice weekly in the computer lab. At age 10, my son is both reading and doing math above his grade level- doing great academically. However, so was I at his age, and I didn't have any of that. Somewhat based on data gleaned from these two apps, along with some assessments taken on the computer, teachers were able to determine his reading and math level, and give him supplemental help if needed. I can tell you for sure from some of the research I have done for my Technology for Leaders of Learning class that schools nowadays can store and track student data more than ever- using learning management systems to mark the upward trends created by being more responsive to student needs.

Let try to summarize the "ins" of screen time for young children then, shall we? First, they are a bit of an enigma. It's not easy to give a personal opinion because not only did most parents not have the same type of screen based learning opportunities that their young children do, they haven't been around long enough to really show their long term effects. Learning apps seem to help teachers know how to help students better, which in turn drives student achievement, definitely an "in." Hand-eye coordination, problem solving, creativity- these are skills children can develop on a wide variety of early learning apps. Let's not forget kid friendly TV for early learning, such as PBS Kids. And yes, a 2-year-old can even learn to read and practice basic math skills with software like ABCMouse. That's pretty good, isn't it? Or is it? Tomorrow, I'll write a bit about the "outs" of screen time for young children, in search of a happy medium of course. Stay tuned!

Check out these blogs for more info on screen time for young children:
DigiParenthood
Fred Rogers Center Blog
Jump in for Healthy Kids

Screen Time for Young Children- the Ins and Outs

On this blog, I have written from the perspective of a parent, teacher, and children’s artist to share my experience in providing early learning experiences for children. This week, I’d like to take the opportunity to speak as a leader of learning. As you may know, I am currently working towards a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and I’m taking a class called Technology for leaders of Learning. In this class I have learned about many ways to provide and manage personalized e-learning for students in a classroom setting. 

As a parent, you may have encountered these e-learning resources when your students come home with access codes to RAZ Kids or Dreambox. However, results of multiple studies of the effect of screen time on developing brains have led to pediatrician recommended amounts of screen time for young children. Studies that show harmful effects of screen time on the brain abound. On the other hand, studies also show that learning apps can improve overall student performance.

I have emphasized play based early learning on this blog, in addition to music and movement. I’ve found that not many are highlighting these alternatives to using learning apps or other learning opportunities involving screens. In fact, online, you tend to find links to online learning resources- I am guilty of this myself in promoting my YouTube channel for early learning. Those who opt in for a TV free home, with little to no device use, don’t seem to be as forefront in advocating for their stance on screen time as do advocates of the learning apps themselves. 

As a leader of learning, I am met with this dilemma. How much should I advocate use of learning apps in and out of school? I tend to want to follow pediatrician recommended guidelines, but I also know that learning apps can have a positive effect on overall learning, allowing teachers to keep track of each student’s progress, and providing resources otherwise unavailable or not as easily attained in the classroom. Stay tuned this week and next as I write about the ins and outs of using screen related apps for young children!

Keeping Kids Moving in the Winter

Hi there! Today I wanted to talk a bit about a predicament we caregivers and our young children can easily find ourselves in on a cold day- we're inside most of the day, and let's face it, we get a little stir crazy. I've talked before on my blog about things you can do to help keep everyone occupied and in a good mood- try a change of scene, an indoor play place, music, children's media you both enjoy. Today I'd like to focus on movement.

Getting those kiddos to move and release that pent up energy can be beneficial in so many ways. It's recommended that kids get at least an hour of physical activity daily (CDC). This movement can prevent serious illness, increase children's ability to focus, and promote better moods. The department of Health and Human Services also released a new "Move Your Way" campaign that helps people incorporate daily tasks into part of their physical activity. (Special plug for my sister Francie who helped manage the promotion of this campaign). No matter how you decide to get your family moving, keep in mind all the benefits for the parenting or caregiving win!

I've been including more of my YouTube videos on my blog lately because I'd like to create context for them- explain a bit why you might want to check them out. My video this week is one you can move to. It's to that familiar tune from the song "Wild Thing," and hopefully it'll get everyone moving and releasing some of that wildness- in a way that hopefully won't make a huge mess or destroy your house. Your welcome!!