With electronics becoming increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it’s only fair to worry about what it means for our kids. We want our children’s brains to be stimulated as much as possible, so picking the right TV shows for your kids is a must. Here are five ways to keep them engaged and learning while still watching television.
Pick engaging kid’s education content
Kids are rarely seen without some kind of screen these days– they go together like peanut butter and jelly. It’s important that kids are not only watching shows for their age group but that they’re also watching engaging content that will stimulate their brains. Finding programs that are engaging will keep them entertained and learning.
Be an active participant in TV time
Interacting with your kids while watching TV can be beneficial. Ask them questions about the show and help them understand what’s happening in it. Even simple questions like asking what’s happening in the show or who is what character can help immensely. This will allow them to develop their problem-solving and presentation abilities. In addition to developing their ability to describe things in their own words, this activity also helps them develop their logical understanding, vocabulary, and problem-solving skills.
Plan interesting no-screen activities
Kids must understand that TV time is a privilege, not a norm. There must be a balance between the desire to watch TV and the need to learn about proper boundaries. Many kids are eager to do whatever it takes in order to get their hands on TV time, and this is an excellent opportunity to reward them for doing offline activities, such as making beds, reading, and arts and crafts. One hour of offline time per thirty minutes of TV time is a good start.
Incorporate their interests into playtime
If your kids are watching a show about fairy tales or something that’s make-believe, try making a game out of what they’re watching. This will allow them to develop their social skills and imagination while also staying physically and mentally active. One of the most important factors that you can consider when it comes to combining educational and offline activities is ensuring that the games are engaging– that way, your child will want to play. Even if the show isn’t all that educational, anything can be used as a learning opportunity.
Dr. Edward S. Thalheimer is the President and Founder of The Tutoring Center® Franchise Corp. For our part, we here at The Tutoring Center® are continuing to provide one-to-one instruction combined with The Rotational Approach to Learning® to prevent children from slipping through the cracks academically. Our programs help children achieve long-term success, build concentration and focus, and, with our outstanding instructors, find the love of learning. Don’t let your child fall behind this school year. If you’re interested in learning more, or you are interested in opening The Tutoring Center® in your community and joining a team of more than 120 franchise locations nationwide, please visit our website at TutoringCenter.com.