We’ve all heard all the bad stuff: Television turns our kids’ brains to mush. It encourages passivity. It leaves no time for the real important stuff like reading and physical activity.
However, our kids still watch television! I know my daughter does. So here’s a little secret: Lots of educators do not want you to turn off that TV! In the classroom, television and other media are usually considered–along with books–to have the power to teach and enrich.
So what do all these folks know that we don’t?
They know that television needs a partner. On its own, TV makes a lousy babysitter. But when you watch television with your child–even just a few hours per week–something great happens. You can talk about what you saw and heard together. You can debate the merits of your favourite show! And both of you can use TV to open up these new doors to learning:
1. General knowledge
Television increases kids’ general knowledge in many areas–from relating to climate change. In school, a wide general knowledge actually helps kids learn. The more knowledge and ideas your child has packed into her brain, the easier it is for her to assimilate new knowledge. Think of it as the Velcro theory of learning: new learning needs something old to stick to. Keep talking about what you see!
2. A world of books
If your child is not a keen reader, try moving from TV to books in a linked area of interest. For example, lots of situation comedies have spin-off books based on the episodes and characters. Or, if your child likes the science or space channels, look for books on a related topic. Books about familiar ideas can support reading just by being familiar and high-interest. If you talk about what your child has seen and read, so much the better.
3. Narrative and all its devices, including characterization, conflict, and chronology
There’s no small education here, and all of it can be touched on in conversation. I taught my daughter the concept of “conflict” in fiction by asking her to think about an episode of her favourite situation comedy–That’s So Raven. What problem did the characters have to solve? Once she got the message that all stories turn on conflict, it helped her reading, writing, and book report skills.
4. Humour, including irony, satire, double entendre, and slapstick
It may not be relevant today, but understanding these literary devices will serve kids well in high school. Shakespeare used all of them at one time or another, but you and your kids can learn them right now–just by watching television comedy. A prime example of satire on TV today? The Simpsons.
5. Vocabulary
Recently, I eavesdropped on my daughter watching Lloyd in Space. This is just a sampling of the vocabulary I heard: potential; pathetically; unadvisable; quasar; expanding universe; vacuum chamber. Tune into Recess, The Weekenders, Smart Guy, Fillmore, and other kids’ shows, and the word buffet just keeps getting bigger and better. When you watch TV together, listen for the shows that pile on the vocab. Then talk about those great words together.
6. Media literacy
Try not to think of TV ads as empty lures. Instead, figure out together what’s making that ad sooooo powerful. As an adult consumer, you already know the basics of advertising manipulation–from catchy slogans to eye-catching graphics. Encourage your child to say why she thinks the ad is appealing: you may be surprised by how media literate your child already is.
7. The arts
Where else but television can you press a button and watch ballet, jazz, opera, cooking, decorating, fashion design, crafts, popular music or cartooning? When you recognize some of your favourite arts and artists on television, share your passion with your child. Let him know that art matters to you and people everywhere. Let your child share his passions too!
Research shows that co-viewing makes a huge difference in what your child derives from television, whether it be language or new knowledge. I always learn something by viewing TV with my daughter. And I bet you will too.
Jessica Pegis is an author and consultant specializing in learning resources kids. She is the mother of 10-year-old Simone, her sternest critic and loudest cheerleader. Sign up today for KidSmart, her FREE e-zine, by going to http://www.talkplaythink.com – Tips, games, and other fun (and brainy) stuff to do with kids.
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