Unmemorable Memories

I do not advocate using television to babysit children. Children should learn interactively, not by watching. Television stunts the imagination. However, used properly, the TV can be a tool to aid in a child’s learning. TV should never be used to simply keep the child occuppied so that the parents can do other things. TV should only be used as a supplement to teaching, and as a visual aid. The TV should not be the main teacher, the parent should be, and the TV used as a tool, similar to how pen and paper are used. Used properly the TV can be a good learning tool not only for the child but also for the parent.

I was watching an episode of Sesame Street last night and noticed something. Something different from all the other kids’ learning shows I’ve seen: not only does it teach the children, it also teaches the parents how to teach their children.

The episode was about Big Bird trying to teach Baby Bear the alphabet. Normally you would think that the whole point of the show was to teach the children watching the alphabet. But if you watch closely, Big Bird employs methods that teach parents how to teach. He also says things that teach parents how to manage frustration in the part of the child when they have difficulties learning. He also shows ways to encourage the child. Now if only parents would clue in…

Many parents turn on the TV to teach and let the TV teach their children, while they go off doing something else. In my opinion this is not a good way to teach children. Parents should be around when their children are watching learning shows on TV and try and learn from the teaching methods employed, and use them as they teach their children. (Side note: young kids should only be allowed to watch learning shows, all other shows that are simply to entertain the child should not be watched)

I have not seen any other children’s show, aside from Sesame Street, that attempts to teach parents while teaching the children. Most kids’ learning shows just teach the children. I believe parents are doing their children a disservice by using those shows to teach their children, since they are using them as “parent replacement tools”. There is no substitute for parents teaching their kids. But if you must use the TV, use it as a supplement, be there as well, and try and learn from it too.