Curiosity can be sparked by watching a variety of programming, and the programs don't
necessarily have to be on channels designated for educational purposes. They can be
programs on Food network or BBC America. These shows provide children with techniques
on how to cook or teach them how countries operate differently than the US. Once a child sees
something they like, they can go beyond just watching it on TV and looking up the topic in a
book or going on the internet for further readings. Of course, there are the shows that every
child remembers watching, such as "Arthur", "Sesame Street" , and "The Big Comfy Couch".
These shows provide children with scenarios and teach them how to deal with each one. They
also help them learn about basic subjects, such as Health, Math, Reading, English, and Science.
There are channels just for learning such as, TLC, Discovery, and Animal Planet. All these shows
are geared toward teaching their viewers a particular subject. If children chose to watch TV
that was meant to educate them, then TV would not have a bad reputation. They would be
learning and watching TV at the same time.
TV is a window to the world that children cannot reach. TV producers have been able to bring
the Sahara Desert, the Amazon, and the endangered animals to the viewer's home. We don't
have to travel far to see these sights, all we have to do is turn on the TV. Seeing these sights
will only spark children's curiosity and give them an interest in learning new ideas.
By watching TV, children will be encouraged to try new activities that are not technology
dependent. For example, if they see their hero on their favorite show exercise, they will be
more willing to exercise themselves. If they enjoy a particular game that they see on TV, such
as a card game that stimulates their math skills, they will be inclined to play them too. If a TV
series is based off a book, then parents can encourage them to read the series and possibly they
will gain an interest in reading. Parent's ultimate goal is that they're children learn, and if TV
can be a catalyst, then they shouldn't be discouraged from watching.
Children can also build their analytical skills as well. If they are watching a show they can ask
themselves what will happen next and analyze the alternate decision and it's consequences that
character made. They will learn to think, problem solve, and predict any kind of situation. In
this way TV has an active experience and the viewers are better prepared for their lives. Children
can compare and contrast shows and characters and can develop this skill as well. They can compare
and contrast plots, characters, scenes, and decisions. Doing so, will make them ready for tests that
contain such questions. At a young age, some children can not decipher between commercials
and programs. Parents can teach the deceptive tactics used and show them how to analyze
whether the facts they are saying are valid. They can lean the different methods used to
advertise and analyze the products being sold.
TV has a bad reputation because parents just see their children watching shows that only pollute
their minds. If they take an active role in their children's viewing habits, they can show them
which shows are appropriate and can educate them well. Also, TV will help them develop
critical thinking and analytical skills that would take forever to learn. They will be curious and
interested in learning when they go to school. Parents should not discourage their children to
watch TV if they actively participate and show them the proper educational programs.
Source:are geared toward teaching their viewers a particular subject. If children chose to watch TV
that was meant to educate them, then TV would not have a bad reputation. They would be
learning and watching TV at the same time.
TV is a window to the world that children cannot reach. TV producers have been able to bring
the Sahara Desert, the Amazon, and the endangered animals to the viewer's home. We don't
have to travel far to see these sights, all we have to do is turn on the TV. Seeing these sights
will only spark children's curiosity and give them an interest in learning new ideas.
By watching TV, children will be encouraged to try new activities that are not technology
dependent. For example, if they see their hero on their favorite show exercise, they will be
more willing to exercise themselves. If they enjoy a particular game that they see on TV, such
as a card game that stimulates their math skills, they will be inclined to play them too. If a TV
series is based off a book, then parents can encourage them to read the series and possibly they
will gain an interest in reading. Parent's ultimate goal is that they're children learn, and if TV
can be a catalyst, then they shouldn't be discouraged from watching.
Children can also build their analytical skills as well. If they are watching a show they can ask
themselves what will happen next and analyze the alternate decision and it's consequences that
character made. They will learn to think, problem solve, and predict any kind of situation. In
this way TV has an active experience and the viewers are better prepared for their lives. Children
can compare and contrast shows and characters and can develop this skill as well. They can compare
and contrast plots, characters, scenes, and decisions. Doing so, will make them ready for tests that
contain such questions. At a young age, some children can not decipher between commercials
and programs. Parents can teach the deceptive tactics used and show them how to analyze
whether the facts they are saying are valid. They can lean the different methods used to
advertise and analyze the products being sold.
TV has a bad reputation because parents just see their children watching shows that only pollute
their minds. If they take an active role in their children's viewing habits, they can show them
which shows are appropriate and can educate them well. Also, TV will help them develop
critical thinking and analytical skills that would take forever to learn. They will be curious and
interested in learning when they go to school. Parents should not discourage their children to
watch TV if they actively participate and show them the proper educational programs.
http://kidstvmovies.about.com/od/healthytvhabits/a/tvgoodforkids.htm
Unfortunately, mindless and violent television shows dominate programing. You are correct in believing that there are a few opportunities for a child's enlightenment, though reading a book will be the better choice for in-depth reflection and understanding. You are also correct in believing that a child's viewing of television necessitates parental monitoring and guidance.
ReplyDeleteThere was a recent study that attributed the TV show "Spongebob Squarepants" to attention disorders in younger children (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2011/09/08/peds.2010-1919.full.pdf). Parents need to recognize the appropriateness of a show's content to the development of their children. It is irresponsible for parents to subject children to material that could cause them future harm. Although the effects of the study are not fully understood, it shows that not all TV shows for children are appropriate for the susceptible mind of the youngest children.
ReplyDeleteEvery program will have their strengths and weaknesses. It's the responsibility of the parents to recognize them and act accordingly. Parents can tell their children that certain things are inappropriate and should not be followed and vice versa. With younger minds, it's imperative that parents take part in their children's viewing habits to maximize their learning experience.
ReplyDeleteWith the new shows that are coming out, there is basically zero chance to have television help you learn as a young child. There might be a short, 30 minute show on PBS Sunday morning, but beside that there is nothing.
ReplyDeleteI remember growing up and having all kinds of TV shows teaching values and little steps you take as a child, but you do not see those anymore.
I agree that most channels do not have have educational programs; however, PBS is mandated to have educational programs from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. every week day. These programs help children with their basic subjects and critical thinking skills as well.
ReplyDeleteOther channels such as History Channel, Discovery channel, and National Geographic are informative and give information about certain subjects of interest.