For a lot of parents video games and tv are a hard pill to swallow. Radical unschoolers believe in unlimited tv and computer time. That is a really RADICAL way of thinking for Mark and myself, especially since we are/were teachers.
Finn and Tali have been obsessed with a National Geographic interactive kid's game called Animal Jam. They both have a membership, which allows them greater access to the game, but really is just a way to take more of our money. Mark and I have been bothered by how much time they spend on the game. Mark more than me. For the past 4-6 months we have limited it to one hour a day. That seemed to work well for Mark and I, but it really bugged Tali and Finn.
For the past week I have given them unlimited access. Mark does not approve in any way, shape or form, but I have asked him to give me time to try this style of parenting and he is obliging. Since we have also done away with bedtimes this has meant that they have been staying up until 11:30 or 12:00 to play Animal Jam. I was surprised to find that they have not been crabby at all during the day. Finn has never needed much sleep so this has really helped him psychologically I think. Tali has always been good about putting herself to sleep when tired.
During the day they play the game, but they are also playing with their stuffed animals, Legos and Littlest Pet Shop critters. I thought for sure that with unlimited access it would be an all day, all night thing. But it honestly hasn't been. Surprise, surprise. :)
Unschooling parents also recommend getting involved in the video games that your child is loving. So today I asked Tali to set up an account for me on Animal Jam. You should have seen their faces! They were so surprised that I wanted to do this. Well, I have to tell you that honestly, its pretty cute and fun.
First you pick an animal. I picked a seal. Then you get to customize it and your "den". They start you out with a few items to decorate your den, but then you have to play the games to win more gems to buy more items. I played the Phantom's Treasure Hidden Reef game today. You have to find the different animals and plants hidden in the reef. It introduces the kids to their names and habitats. It also gives little informational cards for each animal or plant. I actually had fun and played for quite a long time. Another great way for me to bond with my kids.
www.animaljam.com
I'm really fascinated by this and can't wait to see how it plays out. Kind of like a video game. I think we need to look at video games like we did coloring books, word games and maybe even possibly reading (to some extent). It's the new and current way of learning I suppose. I'm sure they have to read in these games and it sounds like they're definitely learning something. It's not like a shoot-'em-up game. I love these posts. You'd think I had a kid in school or something. Which reminds me.. You might find this funny (maybe?)http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2013/05/30/worst-end-of-school-year-mom-ever
ReplyDeleteKaren, that was the funnies shit ever! I laughed my butt off because that was SO me! I was the parent who, even though I read all of the paperwork in their backpacks every night, still did not have the correct colored tshirt on my child or forgot to send in the snack for that party. I tried soooo hard and I never even came close. And this was all year, not just in May! I think I gave so much to my classroom children that I had nothing left for my own kids. That is horrible. I am so glad I gave that all up. Now I can try to redo things and catch up. :)
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