There’s a great and puzzling divide between the entertaining and the educational. It’s amazing how many parents hesitate to let their kids have screen time because they think their kids will only accept and enjoy digital resources like apps and games if they’re purely for fun. We’ve heard things like “This looks too much like homework. He won’t use it” from parents, while off to the side, their kid is already engaged with the material. This disconnect is unfortunate for a number of reasons:
1. When we’re small, the line between what’s for learning and what’s for play is very, very blurry. Kids are built to learn through play (maybe adults are too). If grown-ups like us didn’t point it out this line, kids might not even notice. Don’t assume your kid won’t enjoy screen time that has learning objectives attached to it.
2. Even material that’s meant to be educational is designed to be enjoyable. Kids are walked through challenging concepts by cartoon characters, and lessons are taught through games and stories. If you want to test this theory, walk by a row of computers with math games or literacy activities on the screen, and see if your kid can resist grabbing a mouse.
3. There are a lot of different learning styles, and your kid may not fit into one that involves paper and pen. A lot of youngsters (especially really little ones) need to physically manipulate things in order to absorb information and develop skills. Others rely on visual material, narration, or storytelling. Some thrive when they’re allowed to work independently. Educational screen time, even in limited quantities, can provide the alternatives a young learner craves.
4. Even if your kid does recognize the educational components of material, so what? Learning is important, and we can reinforce this by making sure screen time isn’t all about blowing things up and doing cartoon makeovers. Tell your youngster that learning is a 24/7, lifelong process, and they need to take advantage of the unique opportunities presented in digital formats.
5. Learning components of screen time can be extended to activities that happen after a device is turned off. If your kid enjoys playing games about ecology, stretch what they’ve learned in the digital world by sending them outside on a nature hike. If they’ve been doodling with an art app, take them to a local art gallery. Even limited screen time with educational underpinnings can be used as a springboard for bigger teachable moments.
If it helps, don’t think of educational screen time as a thing unto itself, but rather one of many educational tools at a parent’s disposal. Don’t assume that your kid isn’t going to get a kick out of educational screen time, and don’t eliminate screen time altogether for fear your kid will only respond to fluffy entertainment.