Your children are learning in the Age of Distraction. Around them are all sorts of media avenues, things like e-readers and Iphones and email and text messages. There are also more arcane and ancient technologies like computer games and the television. Not only do these technologies lead to a lot of screen time, but they can be profoundly distracting. The phone goes beep, the email pops up, and all of a sudden the kids are off.
Now, I think that these technologies are amazing. Kids can learn a lot from the world of the web, and they can be participants too, uploading their own nature photos or sharing their creative writing in an ebook. However, they’re also distracting. Constant texting and web surfing can lead you deep into the jungle of the internet, never to return to other things that are also part of your child’s learning.
What can you do to create a good environment for learning in the Age of Distraction?
Be selective about when and how you introduce technologies to younger children. My daughter plays computer games, educational ones that focus on math and reading skills. However, they’re in short bursts, they’re not particularly addictive, and she just plain prefers to play outside. Of course, as children get older they will be interested in the technologies that are available to them. You need to have a conversation with them about what’s appropriate and when.
Create a sacred time or a sacred space where you go retro, without technology. Set a particular time limit so that older children know that they will be able to check into their technologies. This might be a school room or it could be school hours. If you’re an unschooler, you could discuss times that you can all unplug and just enjoy whatever is going on around you.
Model good behavior. If you’re on your phone constantly, your child will understand that this is what it means to be an adult.
Go on a field trip. Whether it’s to a park, on a hike, or to a cultural event, keep your technologies at home and go out and experience real life.
Do something physical. Kids get a lot of screen time, but active play is decreasing. Send them out to play, to volunteer as a sports coach, or to do something that is totally physically engrossing.
Go somewhere else. I aim to have vacations where I don’t bring my technology with me. Do the same with your kids. No matter how much technology your child has in his life, it’s good to take a break sometimes, even if it’s just for a few days.