When preschool play was shaking maracas!

Plugged in preschoolers?

A recent study researched by Grunwald Associates LLC for PBS, says that more and more, teachers are Using digital media, including websites and streaming video, in their classrooms — particularly for kids in elementary school. But, Pre-K teachers are quickly following suit. I can’t think of anything more frustrating and unfortunate for preschool parents. We already have to worry about the environment IN the preschool– is it nurturing? Are the adults safe, friendly, knowledgeable? What kind of snacks are they serving? Now we have to ask another question– what and how much media is my child exposed to all day. And if we’re limiting the amount of time our kids are sedentary and plugged in– now we have to count the time in preschool!

When my kids were in preschool, I used to go in on with my guitar on their birthdays and bring little instruments for all the kids to shake. I started to teach them the beat of the music. But, mostly they found great fun in the noise and joyful, simple melodies we shared. Using all of their senses and experiencing real life is critical to the developing mind and psyche of young children. That’s my twins– Evan and Scott in the navy sweatshirts!

See Kids Under Fire for how to interview Day Care Providers.