A Simple Key to Balance Child's Gadget and Nature

When introducing the use of video games in a middle years’ classroom, it is important to work with parents to address their concerns. Many of these concerns stem from a growing awareness of the effects of a decrease in unstructured free play and time outdoors amongst children. The play is widely recognized as an important aspect of child development.

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During free play, children increase their imagination and creativity and these leads to organize their own games with their own rules, learn problem-solving skills, and practice leadership. An unstructured play is healthy and is essential for helping children reach important social, emotional, and cognitive developmental milestones, as well as helping them manage stress and become resilient. These effects are even stronger when we consider outdoor play and engaged with their playmates. Natural environments such as parks or any outdoor areas offer greater opportunities for unfettered physical movement, thus decreasing the likelihood of obesity.

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At their young age, children should engaged with the natural world and this experience is likely to stay with them in a powerful way — shaping their subsequent environmental path. However, within our modern society, children’s play has increasingly become sedentary and indoors.

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We are going to advocate the use of video gaming in our classrooms, we must take these issues seriously and work with parents to construct a healthy balance of activities in every child’s day. We must re-introduce nature into our schoolyards, and recess into our schooldays. We must work with our communities to ensure safe and healthy active transportation routes and to encourage young people to reclaim the yards, parks, and sidewalks in their neighborhoods.

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As a conclusion, we should guide our children in their daily activities and encourage them to engage in outdoor games. It is important to balance their time in gadgets and outdoor activities - they can do indoor games with the absence of gadgets if outdoor area is not available. This will help balance their learning between technology and natural environment.

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In the case of my child - since she has an ipod, our agreement is that I give her ipod fully charged and she should consume the battery for 3 days before I charge it again. I this way, she learned to save some battery for the next day and this gives her time to play outdoors and interact with friends and nature.

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