Lesson 4 - Games

Computer games for preschoolers can be beneficial in many ways, but at the same time, too much time spent in front of a computer can deny children of their play time; time spent outdoors, being creative, and socializing with other children.
According to the article found at pbs.org, the following are 6 suggested ways to maximize computer time: 1) Ask lots of questions as your child uses the computer- by asking a child questions about the game which he/she is playing, it promotes thinking and reasoning from the child.
2) Don’t let screen time substitute for physical activity- it is suggested that you make your child have breaks, time away from the computer, for other activities such as physical activity, reading, and crafts.
3) Introduce your child to software and Web sites that fan her creativity- choose software or Web sites where your child has to be creative.
4) Get your child playing electronic games alongside others- look for games which allow your child to play with others. In doing so, you’re showing your child that computer games aren’t just something to do to occupy his/her time.
5) Find opportunities for your child to make decisions and try something new- in playing computer games, your child will be forced to make decisions, even decisions as simple as choosing a computer game character, but in doing this your child will learn this very important skill.
6) Keep one child or group from dominating program choices- show your child that they’re not limited to only the games in which they’re friends say they can play, and also teach your child just how important it is to take turns while playing computer games.


According to an article found at familyinternet.about.com, video games can be good for children, as long as they’re age appropriate, have minimal or no violence, are developmentally appropriate controls, have some educational merit, contain open-ended exploration, and are fun!

Another article found at pbs.org, suggests that video games, when unmonitored by the parents, can affect children’s health. Children learn by what they see, and with today’s violent video games, our children are being introduced to inappropriate behaviors and actions, resulting in tragedies, such as the Columbine High School shooting in Littleton, Colorado. Parents need to sit down with their children and see just what kind of video games they’re allowing their children to play. Although some video games can be a positive learning experience for children, many of today’s games are not. The article gave a percentage of parents who don’t monitor what types of games their children are playing, that number was 90%. Our children need to be monitored!


An article I found at cbsnews.com, titled “Are Video Games Actually Good For Kids?” said that video games might actually be good for our children. Although there are violent games out there, the majority of video games our children are playing are not! The article also had a good point. The majority of our children play their video games with other children, they’re not down in a basement, in the dark, completely secluded from the real world. In playing video games, our children aren’t just learning problem solving skills, they’re also, in a way, learning social skills.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/16/eveningnews/eyeontech/main4453801.shtml


An article from abcnews.com, titled “Do Video Games Make Kids Smarter?”, says yes; video games do teach children problem solving skills and how to think strategically. It is suggested that although the video games may even be violent, they are making our children smarter and have redeeming qualities.. In the article a 10-year-old boy was interviewed about his Halo 2 video game, and told of how he had to finish certain tasks to get win the game. In playing these games, children are having to start and finish tasks to get the prize at the end. They’re becoming goal oriented. I believe here, the question are video games good for our children, is yes, depending on if the game is appropriate for the child.
http://abcnews.go.com/wnt/health/story?id=814080