Tech Savvy Mama

Parenting in the Digital Age

Computer Time Versus Play Time

By

Little Miss Techie’s computer arrived this week. Now that it is here, there are so many more issues that I have besides it just taking over my precious Mommy Desk.

The Mommy Desk/Future Home of the Computer is located in our home’s main hub. Conveniently located by our kitchen and living room, it is in a high traffic area that is used throughout the day. Little Miss Techie and Captain Computer spend lots of time playing in these areas. On any given day, we are busy having picnics and tea parties, doing extensive gourmet cooking projects or construction work, writing letters and sorting them in our mail center, and building tent cities. I worry that putting the computer near the living room where a majority of play occurs will negatively impact the amount of imaginative play that occurs.

I have always been a fan of unstructured imaginative play. In graduate school I was subjected to many hours of pouring over books that described various teaching philosophies. Coursework required me to spend time observing how the philosophies played out in different classrooms. I certainly favor educational philosophies where play is a main component of teaching and learning.
The importance of play has been getting lots of press recently from news sources like NPR and The New York Times Sunday Magazine. I take play seriously. I believe that unstructured imaginative play builds skills in children. After all, children learn by doing. Play is what children do. Play helps children make sense of the world around them.
So my belief in the importance of play, the fact my professional life revolved around the integration of technology into the classroom, and the arrival of Little Miss Techie’s computer causes some serious internal conflict. Actively engaging in play and sitting in front of a computer are about as opposite as any two things can be. My worlds are colliding and presenting me with an interesting dilemma.
Little Miss Techie goes to a preschool where play is the curriculum. It is not an academic preschool. They don’t have books. They don’t teach phonics, letters, numeracy, or beginning math skills. Little Miss Techie listens to beautifully crafted oral stories and watches the most amazing puppet shows expertly produced by experienced teachers. She sings, learns about nature and the seasons, and plays inside the classroom and outside in the elements despite rain and snow. It is an incredible place where lots of learning occurs.
Tech Savvy Daddy and I made a conscious decision to let Little Miss Techie spend a couple more years enjoying childhood before sending her off to kindergarten. Sending our daughter to a non-academic preschool was our way of placing a priority on play and prolonging the wonder of childhood.

While play is wonderful, computers are part of our lives. That will never change. Exposing Little Miss Techie to technology now by letting her access the internet, use word processors, and using drawing programs teaches her skills that she will need throughout life. I know that technology can have a positive impact on children and their learning. I’ve witnessed it in the classroom and by watching Little Miss Techie.
I just don’t think I’m ready for the possibility of the computer replacing Little Miss Techie’s imaginative play. I cherish the meals that Little Miss Techie makes for me in her play kitchen. I know a time will come where I won’t be invited to tea parties or puppet shows.
I just don’t want that time to come too soon.

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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
©2012

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Comments

  1. MamaBird says

    Great post…you post such an important question. I love that you leave it somewhat unanswered. I fully agree about the importance of unstructured play. FWIW, my DD’s had her own computer since she was 2 but she doesn’t gravitate towards it nearly as much as you’d think. And the one rule I institute is that when friends are over, they must play without the computer (it’s interesting, other kids often ask to use the computer when they come over…) and w/o video games. I view it for now as a solo endeavor. Great post, thoughtful…

  2. Annie says

    You are a dying breed Mrs. Tech Savvy Mama. Thanks for giving us other mamas something to put in our heads other than the endless mindless clutter out there. Finally another Mama with stimulating and productive conversation.
    The NPR story was particularly interesting. After reading your post I think we’ll go outside today for a walk down the Paint Branch trails in our backyard. It’s time for a “bear hunt” and a search for hidden treasure in the woods.

  3. Jessica says

    I love this piece and often feel similar conflicts (without all the degrees and study behind the feelings, Tech Savvy Mama!)

    We are currently trying 90% non-electronic play, 10% TV or CD-Roms – sort of like our philosophy on healthy eating. But whoa, that 20 minutes of daily screen time is a valuable bargaining tool with the 4 year old, and the 2 year old will do anything for a date with Diego!

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