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Education
Views
 Halfway
Through The School Year
Doing Better During the Rest of the School Year
January 2006
by Barry H. Willen, member of the South Carroll
Business Expo Committee, and President of Exploring Minds
Using
TV to Educate Your Children
I write this after the coldest night of the winter. This morning’s
TV news reports the temperature at 12B. ‘Tis a bit cold to
send the kids outside to play. So, many children sit down in front
of the TV for the day of game shows, MTV, and cartoons. In fact,
TV acts as a babysitter. Even when you and I were kids, our folks
used the TV to keep us amused while they tend their daily tasks.
The average child watches 24 hours of TV each week. Some studies
even indicate that children watch more than double that in an average
week. So, our kids spend an average of 3 to 7 hours a day in front
of the boob tube. With 24 hours a day, children sleep 8 hours, go
to school 6 hours, watch TV 3 to 7 hours, leaving 3 to 7 hours a
day to eat, study, do chores, reading, and other activities.
Parents constantly ponder the benefits and drawbacks on having their
children watch TV. Children can broaden their experiences through
TV by viewing new and unique things, visit places they have never
been, and meet people they may never see in person. On the other
hand, too much television might stifle a child's creativity, limit
vocabulary, and affect concentration and memory. Like the internet,
children need to realize that they cannot believe everything he
or she sees on the screen. Also, many shows have content unsuitable
for children.
The following guidelines may help in monitoring your child's television
habits:
Limit the amount of television your child watches. Encourage him
to read and pursue other activities. You need to decide how much
time each day you set aside for him to watch TV.
Your children look to you for advice and guidance. Serve as an example
and limit the amount of television you watch. Set a time when you
turn the TV off so for a family activity, such as reading, playing
board games, or going to the library.
Select programs for your children to watch. Ask your children to
give you a reason for them to watch a particular show. Ask them
about their favorite programs and characters.
Share in your children’s daily activities by watching the
same programs they watch. Believe it or not, you may find many of
these shows interesting. My wife and I enjoyed watching Seasame
Street as much as my children did.
Encourage your children to read about some of the subjects or themes
presented during their favorite TV show. Have a variety of books
and magazines readily available in your home for your children to
use as a resource to find out more about something they saw on TV.
One set of books I find invaluable is the Encyclopedia. Though you
can access much of this information online, the Encyclopedia offers
you and your children instant access on a myriad of subjects.
Stimulate your children’s interest in learning. Have your
child watch educational programs with you and even try to write
and produce amateur TV shows or commercials. Depending on your children’s
ages, you will want to view Maryland Public TV, the History Channel,
the Discovery Channel, the Learning Channel, and Animal Planet.
I also want to keep you aware about upcoming activities for you
and your children in Carroll County in March.
1st Annual South Carroll Business Expo
On Saturday, March 4, businesses and organizations throughout the
community will be at Liberty High School from 9:00 to 2:00. This
event, put together by the South Carroll Business Association, promises
to have a lot of fun events. Entertainment includes a magic show,
a karate demonstration, and visits from Keyote and the Ravens’
mascot. Special guests include Dr. Charles Ecker, Superintendent
of the Carroll County Public Schools and Delegate Susan Krebs. Go
onto the web at www.southcarroll.org/expo2006.php
for more information.
Read Across America
Read Across America celebration also occurs on Saturday, March 4.
After stopping off at the Expo, drive up to the TownMall in Westminster
where the Carroll County Education Association celebrate Read Across
America from 10:00 to 2:00. This day celebrates Dr. Seus’
birthday by encouraging children throughout Carroll County to read.
Read Across America started in May 1997 by the National Education
Association (NEA). The celebration moved to March 2 the following
year to coincide with Dr. Seus’ birthday. Motivating children
to read improves student achievement and creates lifelong successful
readers.
At TownMall, activities include a green egg and ham breakfast for
the first 200 children, face painting, story time, karaoke, and
a book swap. Last year, more than 350 children attended this grand
event.
Go to www.westminstertownmall.com/go/displayHours.cfm#2145338612
for information.
Keys for Reading
The Frederick Keys celebrate their 10th Anniversary of the Keys
for Reading Program with more than 14,000 students from 23 Carroll
County elementary schools eligible to participate. Students read
four books and have their parents sign off on the bookmark the Keys
provide each student. Students completing the program get a complimentary
ticket for Carroll County night at the Frederick Keys game. This
year, the kids get to attend the game on Saturday, May 6 at 6:35
p.m. when the Frederick Keys play the Wilmington Blue Rocks at Harry
Grove Stadium in Frederick.
The Keys honor the students in a pre-game parade on the field, where
each school displays their banner. Faculty and staff from each of
the participating schools also receive a complimentary ticket.
What a great way to encourage your children to read! The kids have
a great time. If you have any questions, contact your child’s
school or the Frederick Keys baseball team.
21st SpringFest Business Fair
For the 21st year, the Chamber of Commerce will hold the SpringFest
Business Fair at TownMall in Westminster. As in the past, more than
60 businesses and community organizations will be available, along
with entertainment and children’s activities. This event has
always drawn a big crowd to TownMall. Don’t miss out on the
fun. Come to TownMall on Saturday, March 18, from 10:00 to 6:00.
Call the Chamber at 410-848-9050 for more information, or e-mail
me at exploringmnds@yahoo.com.
This column is contributed by Barry H. Willen, member of the South
Carroll Business Expo Committee, and President of Exploring Minds.
You can reach Barry at exploringmnds@yahoo.com
Read
December 2005 Education
Views
May 2005 Education Views
Early June 2005 Education Views
Mid June 2005 Education Views
July 2005 Education Views
August 2005 Education Views
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