Before Smartphones and Computers Kids Had Real Fun

Posted on March 19, 2017 by Jennie

The best learning takes place outdoors, where children have to figure things out on their own. No parents or teachers to guide them. This is critical, divergent thinking. That is what astronauts need. So do artists and writers, musicians and scientists, doctors and teachers. Thinking outside of the box, using your hands, and having fun are the skills children need to learn and succeed. All those elements come alive in the greatest classroom of all — the outdoors.

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About Jennie

I have been teaching preschool for over forty years. This is my passion. I believe that children have a voice, and that is the catalyst to enhance or even change the learning experience. Emergent curriculum opens young minds. It's the little things that happen in the classroom that are most important and exciting. That's what I write about. I was a live guest on the Kelly Clarkson Show. I am highlighted in the seventh edition of Jim Trelease's million-copy bestselling book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook" because of my reading to children. My class has designed quilts that hang as permanent displays at the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia, the Fisher House at the Boston VA Hospital, and the Massachusetts State House in Boston.
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24 Responses to Before Smartphones and Computers Kids Had Real Fun

  1. Dianne's avatar Di says:
    March 20, 2017 at 12:50 am

    Very true Jennie.
    Lovely post 🌸🌸

    Reply
  2. Nicola Auckland's avatar Nicola Auckland says:
    March 20, 2017 at 3:06 am

    I couldn’t agree more. I drag my children kicking and screaming into the outdoors and they have a blast whilst there.

    Reply
  3. beetleypete's avatar beetleypete says:
    March 20, 2017 at 5:02 am

    I saw this on Kate McClelland’s blog, and it rings true. I was one of those kids that used imagination when playing, and stayed outside in almost all weathers. I wouldn’t swap that for a Playstation.
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Reply
  4. Sarah's avatar Miss Gentileschi says:
    March 20, 2017 at 9:12 am

    Terrific post and so true! Thank you, Jennie! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator's avatar Dayne Sislen, Children's Book Illustrator says:
    March 20, 2017 at 11:57 am

    So true. As a child, I remember running out the door after breakfast and only returning for lunch and dinner and later bedtime. Weather permitting, we did everything outdoors. Today’s kids are isolated from nature and any opportunity to play freely without structure. Kids need the time to experiment, to fail, to try again and learn from the process.

    Reply
  6. Fourth Generation Farmgirl's avatar Fourth Generation Farmgirl says:
    March 20, 2017 at 12:19 pm

    Spot on!! Wonderful post! 🙂

    Reply
  7. laura bruno lilly's avatar laura bruno lilly says:
    March 21, 2017 at 1:11 am

    yes! and it helps when an adult/parent offers such opportunities. great post!

    Reply
  8. http://www.salpa58.wordpress.com's avatar http://www.salpa58.wordpress.com says:
    March 21, 2017 at 12:43 pm

    Thank you for sharing Jennie I must have missed it on ALK3R’s blog, It was wonderful. Brought me right back to my youth. I also left a comment on ALK3R’s blog. Well done. ☺☺☺

    Reply
  9. Marcia Strykowski's avatar Marcia Strykowski says:
    March 22, 2017 at 5:32 pm

    So true, love my childhood memories of playing outside all day long!

    Reply

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