I have not written for a while; not for lack of ideas, but for lack of time, but this morning I read something that moved me enough to do so.
I was pretty wild when I graduated from High School, and I chose the “hands on” approach to adulthood. That has very little to do with this post, aside from the fact that I did not go to college until middle age. As that nontraditional learner with a couple of kids, I attained a pair of bachelor’s degrees; one in teaching, and another in business. I share that, only in the hope that it may lend some credibility to what follows here.
I read an article this morning, that was published in Sweden about a year ago, which has moved me to speak out. I am interested to learn how others feel on the subject, so I have also posted to my social media. I am also including the link to the article below my content.
Today, I read an article in which the Swedish Government announced a decision to shift the in-school experience back to “paper and pencil” and as a 21st century grandparent, I totally support a return to this traditional approach! It is not only a choice I would advocate for in schools; It is a choice I wish parents would make at home as well.
How about if we, as consumers, stop buying those plastic electronic devices for our youngest humans, and allow them the joy of having a story read by a parent or grandparent at the end of the day. How about we ALL give the “game controllers” a break and bring back family game night?
In my youth, I spent hours playing Monopoly with my cousins and trying to beat my Nana at Yahtzee! I can promise you that I have never had as much fun interacting with my tablet or cellphone (and now that AI is taking over, my stress and anxiety levels are increasing exponentially)! As an added bonus I heard history lessons and anecdotal stories, from my elders that have wrought laughter and tears, and given me a sense of events that shaped my own family’s history.
Even as I type this, I am so vividly overwhelmed by the memories, that I have had to pause occasionally for a bit of laughter (and a few tearful moments). I wish I could remember stuff I learned when I went to college (in middle-age) as tangibly as those real and present moments and activities.
Government investing in more reading time and less screen time – Government.se