Children and Technology

     Most people embrace technology and try to learn and adapt to how it evolves. The apple products are so popular among children and adults alike, I can't believe it. Cell phones are so smart that I even have trouble with them! It's not an uncommon thing to see a young child in public using a device as a form of entertainment. Teenagers don't call each other anymore, they only text. I am surprised  Elementary children have cell phones and pre-k children use tablets, Ipads, and Kindles to take photos, read books, watch videos, and play games.

      There is a real disconnection in the communication process between parents and their children, as well as the verbal communication between friends and peers. Some may argue that technology aides in the communication process but I feel that it makes communication impersonal and often abbreviated. It also does not allow family time to take place efficiently. It's difficult to pry children away from their gadgets and bring them back to reality. I think the skills learned in social settings are being derailed and communication abilities are being compromised. Everything's at the click of a button which can make inappropriate things available to children. 

       I insist on quality family time without interruptions from cell phone notifications, constant gaming, or endless text message alerts. We need to just shut everything down and come back to the present time and exist with each other without technology getting in the way. I am afraid that soon technology will replace everything that is genuine and real. I try to encourage real conversations, outdoor fun, and board games with family.
       I allow some technology in my toddler's life but not too much. I want his imagination to grow and his life experiences to be vast. I want him to explore and learn through play. Technology will not take over my home and I hope children's technology use is monitored closely.

1. Evolves (ēˈvälv)- changes towards progress. Something that grows and switches from it's original form.Verb.

2. Entertainment (ˌen(t)ərˈtānmənt)- something that is enjoyable and amuses people. Noun.

3. Communication (kəˌmyo͞onəˈkāSH(ə)n)- when people give each other news and information. Noun.

4. Abbreviated (əˈbrēvēˌātid)- something that is cut short or stopped early. Adjective.

5. Efficiently (i-'fi-shent)- To produce or make something in a progressive way. Creating something without being wasteful. 

6. Inappropriate (ˌinəˈprōprēət)- not proper or acceptable (good) behavior in a situation. Not the right way to act while in a certain situation. Adjective.

7. Imagination (iˌmajəˈnāSH(ə)n)- the action of being creative and inventing new ideas. To dream about and act out make believe (not real) situations. Noun.

8. Vast (vast)- of a great amount. A larger quantity than normal, a space that is immeasurable. Adjective.

Practice: Draw a line to match the word with a synonym (a word with the same meaning)

Evolves                                                                                                               Grows  

Entertainment                                                                                                     Message

Communication                                                                                                  Pleasure

Abbreviated                                                                                                         Impolite

Efficiently                                                                                                           Shortened

Inappropriate                                                                                                       Advance

Imagination                                                                                                         Creativity

Vast                                                                                                                      Huge

To understand more about the way technology impacts children's lives read this article:

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00094056.2001.10521686?journalCode=uced20#.VDnyEvldXQQ

Grammar point: 

Apostrophes ( ' ) are used in all forms or writing and it is sometimes difficult to know when and how to use them. Knowing a few of the rules will help you understand more about how and when to use them. The most common uses of this punctuation mark is to make contractions and show possession. The rules are to #1. When using an apostrophe to show possession with a singular noun add an apostrophe and the letter s. Examples- A man's lunch, Mrs.Scarpitta's apartment, my best friend's car.

Another rule #2. An apostrophe is also used with contractions. The apostrophe is placed in the space where letters have been removed. Examples- Doesn't (does not), isn't (is not), can't (can not), it's ( it is) and you've (you have).

Exercise:

In the paragraphs above there are some apostrophes used. Write the words that have apostrophes and explain why each one has been used. Then create three sentences where you use a word with an apostrophe in each sentence.