After all those articles about no screen time for under twos, and limited screen time for those above two, I decided that when I got my iPhone 4, I wasn’t going to let the kids handle it. I would not be downloading any apps for them and they would not be allowed to play on the phone. As it is, they (by “they” I mean Gavin more than Gareth) already watch their fair share of TV and use my computer more than I do! The last thing Gavin needs is more screen time with an iPhone 4.
It was a lofty goal that was doomed to fail right from the start because Gavin didn’t need any special apps for him to be interested in the iPhone 4. Like a technology veteran, Gavin was happy just navigating the photographic functions. He took great delight in looking at my photos, taking pictures, and watching the old videos over and over again. In fact, he probably found the iPhone cooler because he could use his fingers to zoom in and out of the pictures and scrutinise parts of the photo.
Nope, he didn’t need an app to own my iPhone. As long as the device could take photos, he was happy.
Well, if you can’t beat them, join them. And since he was playing with my phone more than I was and it was a terrific way to keep him occupied while we waited at the doctor’s (it was cool having all his activities in one little device instead of having to lug around a big bag full of books and games), I downloaded some “educational” apps. It was with great trepidation that I even did that.
One of the apps that I downloaded was Draw ABC which Gavin loved playing. It was kind of good for me, too, because I could never get him to practice writing out the alphabet and here he was eagerly practicing every time we went out.
And it worked! His handwriting really did improve. Last Saturday, at Heguru, Gavin was writing out the letters for the new element symbol of the week and it was probably one of the best jobs he’s ever done. One of the reasons why practicing writing on the iPhone works so well is because it is actually trickier than using a pencil to write. When I tried to write out the words, even my handwriting looks like a child’s handiwork.
Looks like technology has won this round.
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Thanks for this great sharing. My son love this too, anyhow he is yet to know the correct way to trace the alphabet.
This has been good for my son because he used to write his letters using his own method. Even though I taught him to write the alphabets using the Kumon books, I find he would write the strokes in the wrong order.
try the ABC of God application , wonderfulf or practicing writing the letters witht he right strokes , my three years old loves it .
Thanks for sharing, Viv!