Print books are the best way to learn

Since 2011, professionals have been telling parents the importance of limiting screen time to their children. The American Academy of Pediatrics, in a policy statement, recommends that children, age 2 and under have no screen time.  That’s no DVD’s, Apps, television, gaming and any other electronic babysitter. Children older (3 and up) should have no more than 2 hours in one day. The AAP’s statement is based on studies showing that exposure to media does not make your child smarter; quite the opposite. Too much screen time is tied to obesity, problems sleeping, paying attention in school, and aggression. 

And, I’m not even going to mention the effects on child development when exposed to secondhand TV or movie viewing.

How do children learn best? : Lots of unstructured play time, interacting with an adult, and exposure to lots and lots of books… the kind where you turn the page, not swipe. For example, instead of handing them your smart phone while waiting in line at Starbucks for a cuppa, put it away and pay attention to your child. Recite some nursery rhymes, practice the alphabet or talk to your child about…well, anything! And when you get back in the car and you begin the long list of errands, hand them a book.

Suggested titles:

Daisy Gets Lots by Chris Raschka. Daisy, the little white dog we met in A Ball for Daisy, experiences the fears of being lost and the joys of being found when she becomes

separated from her owner.

Edward Gibbs gives us another I Spy book for toddlers. I Spy Pets  invites young readers to guess which animal will be revealed using the given clues and a spy hole.

The Very Big Carrot by Satoe Tone. When the find an unusually large carrot, six imaginative rabbits consider what they might make from it.
   

The public library has lots and lots of terrific books your child will enjoy. Stop in and ask us for some suggestions.