Hey there! Christal Marshall here, and I’ve got something really important to share that’s been on my mind. After diving deep into various educational methods, I’ve discovered some eye-opening truths about what truly works for our kids.I've explored everything from virtual learning platforms to traditional workbooks and curated curriculums. Through all this, one thing has become crystal clear: we need a balance between analog and digital activities. I love looking at how other cultures approach education too. What are the best schools around the world doing? It turns out many of them are leaning back towards good old-fashioned learning—real books, hands-on activities, and skills that go beyond screens.Take Waldorf schools, for example. Many tech-savvy parents in Silicon Valley are pulling their kids out of traditional schools to enroll them in these nature-focused, hands-on environments with minimal technology. They’ve seen the negative impacts of too much screen time and want to nurture a more holistic approach to learning.See articles here; https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2019/06/07/waldorf-schools-teach-without-technology-heres-what-it-is-like.htmlhttps://lareviewofbooks.org/article/the-smartest-people-in-the-room-what-silicon-valleys-supposed-obsession-with-tech-free-private-schools-really-tells-us/https://www.the-independent.com/tech/bill-gates-and-steve-jobs-raised-their-kids-techfree-and-it-should-ve-been-a-red-flag-a8017136.htmlAnd then there’s Finland, known for having one of the best education systems in the world. They still prioritize analog activities while achieving impressive academic results. It’s fascinating how these schools are thriving without drowning in tech, and it makes me reflect on what I do at home.See article here; https://www.technology.org/2024/09/11/finnish-schools-shift-back-to-books-phasing-out-screens-after-years-of-tech-integration/At my place, I’m constantly surrounded by piles of activities—Play-Doh, Legos, science kits, you name it. We have a yard for outdoor play and craft kits for creative projects.We use www.crunchlabs.com and www.kiwico.com for some of our activitiesSure, it can be a bit overwhelming and parent-heavy, especially during busy seasons when my work in wedding photography takes off. During those times, I leaned more on virtual learning out of necessity. I totally get that each approach has its drawbacks.But right now, I'm making a conscious effort to visit the library and bookstore regularly. I want my kids to pick out physical books and experience the joy of reading something tangible. Audiobooks play in the background while they’re building or creating, and I try to ensure we get outside to parks and nature as much as we can. I know this isn’t always feasible for every family, but I find that this slower-paced educational approach is incredibly rewarding.Now, here’s the thing: our schools are overloaded with educational technology, and while gamifying learning can seem like a great idea to boost engagement, it comes with its own set of problems. The quick dopamine hits from gamified activities can lead to a cycle where kids become less sensitive to rewards. When the novelty wears off, everything else feels boring and tedious.Think about it: if a child spends a significant part of their day in a gamified environment, they might struggle to find joy in slower-paced, meaningful activities. That’s where executive function comes in—the ability to set goals and work towards them patiently. Delayed gratification is a skill that needs to be nurtured, and it’s something I believe we need to be more mindful of.As much as video games can be fun and engaging, too much can create a dopamine deficit, making everything else seem less exciting. I don’t want to panic over video games, but moderation is key.
