This morning, my sons and their cousin spent and hour playing a game they have invented. They call it “Hot Wheels Checkers” and it involves a chalk-drawn grid and sets of like-colored cars. The elaborate game continues to evolve in complexity every time they play it. “I have an idea!” one of them exclaimed to the others as he offered a new twist on the game.
“I have an idea!” These are four of my favorite words. When listening (both as a mom and a teacher) to young ones playing, I cherish hearing children use those powerful words. To me, it is evidence that their brain is fully engaged in the activity. I’ve heard it many times when children are building with wooden blocks or Legos, making up stories with puppets and dolls, or just playing outside together. I had a group of students one year who were fascinated with building domino chain reactions. They built, tested, came up with new ideas and retested – continually sharing ideas to make the chain reactions better.
My husband once told me about a study he read about (in a column written by movie critic Roger Ebert). Researchers studied the brain activity of children playing a video game. The children knew nothing of the rules of the game, and at first recorded high brain activity. But as soon as they had figured the game out, brain activity lessened considerably. I haven’t been able to locate the study, and am interested in reading it, as it is evidence to support my idea about ideas. If you know about this study, and can forward the information, I would greatly appreciate it!
Hmm, I am now thinking about dusting off and re-reading my copy of Eleanor Duckworth’s book,“The Having of Wonderful Ideas” and Other Essays on Teaching and Learning and Deborah Meier’s The Power of Their Ideas !
Looks like fun. B.
Reading your blog makes me think of a book I read a few years ago called, "The Geography of Childhood: Why Children Need Wild Places". It's a great little book by Trimble and Nabhan. Talk about ideas and downtime for kids! They talk about how kids don't look for the vistas and wilderness that adults want, but prefer the small, intimate outdoor spaces that can be the stage for their imaginations. It's a great book! And, Geralyn, incredible blog, keep it up!
Hi! I am a kindergarten teacher, mother of five, child care provider educator and early childhood education adult curriculum writer. I've just discovered your blog and how thrilled I am! Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts that are so grounded in what is best for children! Keep up the great work! And if you find the Roger Ebert info, be sure to post it!! My pediatrician referred to a recent study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics Journal that stated that when in front of a screen of any sort (computer, TV, video game, etc) the brain operates at 50% as compared to time spent in non-screen active play and learning. No surprise to any of us! Anyway, you might visit the AAP website and see if you can find that study. If I get a chance I'll do the same. Thanks again!
Harmony, Thanks for your thoughts and encouragement! I will follow up with AAP and see what I can uncover, great suggestion! Hope to see you here again…