This holiday, I am inviting parents to consider giving your child gifts that will help them to grow creatively, academically, and socially. This time of the year, I often ask students, “What do you want for Christmas?” When a Bull Dog tells me they asked for a board game, dolls, Legos, or other toys that inspire imaginative and cooperative play…it warms my heart. Too often my students tell me they only get technology items for Christmas. A 2017 report released from PBS states, “Children ages 2 to 4 spend 2 hours and 40 minutes, and kids ages 5 to 8 spend nearly 3 hours (2:58) with screen media daily. About 35 percent of children's screen time is spent with a mobile device, compared to 4 percent in 2011”. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics credits play for its ability to build confidence, resilience, and conflict resolution skills. Some experts feel a lack of play may result in childhood depression and anxiety. This is more important during our current pandemic than ever. Here are some great gifts to consider:
¨ Books (Series books, Junie B. Jones, Michigan Chillers, Diary of a Wimpy Kid)
¨ Card games (Uno, Skip Bo, Old Maid, Go Fish, Sequence, Pyramid)
¨ Board games (Clue, Shoots and Ladders, Trouble, Sorry, Monopoly, Hedbanz, Life)
· Dolls
· Action Figures
· Blocks of all types
¨ Art supplies
¨ Play-dough
¨ Hot wheels cars
¨ Nerf toys
¨ Sports games
Happy Holidays,
Jeanne Poleski