Last week, I shared several ideas about digital literacy and it’s a topic I will continue to revisit, but this week I want to return to where it all starts: The power of physical play. During tea time this morning, an article from The Conversation was in my feed and caught my attention. The main idea was about how everyday objects, those things researchers call "Loose Parts", are actually secret weapons for building STEM skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Being the crafter here, I’d say throw in some paint or yarn and let’s go full STEAM! Bottom line: When a child plays with a high-tech toy that has a "fixed" purpose (press a button, get a light), the toy does the thinking. But when you give a child a cardboard tube, a handful of rubber bands, and some plastic containers, they become the engineer. According to the research, this kind of play builds: - Spatial Reasoning: Figuring out how shapes fit and balance. - Hypothesis Testing: "If I tape this here, will it hold the weight?" - Persistence: Learning that "failure" is just a data point for the next attempt. The Connected Through Play Challenge: Before you buy that next "educational" kit, look at your junk drawer. The article suggests that trusting children to experiment with the "ambiguity" of everyday objects is what actually prepares them for future-ready problem solving. Of course, if you are searching for some great educational kits that focus on STEM and creativity, as your friendly Discovery Toys advisor, I’m always happy to answer questions. Here’s the full article: https://theconversation.com/how-childrens-play-with-everyday-objects-can-encourage-skills-needed-for-stem-success-274274 Here’s my question for you, what’s been your experience either as a child, a parent/grandparent or both. Did you prefer DIY or kits? What about the children in your life? Let’s share ideas.

Happy Read to Your Child Day! It’s the perfect day to look at a recent New York Times article that interviewed teenagers about what reading actually means to them in a digital world. If you’re concerned that your child’s love for books will eventually be swallowed by a smartphone, these teen perspectives offer so much hope. They described reading as a "Sanctuary", a way to quiet the "pinging" of social media and find a deep, slow connection that a 15-second video just can’t provide. The "Connected Through Play" Takeaway: Reading to a child isn't just about "literacy." It’s about building that sanctuary. When we read to our 3–11 year olds, we are giving them a lifelong tool for mental wellness and digital balance. Here are a few ways to bridge the gap between reading and screen time. Ages 3–11 • The "Digital Bridge": Did they play a game or watch a show they loved this week? Find a graphic novel or book related to that world. Use their digital interest to fuel their physical reading. • No-Pressure Reading: Forget the "reading logs" for today. Just grab a book, sit on the couch, and enjoy the story together. The goal is the connection, not the word count. BONUS: The Teen Connection (Ages 13+) For those of you with older kids in the house, here is how to keep the "Read to Your Child" spirit alive without the eye-rolls: 1. "Audio-Co-Pilot": If you’re in the car with a teen, try a high-stakes audiobook or a narrative podcast (like a true crime mystery or a tech history story). It’s "reading" via audio, and it sparks conversations that "How was school?" never will. 2. The "Parallel Play" Read: Sometimes teens just want to be near you without having to talk to you. Sit in the same room, both of you with your own books (physical or Kindle), and just "be" together. It’s a powerful way to model digital boundaries. 3. The "Article Share": Instead of a book, text them a link to a thought-provoking article and ask: "Is this actually how you and your friends feel?" It shows you value their perspective on the digital world they live in.

Welcome to our newest community member @Brenda Chilstrom. We’ve been sharing memories, having some serious conversations, and having fun getting to know each other. Take some time to explore the classrooms and share your introduction. Exited to play together.

Hey everyone, I just came across a fascinating article in Psychology Today that I wanted to share with this community. For years, the gold standard of digital parenting was the "timer." We focused on 30 minutes here or an hour there. But according to new guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, we’ve been missing the forest for the trees. The Reality Check: Our children and grandchildren aren't just "using screens"; they are living in a digital ecosystem. Banning phones or setting strict time limits doesn't actually teach them how to survive in a world where: - 90% of the content they see might soon be AI-generated. - Algorithms are actively shaping their worldview. - Misinformation and "deepfakes" are becoming nearly impossible to spot without training. So, that got me thinking about what we can do as Parents and Grandparents: As the "village" raising the next generation, we need to pivot from being Gatekeepers (focusing only on shutting things off) to being Mentors (focusing on how to navigate). Here are a few of my ideas, what would you add? - Prioritize "Media Literacy" over "Minutes": Instead of just asking "How long have you been on that?", try asking: "How do you know that video is true?" or "Why do you think the app showed you that specific post?" - Advocate for Education: The article points out that schools are lagging behind. As parents and grandparents, we should be asking our local schools: "What is the curriculum for digital citizenship and AI literacy?" - Model "Digital Wellness": They watch what we do more than what we say. We can show them how to critically analyze news or how to take intentional breaks from the "noise." - Stay Curious, Not Just Fearful: The digital world is their future workplace and social square. Our goal is to help them become "critically thinking" inhabitants of that world, not just passive consumers. I’d like to know: Have you moved away from "time limits" toward "content conversations"? What’s one way you’ve helped a child in your life spot something "fake" or biased online?