Dreamstime
Q: My children in grades three and five never write anything but school assignments. Is there any way to entice them to write more? – Concerned
You are lucky that your children still pick up a pencil or pen to do their homework. In many schools that have gone totally paperless, children only use their computers for any form of written communication. When you talk about handwriting, you are talking about fine motor skills that are harder to learn and require more practice to develop than other motor skills.
It takes people over 20 years to perfect their fine motor skills; however, the first six or seven years are the most critical in developing the basic skills. Your child may not be judged in school by how he colors, copies, pastes, or cuts, but his ability to do these tasks will make a major difference in learning how to write legibly, which is important to teachers.
If you truly want your children to develop better handwriting skills or just practice their handwriting, try getting them great and interesting writing props like calligraphy pens, invisible ink pens, colored pencils and a great electric pencil sharper, glitter pens, gel pens, feather quills and bottles of ink, along with a wide selection of different kinds and colors of paper. Having a chalkboard or dry erase board also gives children an opportunity to write messages or even share jokes with their families.
Play games where children will need to write, like pictogram, hangman, or even crossword puzzles. Blank books also lure children into writing more, as they can doodle or draw illustrations and then write down the thoughts that go with the illustrations. Plus, it is important that you teach them to write handwritten notes to thank friends and relatives for gifts. And do be sure to set a good example by letting them see that you do the same thing.
Are there Visual Problems Associated with Excessive Use of Technology?
Q: My children never seem to move without a cellphone in hand. I think this is excessive. How much time are kids really spending on their electronic devices? Can excessive use damage their eyes? – Worried
According to a survey by the American Optometric Association, parents severely underestimate the time their children spend on digital devices. Eighty-three percent of children between the ages of 10 and 17 estimated they use an electronic device for three or more hours each day. However, a separate AOA survey of parents revealed that only 40 percent of parents believe their children use an electronic device for that same amount of time.
Eye doctors are concerned that this significant disparity may indicate that parents are more likely to overlook warning signs and symptoms associated with vision problems due to technology use, such as digital eyestrain.
Furthermore, when parents think about their kids' mobile consumption habits, they don't think about how much time they spend on devices in the classroom, according to Lori Roberts, O.D., chair of the AOA's New Technology Committee. Every year when school starts, optometrists see an increase in kids complaining of symptoms synonymous with eyestrain.
Unfortunately, 80 percent of the children surveyed in the AOA report experienced burning, itchy, or tired eyes after using electronic devices for long periods of time. These are all symptoms of digital eyestrain, a temporary vision condition caused by prolonged use of technology. Additional symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, loss of focus, blurred vision, double vision, or head and neck pain.
Parents should strongly insist that their children follow these AOA guidelines to help prevent or reduce eye and vision problems associated with digital eyestrain in their children:
Check the height and position of the device. Computer screens should be 4 to 5 inches below eye level and 20 to 28 inches away from the eyes. Digital devices should be held a safe distance away from eyes and slightly below eye level.
Check for glare on the screen. Windows or other light sources should not be directly visible when sitting in front of a computer monitor. If this happens, turn the desk or computer to prevent glare on the screen. Also consider adjusting the brightness of the screen on your digital device or changing its background color.
Reduce the amount of lighting in the room to match the computer screen. A lower-wattage light can be substituted for a bright overhead light, or a dimmer switch may be installed to give flexible control of room lighting.
Adjust font size. Increase the size of text on the screen of the device to make it easier on your eyes when reading.
Keep blinking. To minimize the chances of developing dry eye when using a computer or digital device, make an effort to blink frequently. Blinking keeps the front surface of the eye moist.
Parents should also make sure that their children follow the 20-20-20 rule when using technology. They should take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and view something 20 feet away.
Got a question? Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or ask them on the columnists’ website at dearteacher.com. ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2017 ~ Distributed by King Features Syndicate