Category Archives: Screen-Time Suggestions and Facts
Ideas for reducing and managing screen-time.
2018 Performances
January 2018 ******************************************************************************************
January 11 Galt Library
10am Preschool Storytime
Singing and talking are two important pre-literacy skills. Young children will contribute to the creation of stories and songs, and enjoy singing and laughing with folk songs, storytelling, and original tunes. Pantomime and puppetry may be included, but compulsory silliness is mandatory.
January 13 California Kindergarten Association Conference
1:45pm-3:00pm Rescuing Young Minds From Electronic Screens
Children spend eight hours per day with electronic screens! The sheer volume of time spent in front of screens supplants opportunities for children to grow, learn, explore, and create. Candee will share how unstructured play, music, exercise and engagement with children’s environments benefit children.
February 2018 **********************************************************************************************************************************
February 10 Georgetown Library
1:00 pm Adult Program: Rescuing Children From Their Electronic Screens
Adult conversation about the need to minimize children’s exposure to electronic screens. Content, physiological dangers and cognitive impairment from a stolen childhood are discussed.
February 28 Contra Costa Library, Danville Branch
3:30 pm School-age program: A Musical Journey Through American History
Sing along with familiar songs you didn’t know were hundreds of years old, and learn the history behind them. Kindergartners and first graders will sing, laugh, and learn!
March 2018 **********************************************************************************************************************************
March 7 Northside School, Cool, California
6:00pm-8:00pm Northside Family Night
Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with reading games and activities. We will have our “wrench-a-phone”, comb kazoos, musical bottles, percussive spoons, and information for parents on limiting screen-time.
March 8 Galt Library
10:00 am Preschool Story-time
Singing and talking are two important pre-literacy skills. Young children will contribute to the creation of stories and songs, and enjoy singing and laughing with folk songs, storytelling, and original tunes. Pantomime and puppetry may be included, but compulsory silliness is mandatory.
March 10 Sacramento Adventure Playground
11:00am-4:00pm Community Day at the Playground
All ages welcome at the playground at the Maple Community Center, 37th Avenue and Franklin Boulevard, Sacramento. Usually limited to 7-15 year olds, Community Days allow parents and younger siblings to attend. Wear clothes to get dirty in because there is a mud pit, painting, tree-climbing, and more. We’ll be making bottle cap musical shakers and providing screen-free information to parents. The event is free!
March 13 Walnut Grove Library
10:00 am Preschool Story-time
Singing and talking are two important pre-literacy skills. Young children will contribute to the creation of stories and songs, and enjoy singing and laughing with folk songs, storytelling, and original tunes. Pantomime and puppetry may be included, but compulsory silliness is mandatory.
March 14 Sacramento Adventure Playground (Event for registered home-schoolers)
12:00 pm Introduction to Rocks & Minerals
Students will learn different ways to identify and classify rocks, handle a variety of stones–including “coprulate” (Look it up!), Some may be inspired to carry the rock-hunting bug with them as a lifetime hobby.
March 18 Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento
2:00 pm Screen-Time Savvy (Art of Parenting Series)
Children spend eight hours per day with electronic screens! The sheer volume of time spent in front of screens supplants opportunities for children to grow, learn, exlpore, and create. Candee will share how unstructured play, music, exercise and engagement with children’s environments benefit children. (Register online with the Crocker Art Museum for this FREE program. Children ages 4-10 can participate in a FREE art experience concurrently. Snacks provided.)
March 21 Anderson Elementary School, Dixon, California
8:30am-11:45am Musical Fun with Kindergarten and TK Classes
Alan will bring a variety of musical instruments, share the physics of music, sing songs with the students and tell a story or two.
April 2018
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April 19 Galt Library
10am Preschool Storytime
Singing and talking are two important pre-literacy skills. Young children will contribute to the creation of stories and songs, and enjoy singing and laughing with folk songs, storytelling, and original tunes. Pantomime and puppetry may be included, but compulsory silliness is mandatory.
April 30-May 6 National Screen-Free Week
May 2018 ********************************************************************************************************************************
May 18 Carriage Elementary School, Citrus Heights
1:30pm Rocks and Minerals From Around the World “Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby. Kids will handle Coprulite and learn to identify some common rocks. Children will take home a “pet rock”.
May 25 Carriage Elementary School, Citrus Heights
1:30pm Days of Gold Re-live and experience history through the eyes of the most successful gold rush musician: John Stone. View demonstrations of musical instruments derived from simple, portable, commonplace items found in a forty-niner’s knapsack. Children will sing along and learn to play and take home a comb kazoo. Alan Candee reprises the role of John Stone, a.k.a.”Old Put”, as he performed it at the World Gold-panning Championships in 2016. The science of music is also briefly presented in this performance.
June 2018
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June 6 Courtland Library, Sacramento County
11:00am Music is Everywhere (School-age)
This science-of-music program allows children to use musical instruments to discover how sounds are produced. Make and take a comb-kazoo and a percussion instrument from everyday materials. (Space may be limited. Check with Courtland Library.)
“The program was exactly what we were looking for at the Placerville Library. We wanted the kids to engage in the Science of Sound and why instruments make the sounds they do. Alan did a fantastic job demonstrating sound and gave the kids plenty of time to experiment themselves!” -Christina Roseli, Early Childhood Literacy Specialist, El Dorado County Library
June 14 Mary Stephens Library, Davis, California
2:00pm Days of Gold Re-live and experience history through the eyes of the most successful gold rush musician: John Stone. View demonstrations of musical instruments derived from simple, portable, commonplace items found in a forty-niner’s knapsack. Children will sing along and learn to play and take home a comb kazoo. Alan Candee reprises the role of John Stone, a.k.a.”Old Put”, as he performed it at the World Gold-panning Championships in 2016. The science of music is also briefly presented in this performance.
June 18 Cameron Park Library, El Dorado County
2:00pm Rocks Everywhere: Make a Gemstone Wire-wrap Necklace (Teens)
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Program lasts 60-90 minutes. All supplies included. (Limit: 20 participants)
June 22 Courtland Library, Sacramento County
10:30am Rocks Everywhere: Make a Gemstone Wire-wrap Necklace (Adults)
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Mindful Media’s most popular program in 2016 and 2017. Expect this program to last 90 minutes. All supplies included. Space may be limited. Please check with Courtland Library.
“Alan and Nancy’s program on jewelry making with natural stones was a hit. Not only did Nancy present how to make beautiful wire-wrapped jewelry, Alan gave a wonderful presentation about Geology and brought in many examples to tempt anyone to go outside and explore. Our patrons loved it!”
-Berta Goegel, Branch Supervisor, Carmichael Library
July 2018
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July 3 Placerville Library, El Dorado County
11:00am Make It and Shake It! (school-age)
Children will create musical percussion instruments to take home. Children will perform call and response pieces, and feature individual groups of instruments as well as ensemble playing together. Instruments will include drums, tambourines, rain sticks, and maracas. Solo opportunities will be encouraged.
July 13 Courtland Library, Sacramento County
2:00 pm Rocks Everywhere: Make a Gemstone Wire-wrap Necklace (Teens)
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Mindful Media’s most popular program in 2016 and 2017. Expect this program to last 90 minutes. All supplies included. (Space may be limited. Please check with Courtland Library)
“Alan and Nancy’s program on jewelry making with natural stones was a hit. Not only did Nancy present how to make beautiful wire-wrapped jewelry, Alan gave a wonderful presentation about Geology and brought in many examples to tempt anyone to go outside and explore. Our patrons loved it!”
-Berta Goegel, Branch Supervisor, Carmichael Library
July 15 St. Joseph Catholic Church, Auburn, CA (adults, with Spanish language interpreter)
1:45-2:45pm Managing Electronic Screens at Home
Children exposed to unlimited amounts of video games, television, movies, and computer screens are more likely to exhibit symptoms of ADD, obesity, diabetes, nearsightedness, poor social skills, and limited academic performance. Learn simple tips to eliminate battles, put parents in control, and promote quality family time. Mindful Media Management’s Alan Candee provides insights.
July 17 Solano County Library, Vacaville Town Square
6:30 pm Design and Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
Adult Program (age 16 and up) “Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rock-hound, Alan Candee, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. (Registration required)
July 18 Colonial Heights Library, Sacramento
10:00am-2:00pm Pop-Up Adventure Play Day
Join us for an extended opportunity to play with cardboard forts, mud play, craft projects, painting, bubbles, chalk art, music and more! All ages of children are welcome. (In conjunction with the Sacramento Adventure Playground and Fairytale Town.)
August 2018 ***********************************************************************************************************************************
August 4 Walnut Grove Library, Sacramento County
10:00 am Rocks Everywhere: Making a Gemstone Wire-wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Program lasts 60-90 minutes. Supplies included. (Limit: 20 participants)
September 2018 ************************************************************************************************************************************
September 20 North Natomas Library, Sacramento
4:00 pm- 8:00 pm Pop-Up Adventure Play Day
Join us for an extended opportunity to play with cardboard forts, mud play, craft projects, painting, bubbles, chalk art, music and more! All ages of children are welcome. (In conjunction with the Sacramento Adventure Playground and Fairytale Town.)
September 22 South Natomas Library, Sacramento
10:00 am- 2:00 pm Pop-Up Adventure Play Day
Join us for an extended opportunity to play with cardboard forts, mud play, craft projects, painting, bubbles, chalk art, music and more! All ages of children are welcome. (In conjunction with the Sacramento Adventure Playground and Fairytale Town.)
September 28 McKinley Library, Sacramento
3:30 pm- 7:30 pm Pop-Up Adventure Play Day
Join us for an extended opportunity to play with cardboard forts, mud play, craft projects, painting, bubbles, chalk art, music and more! All ages of children are welcome. (In conjunction with the Sacramento Adventure Playground and Fairytale Town.)
September 28-29 Fairytale Town, Sacramento
10:00 am-4:00 pm Scholar Share Book Festival
Enjoy FREE ADMISSION to Fairytale Town Saturday and Sunday, and special activities, including music-making, at the Mindful Media booth!
October 2018 ************************************************************************************************************************************ October 3 Sacramento Adventure Playground (Event for registered home-schoolers)
12:00 pm The Science of Music
Learn how musical sounds are made with a variety of instruments. How do vibrations make musical sounds? Make and take home a comb-kazoo and a percussion instrument from everyday materials. Learn ways your body can make music without any external instrument.
Music Matters
Here is a link to a great article about the importance of making music a part of a child’s life every day.
http://www.forsmallhands.com/ideas-insights/music-matters
2017 Performances
FEBRUARY 2017 ******************************************************************************************************************
February 7 Sacramento Public Library, Courtland Branch
3pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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February 15 Sacramento Public Library, Walnut Grove Branch
3pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
APRIL 2017 ******************************************************************************************************************************
April 5 Sacramento Public Library, Rancho Cordova Branch
13:30 am Preschool Program: Singing Their Way to Literacy Success
Consuming Kids-A “Must-See”Video
I recently watched a riveting video titled “Consuming Kids – The Commercialization of Childhood”. I highly recommend this video, released in 2008 by the Media Education Foundation.
It is available in U-Tube format. Click on the links below for the main video (67 minutes), and an excellent extra section titled “What Parents Can Do” (9:34 min)
Consuming Kids- The Commercialization of Childhood
Alan Candee, Storyteller and Musician
Alan Candee was recently included on the “Storytelling in Sierra Nevada Foothills” page of Sierra Nevada storyteller BZ Smith’s website, sierranevadastorytelling.org
NYTimes: Traditional Toys May Beat Gadgets in Language Development
2016 Performances
SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER 2016
SEPTEMBER 2016 ****************************************************************
September 10 SACRAMENTO PLAY SUMMIT Central Library, 821 I Street, Sacramento, CA
9am-4pm Alan presents a breakout session on: “Engaging Children without the Use of Electronic Screen Media”
Conference registration is mandatory. More information about this event and registration at Fairytale Town Events
September 12-18 WORLD GOLD-PANNING CHAMPIONSHIPS Free Admission!
11am Alan performs as “Old Put” on Thursday, September 15th, at El Dorado County Fairgrounds as part of a week of Gold-Rush living history experiences.
(http://www.eldorado2016.com/calendar)
September 24-25 FAIRYTALE TOWN’S CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL Free Admission!
10am-4pm both days Alan and his wife Nancy will have a booth at this event. Please visit and play music with us, and we will give you a musical instrument to take home.
OCTOBER 2016 ******************************************************************************************************************
October 14-16 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S MUSIC NETWORK CONFERENCE The Conference Center, Los Gatos, CA
Alan presents “Singing and Moving Away From Electronic Screens”
(More information about this event and registration at http://childrensmusic.org/)
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October 20 Sacramento Public Library, Arcade Branch
4pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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October 22 Sacramento Public Library, Rancho Cordova Branch
11 am School-age Program: Rock-Hunting Fun! Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby. Informative and fun, children will see and hold fossilized rocks from around the world. Be forewarned: children will be given a semi-precious gemstone to keep and may begin picking up rocks wherever they go!
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JANUARY-AUGUST 2016
March 5 Sacramento Public Library, Galt Branch
2 pm Adult/Teen Program: Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting–Do they move? Join retired librarian and longtime rockhound Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to explore the hobby and to make a gemstone wire-wrap necklace. Registration required. Please contact Galt Library.
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March 7 El Dorado County Public Library, Cameron Park Branch
10:30 am Pre-School Program: Music and More: Alan entertains with songs and humorous and engaging stories. Opportunities to sing along, move to the rhythms, and
contribute imagination to the outcomes of musical selections.
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APRIL 2016 **********************************************************************************************************************
April 6 Sacramento Public Library, Rancho Cordova Branch
10:30 am Pre-School Program: Music and More: Alan entertains with songs and humorous and engaging stories. Opportunities to sing along, move to the rhythms, and
contribute imagination to the outcomes of musical selections.
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April 23 Stop by Alan’s booth at the Sutter Children’s Center Wellness Festival at Fairytale Town, Sacramento, CA
11am-3pm You can play with his musical instrument collection and make a kazoo! FREE ADMISSION!
http://www.fairytaletown.org/events/sutter-childrens-center-wellness-festival-3/
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MAY 2016 **********************************************************************************************************************
May 6-8 Stop by Alan’s booth at the Whole Earth Festival on the UC Davis campus quad area, near the student union. He is located in the northwest section of the quad, near the children’s play area. 10 am to 5 pm
JUNE 2016 **********************************************************************************************************************
June 8 Sacramento Public Library, Southgate Branch
11 am Pre-School Program: Singing Their Way to Literacy Success
Singing and talking are two important pre-literacy skills. Young children will contribute to the creation of stories and songs, and enjoy singing and laughing with folk songs, storytelling, and original tunes. Expect pantomime, puppetry, and compulsory silliness.
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June 11 Stop by Alan’s booth at FAMILY DAY at Safetyville USA, 3909 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento, CA
10 am to 5 pm Mindful Media information table and musical play
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June 16 El Dorado County Public Library, Georgetown Branch
1 pm Teen Program: Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Expect this program to last 60-90 minutes. Registration required.
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June 18 Sacramento Public Library, lsleton Branch
10:30 am Adult/Teen Program: Take Home the Prize – Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Expect this program to last 60-90 minutes.Check with Isleton Library for pre-registration requirements.
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June 18 Sacramento Public Library, Walnut Grove Branch
2 pm Adult/Teen Program: Take Home the Prize – Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Expect this program to last 60-90 minutes.Check with Walnut Grove Library for pre-registration requirements.
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June 21 El Dorado County Public Library, Cameron Park Branch
1 pm Pre-School Program: Singing Their Way to Literacy Success
Singing and talking are two important pre-literacy skills. Young children will contribute to the creation of stories and songs, and enjoy singing and laughing with folk songs, storytelling, and original tunes. Expect pantomime, puppetry, and compulsory silliness.
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June 21 Sacramento Public Library, North Highlands Branch
4pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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June 22 El Dorado County Public Library, Pollock Pines Branch
11 am School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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June 23 Sacramento Public Library, Courtland Branch
12:45 pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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June 28 El Dorado County Public Library, Placerville Branch
2 pm Adult/Teen Program: Take Home the Prize – Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Expect this program to last 60-90 minutes. (Limit: 20 participants) Check with Placerville Library for pre-registration requirements.
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June 30 Sacramento Public Library, Isleton Branch
3 pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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JULY 2016 **********************************************************************************************************************
July 20 Nevada County Public Library, Truckee Branch
4pm School-age Program: Express Yourself Through Story & Song How do you communicate best? Are you a master of the written word? Do you sing? Write? Create visual art? Language development is highly driven by singing and speaking. School-age children will sing along and contribute to the creation of song lyrics. Children will contribute to making up stories. Stories told may include puppetry, pantomime, humor, and other modes of entertainment. No exams here–Plan to have fun!
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July 21 El Dorado County Public Library, Cameron Park Branch
1 pm Teen Program: Take Home the Prize – Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Expect this program to last 60-90 minutes. Check with Cameron Park Library for pre-registration requirements.
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AUGUST 2016 **********************************************************************************************************************
August 24 Sacramento County Public Library, Franklin Branch
3:30 pm Adult/Teen Program: Take Home the Prize – Create a Gemstone Wire-Wrap Necklace
“Rock-hunting? Doesn’t sound very sporting. Do they move?” Join long-time rockhound, Alan Candee and his wife Nancy, to learn about the rock-collecting hobby and make a gemstone wire-wrap jewelry necklace. Expect this program to last 60-90 minutes. (Limit: 20 participants)
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Media and Children:compelling research
Please take the time to watch this Ted Talk – Media and Children presented by Dimitri Christakis, a pediatrician and researcher of brain development in young children.
It will be well worth your time. – Alan Candee
Rediscover Nature
Between 1995 to 2015, I noticed a dramatic change in what children claim to be their favorite activities. Children used to routinely share activities such as bicycling, swimming and street games with their friends. With children’s time so dominated by screens today, almost all of their activities involve screen media. And if children only interact with electronic screens, who will be left to live in the real world? Please watch Rediscover Nature