The home computer can become an electronic babysitter for busy parents, but educators believe that young people learn best when parents participate in their children’s “screen time.” Toward that end, EDC has developed a Web site featuring online activities for parents and children (to age 9) to do together. “The site is designed so parents can see their child’s creativity in action,” says Christine Rafal of EDC’s Center for Children & Families. “It’s meant to help parents learn more about their child’s creative development.”
Activities are organized by different domains of creative thinking. For example, “Sensory Stuff” invites open-ended exploration of color, pattern, and design with such activities as constructing a virtual kaleidoscope. “Creativity Challenge” sharpens problem-solving skills with activities like Plumbing Pro, which asks players to assemble parts of a pipe so water can flow freely.
The site also offers a printable list of activities for parents and children when they’re not on the computer, including arranging a bouquet of flowers and looking for constellations in the night sky.
Originally published on May 1, 2006