Parenting

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ca/post/28283915

The article doesn't make any recommendations, but rather what to look for /avoid.

Who the authors are:

Emma Liptrot; PhD student, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University

Adam Kenneth Dubé; Associate Professor of Learning Sciences, Faculty of Education, McGill University

Relevant sections:

What to ignore

1. User ratings & reviews:

Popular EduApps in Apple’s and Google’s app stores typically have very positive ratings (above four stars). Yet, experts still raise concerns about their quality and expert-approved apps do not necessarily receive the highest star ratings. Written reviews are rarely more informative. Research shows most reviews simply praise apps rather than explaining specific features. [...]

2. Apple or Google rankings

Educators and parents may visit an app store’s “top charts” lists to find EduApps. Yet, how Apple’s and Google’s algorithms determine which apps “top the charts” is unclear. [...]

3. Recommendations from app review websites

Educators and parents might look to external app review websites like Common Sense Media for recommendations. But research shows many of the apps recommended by these websites still need substantial improvement [...]

What to look for

1. Curriculum: What apps teach

At the bare minimum, EduApps must include content that is covered in an established learning program. Yet, many EduApps are what researchers call “educational misfits” because they are only weakly related to education, if at all. Look for apps that clearly state which curriculum their content is based on (for example, a particular provincial curriculum, a supplemental curriculum for learning an Indigenous language) or detail the content (suitable for grades 1–3 math). Don’t bother with an app that doesn’t tell you what it covers.

2. Learning theory: How apps teach

[...] Look for apps that describe how they teach. Choose ones using approaches that align with your needs.

3. Scaffolding: How apps support learning

EduApps should include supports that help children build their understanding and accomplish learning goals. These supports (called scaffolding) can include hints or instructions when children get stuck and breaking down complex tasks into smaller chunks or adapting difficulty to match children’s abilities. [...]

4. Feedback: How apps correct learning

If we want children to learn from their mistakes, feedback is essential. Look for apps that give children informative feedback so they know where they went wrong and why.

5. Educational expertise: Who made the app

Many app developers are not education experts, and their priorities may not align with those of educators and parents. [...]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/19162675

Our 6-year old has been having problems, socially, or so she says. I'm not sure whether to believe it's as severe as she says, because we just threw a birthday party and she was very much the center of attention for the kids that were able to make it, and well, the limitations of her age.

But when she has mentioned it, she gets very emotional and says something to the effect that her friends don't want to play with her; she's made mention of it a few times.

The problem is, as her father, I've been antisocial my entire life, and her mom's not much of a social butterfly, either. And I feel unequipped and powerless in how to guide her.

Any advice for a way forward would be appreciated more than I could ever convey.

Hey all,

I'm looking for some advice on some age appropriate punishments for my four year old when they hit/push/scratch. My older, 8 yearold is easier to pick punishments for, because we can limit or restrict certain things they like to do, but because my four year old is still in a go with the flow phase, it is a bit harder. What ideas do you have?

My 10yo is quite skinny. My husband was also skinny as a kid so generally we haven’t worried about it much. But he just had his yearly checkup, and for the past two years he’s gained very little while still growing taller, and his BMI is dropping off the chart. The doc ordered a blood test and it came back fine, no celiac or thyroid issues (PHEW). So we’re back to trying to boost his intake.

He’s not a super picky kid but he can be reluctant to try things. He eats a lot of classic kid food with no problem: mac and cheese, pizza, burgers, chicken nuggets, etc. He also tends to eat a ton of fruits and veggies, which I don’t want to discourage or course! I might try PB&J again but he doesn’t love it like he used to.

The doc did say that she tends to prefer that kids eat their calories instead of drink them, but if a protein drink works for him, it’s an option as long as it’s not displacing solid food. I picked up one by Orgain the other day and he doesn’t seem overly thrilled with it. I’d be curious to know if other people have tried other brands and what their kids thought of them.

Anyone deal with this? What worked for you?