I should write a whole post about TV (honestly, I believe limiting screentime contributed to David's speech delay rather than the other way around.) But in short - autistic brains (maybe ADHD too) pick up language in chunks. We're especially drawn to expressive language with melodic intonation. Obviously professional actors are WAY better at this than parents. Then, there's the repetition. We can hyperfocus into something and watch it over and OVER until we have it in our bones. Any human teacher is going to get a little bit worn out and lose energy over time, but the TV captures performance / teaching at peak energy for kids to consume ad nauseum. AND it's multi sensory - auditory & visuals & (often) music - created by professional artists, designers, and musicians. Add that we can now pop on subtitles (I SO needed those as a kid - I've been singing half of the theme song lyrics wrong for 20 years... the Duck Tales theme song does NOT say "a stranger lurks behind you.") There's something really elitist about valuing content specifically over what media it's presented through (books over TV). And the basis of that judgement (specifically research about overstimulation) is based on an average of brains and is skewed toward neurotypical. Levels of over or understimulation vary from person to person (with neurodivergent brains being outliers). Yes, some TV shows or video games are overstimulating for us. But others are actually regulating. No study can tell you what is best for you or your kid. It's almost like humans are unique and need different things. 🤷
Thank you Mesa! I was home educated myself after 2nd grade and it made a huge positive impact on my mental health, kindling my curiosity, and creative spark. Also because of that I've just continued to embrace learning new things as an adult. In some ways it never really ended. (I took so many classes in university that were not required and it deeply confused my advisors.) 😂 It's totally possible to start homeschooling yourself (making space for learning, adventure, and experimentation) even now. 💫
When I think back to when I was in college I lived for learning things outside of my core curriculum, I feel like that waned over the years, but you’ve really inspired me to pick it back up again!!
Thank you David. I can't help it, I think? Curiosity is a primary driver for me so I'd be doing this kind of thing whether or not I ever typed it up. We're always diving into something. It's the "unbranding" work I did last year that helped me see this is something to write about. I'm glad to hear it lands as 'magic' for you. ✨
I love that you have a rabbit living under your studio. Also, I made a note of the kids art supplies - thank you for sharing!
It's magic! 🐇💫
And I'm glad that the art supplies were helpful! 🥰
If this were an Instagram post I would definitely heart it. Thank you for all the work you put into sharing this!!!
Also- I would like to hear your soapbox re: television.
Signed, The Woman with the Lifelong Crush on Ms. Frizzle.
I should write a whole post about TV (honestly, I believe limiting screentime contributed to David's speech delay rather than the other way around.) But in short - autistic brains (maybe ADHD too) pick up language in chunks. We're especially drawn to expressive language with melodic intonation. Obviously professional actors are WAY better at this than parents. Then, there's the repetition. We can hyperfocus into something and watch it over and OVER until we have it in our bones. Any human teacher is going to get a little bit worn out and lose energy over time, but the TV captures performance / teaching at peak energy for kids to consume ad nauseum. AND it's multi sensory - auditory & visuals & (often) music - created by professional artists, designers, and musicians. Add that we can now pop on subtitles (I SO needed those as a kid - I've been singing half of the theme song lyrics wrong for 20 years... the Duck Tales theme song does NOT say "a stranger lurks behind you.") There's something really elitist about valuing content specifically over what media it's presented through (books over TV). And the basis of that judgement (specifically research about overstimulation) is based on an average of brains and is skewed toward neurotypical. Levels of over or understimulation vary from person to person (with neurodivergent brains being outliers). Yes, some TV shows or video games are overstimulating for us. But others are actually regulating. No study can tell you what is best for you or your kid. It's almost like humans are unique and need different things. 🤷
I was today years old when I learned it's not "a stranger lurks behind you."
Also… the air on Sesame Street is sweet - not clean. 🤷
This entire piece makes me want to go back in time and be homeschooled! I love everything about this!! :)
Thank you Mesa! I was home educated myself after 2nd grade and it made a huge positive impact on my mental health, kindling my curiosity, and creative spark. Also because of that I've just continued to embrace learning new things as an adult. In some ways it never really ended. (I took so many classes in university that were not required and it deeply confused my advisors.) 😂 It's totally possible to start homeschooling yourself (making space for learning, adventure, and experimentation) even now. 💫
When I think back to when I was in college I lived for learning things outside of my core curriculum, I feel like that waned over the years, but you’ve really inspired me to pick it back up again!!
Thank you, Sarah!! ❤️❤️
I just found a the Magic School Bus Lost in Space on VHS the other day! I can’t wait to rewatch it. It was one of my favorites.
It's a classic! David loves it just as much as I do! So cool you have it on VHS. 💫
So much magic packed into one post!! How do you do it Sarah! 💖
Thank you David. I can't help it, I think? Curiosity is a primary driver for me so I'd be doing this kind of thing whether or not I ever typed it up. We're always diving into something. It's the "unbranding" work I did last year that helped me see this is something to write about. I'm glad to hear it lands as 'magic' for you. ✨
This newsletter is so full of magic ✨ thank you 🙏🏼
I do love when a book is a whole sensory experience
Thank you so much for sharing my work ❤️
Thank you Zoe! I agree, a good book really makes learning come to life. 💫