What is a “Just right Challenge” …or Picking Apps That Will Engage Your Child?
Let’s face it, we all want our children to progress, to be on top, or accelerate in some area of study or skill. Many times, we pick a book, toy, or a tech product that we think they will love and learn from, only to see them turn away from this new grand and promoted item.
Why you ask yourselves, Why did they reject it? There is a method of choosing toys or apps that will engage your child if matched with their current functional or developmental level. Most kids follow a linear system of development of acquiring skills. These skills are called milestones. Milestones are the building blocks and lay down the foundations for future skills. If a milestone is missed, it may be problematic later when attempting to learn a new skill because the “roots” from the earlier skill haven’t had a chance to set a baseline for new information. There are many theories on development and learning, and all attempt to outline a child’s ability to grow and learn.
One such framework is the Holistic Learning Model that considers skill acquisition to be the product of addressing the needs of “the whole child”. There are several models or frameworks for holistic learning, and most involve assessing physiology, behavior, and environmental factors that interact together to determine a child’s learning style.
Lipa Learning has embraced the Holistic Learning Model and is beginning to address curricula for the whole child. Their graded learning system consists of 8 areas of focus, and to learn more – visit their website: https://www.lipalearning.com/en …The eight specific areas include Academic Competence, Autonomic Capabilities, Physical Wellness, Healthy Lifestyle, Social-Emotional Balance, History and Culture, Hygiene and Safety, and Environmental Awareness. This is a huge step forward in looking at the needs of young children. Each of their apps, correspond to a part of their curriculum to help a child achieve a well-balanced education. They are indeed looking to educating the “whole child” into becoming a healthy thriving individual. The pairing with a Bluebee Pal with this curriculum is Sublime! Bluebee pals allow a child to interact with learning apps in a developmentally appropriate way. Learning then becomes an adventure with a peer – Bluebee. Kids and their stuffies have a long history of being friends that you can talk to, play with, or just give and receive hugs. All these functions help keep a child calm so that their ability to attend and respond is at their optimal level.
Jo Booth OTR/L has been an Occupational Therapist for over 35 years, and currently practices at EasterSeals of SEPA, Montgomery County Division mainly focusing on Early Intervention. It is an APS (Approved Private School) and home outreach based setting. She has also worked in Adolescent and Adult Rehabilitation. Writing reviews have been a tremendous opportunity and experience to share and learn with others.