RTL challenges your perspective on watching TV. If you're a couch potato or if you use the television as a babysitter, we want to help you rethink the role of the TV in your household. Following these viewing tips can help make the time your family spends in front of the TV a more productive experience:
Choose age appropriate TV programs.
Choose TV shows that are a good match for your children’s ages and interests; don't just leave the television turned on incessantly. Be sure to preview a show before you encourage your children to watch it.
In other words, watch programs, not just TV! For a listing of Vegas PBS children's programs, and their target age group, check out the TV Schedule.
Use the VCR or DVR
Record the programs your children love and that you feel good about.
Create your own video library of smart TV—TV that teaches. Watch
the whole show or just segments within a show again and again.
Watch TV together
Ask questions about the shows being viewed to check children's comprehension. Gauge
how much they understand by encouraging them to explain what they
see. Examples of good questions include: "What do you think will happen next?" or "What was your favorite part?"
Encourage active viewing
Children learn from doing, watching, listening, and imitating. Children can
watch TV actively—by talking, playing, dancing, and singing along. For instance, invite them to dance when Barney
dances or perform the science activity with the Fetch hosts. The easiest
way to encourage your child to join in the fun is if you do it, too! You’re never
too old to sing, dance, and play along.
Extend the learning
Create a Learning Triangle by connecting what you watch with hands-on activities and storybooks that reinforce the same idea or concept!
For instance, if you watch a show about recycling, sort the
day’s trash, plant the seeds from a snack time apple, or read a book about
recycling.
Limit television time
Young children need lots of time to move, talk, play, and be with others. TV
can be a learning tool, but it can’t replace hands-on learning or take the
place of care children need from you. Set clear rules for how long and when
the TV can be on.
