Published: June 10, 2011
Instant Family Fun With No Batteries, Power Cords, WIFI, or Cables!
"Much has changed since we wrote our book activity book for parents and caregivers, 365 TV-Free Activities You Can Do With Your Child. At that time, television was the primary competitor for human interaction in a household. Computers were a luxury and the only electronic gadgets you could carry in your pocket were the TV remote or garage door opener." So says technology expert Steve Bennett, co-author with his wife, Ruth Bennett, of 101 Offline Activities You Can Do With Your Child (BPT Press, June 2011).
Today, of course, television is but one of many electronic devices that vie for our attention from the moment we wake up to the moment we sink into sleep. We're surrounded by smartphones, media players, game consoles, eBook readers, laptops, and tablets. "If you're awake, you're plugged in, literally or via wireless signals. And while today's gadgets offer amazing new possibilities for work and play, it's more important than ever to seize every opportunity to enjoy family fun time. As always, the activities we've created require low-cost/no-cost materials, provide opportunities to recycle household junk, allow your family members to exercise their imaginations, and - best of all - need no batteries!"
Some of Steve's favorite activities include: Big-Time Newspaper and Foodcaster (which turn every child into a budding journalist); Oversized Homemade Checkers and Traveling Board Games (that let kids create their own games as well as refine the rules of old favorites); and Trailblazers and Sign Jumbles (to keep your children happily engaged during road trips).
"There's still something fundamentally satisfying about relying solely on the electronic activity in our brains and muscles to entertain ourselves and connect with family members and friends," claims Steve, who admits to spending way too much time in front of a large-screen monitor. "Whether it's a simple guessing game or a more elaborate round of toilet-paper tube bowling, low-tech/notech games and activities are remarkably satisfying, rejuvenating, and, most importantly, a great way to engage your children."
101 Offline Activities You Can Do With Your Child
By Steve and Ruth Bennett
BPT Press
June 2011
978-0984228522
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