The role of television in language learning.

Usually, when we think of modern day distractions for children, what comes to mind are television and the computer.

In almost every household, a television is placed right in the living room where children often sit and watch cartoons and films as well as commercials. Actually, cartoons, films and commercials have their roles to play in teaching children how to use language. Although there is no reading involved, there is a lot of vocabulary to be learned or remembered through their usage.

When my children were very young, I showed them 'The Sound of Music', 'Little Orphan Annie' and other films from discs and video cassettes. They were children's favourites. The films mentioned here are loaded with songs which they enjoyed singing. When children are interested in a film, they can watch those same films again and again.My children were not interested in the adult-type stories usually shown on television. Usually such films are not suitable for children. In the mornings, there are suitable cartoons to help the children learn through entertainment.

What about the attractive commercials with their catchy tunes and beautiful rythmic language? They do teach children some vocabulary and how to use language to attract attention to things.

With oral language skills improved through cartoons, films and advertisement, television cannot actually be termed as a distraction at this early stage of a child's life.

However, there will come a time when there ought to be more reading than watching and listening.When the time arrives, how do you shift their attention to books and other reading materials?

If the parents have introduced them to beautiful pictures and big-sized words in books, the pictures in them will atttact the attention of the children. Thus, suitable attractive materials in books is the first answer.

Next is the pride and ego of a child who knows he/she can read. Together with praise for his ability from the parents, the pride, confidence and ego of the child leads him/her to greater interest in the ability to read even more words.Later on, in kindergarten and the first year of formal education, his ability to read can boost his/her confidence to excel in class. Success breeds success; so with his good performance in class, he yearns to be even better.

Third is the excellent selection of children's stories to entertain and keep his/her eyes glued to the stories in the books.Parents must be careful in the selection of suitable entertaining stories.

Parents must sacrifice by not watching so much television. Remember that parents are always in control of situations. Do not turn on the television without a good reason. Do not distract your child from the wonderful stories in books.

As such the television and the disc player have their roles in furthering the language skills of our precious children.