New Generation Demands a New Education
Spoiler alert! The children in our classrooms today are not like the previous generation.
Well, that’s true of every generation, but here’s the kicker. These children are called “alpha’s” for a reason, their generation is decisive, confident, digital, and not going for the whole “because I said so” routine.
When the first of the Alpha generation hit kindergarten almost a decade ago, teachers knew something was very different about them. The ole sit down, raise your hand, listen to the teacher and even the handy-dandy classroom routine is no match for them. Many of these children were handed a tablet before solid food and their demand for a more stimulating classroom is real. They crave a learning environment that mirrors the speed and interaction of an online platform. I’m not headed for the “in my day children were children” conclusion about these youngsters, in fact, they are perfectly made for the time. They are much more committed to family, diversity, equality, conservation, and human rights than any previous generation.
84% of American students use technology in the classroom. Qustodio
We live in an increasingly digital world that will leave behind those that resist technology. Not only do these children not resist, they lovingly embrace everything technical. Does that mean that traditional education is dead and buried? Not necessarily, an academic foundation that allows alpha’s to pursue their dreams (and they will be following their dreams, no safe, tedious career choices for them).
65% of Gen Alphas will work in jobs that don’t even exist today. Canvas8
Now that we’ve talked about the great things, let’s address the negatives (you knew there would be some). So, while they were on their tablets they weren’t doing the things that traditionally we knew were important, like reading at bedtime, reciting the alphabet, dialoguing with family across the dinner table, interacting with other children, and, guess what, being disciplined. These Alpha’s are, putting it mildly, turning out to be defiant, and severely lacking in reading, spelling, comprehension, and writing skills (National Assessment for Educational Progress).
Do you have a solution, Alex?! Actually, I do.
Use the Force for Good
A tablet isn’t a pacifier, it’s a tool for entertainment, but also for learning if you refocus its purpose. Instead of streaming movies, scrolling through TikTok, or watching other children unwrap toys, your Gen Alpha could be using apps that focus on literacy skills, developing vocabulary, and enjoying reading.
Tick Tock
Time is on your side, well, it could be if you decide to monitor how your Gen Alpha spends their time digitally. You are in the driver’s seat and it may be a challenge for a few days, but, literally in a few days you could get a schedule that makes you feel good and will help your little one get on track academically and socially.
Talk is Not Cheap
As a teacher, I can tell if there’s family conversation going on at home, it's in the words that they have to choose from, the questions they ask, and the conversations they have socially. Talking to your child in the car, telling each other stories, and reading books before bed, are so important and nothing can replace that precious time.
Gen Alpha can be the greatest generation ever - intelligent, technologically-minded, kind, caring, generous, and determined, but it’s going to take us, the adults, to well, adult, for a while so that we can guide their brilliance in the right direction.