Exam time comes round every year and it is a stressful time for kids and parents alike. The TV is often a ‘discussion point’ between parent and child during this time. Can escaping to the world of cartoons bring a positive welcome relief to the stress of study?
It is an argument that has been had in almost every household with kids. Watching TV when they are supposed to be studying is a popular pastime among children and a constant source of antagonism for parents. This is particularly the case during exam time. Every parent wants their child to do the best they can in exams and so most prefer not to see their kids enjoying the antics on cartoon shows instead of poring over revision, but, are there positives to the escapism of cartoons that can play a part in exam studies?
1. Reward For Study
As parents we all know that sometimes you need to dangle a carrot to get children to do just what we want them to do. Exam revision is no different. Children love to watch cartoons and so offering the odd Tom and Jerry cartoon or Ben 10 adventure is a good incentive to have them pick up the books for half an hour or so.
2. Cartoon Confusion
There is an argument to say that cartoons are so full of zany antics that these will fill brains that are meant to be absorbing revision and lead to confusion and difficultly retaining the academic learning. Short bursts of cartoon viewing and choosing more simple shows such as a Tom and Jerry cartoon can ensure this isn’t the case.
3. Give Their Brain A Rest To Get The Best
Experts agree that concentration is best when carried out in short-ish bursts and that anyone can benefit from a brief time-out from study every twenty to forty minutes. A ten minute cartoon break is an ideal way to relax their brain for a moment and give them fresh momentum to start again.
4. Look For The Learning Within
Cartoons are not all nonsense and silliness. Many of them have positive messages that can be taken away and some are even educational in their own way. Choose cartoons that tie in with the subject being revised to give a fun boost to their learning.
5. Driving Them To Distraction
Watching TV in general is often seen as a distraction. You may offer ten minutes of viewing but they will inevitably try to sneak in as much as they can until you notice they are still glued to the screen. You do need to police TV viewing during revision to prevent too much down time.
6. Fresh Air Is The Best Antidote To Revision Fatigue
Fresh air is a really positive boost for learning that is certain so try to rotate study breaks between cartoon viewing and a little outdoor time. This is really the best compromise as a ban on cartoons altogether can lead to resentment, arguments and in the end an unwillingness to study. If both parties can compromise then that is a great learning curve too!
As long as they exist children will always love cartoons and, whilst as grown-ups we may not see the joy of watching the evil villain get his come-uppance, the kids certainly do. Everything in moderation is the order of the day and introducing a little reward in the form of a cartoon to study time is a great way to keep up revision momentum.
About the Author:
Jenni is a journalist specialising in parenting issues. She is the mother of three children and writes regularly for parenting magazines and websites including Cartoon Network.
