Put a Firm Foot Down

Today I was in a classroom with students that ranged in ages from 1st to 3rd graders. Many of the student where done most of their work and continued to "Work of Choice", which meant for many students "play computer games".

The games where mildly educational, but absorbed the student that was playing it, as well as any passing student. To me, it looked like an unhealthy obsession, the students where totally tuning everything else around them. While they where practicing division facts, I was not sure it was a good practice of the skill considering many of the problems where too difficult for them.

Therefore, I believe that a firm foot should be put down in classrooms that gives the strict rules and guidelines. This would be like what games are appropriate to play and when. Also how to identify if the game is too hard and a new one should be chosen. Also a list of appropriate websites should be listed that students can go to during their free time.

Also, I hope that in my classroom alternate games are available to students. In the classrooms, at least in this school, there is not enough computers for each student to use. So boardgames that can be played between multiple students is a must. There are many math board games that students find fun are available and would be useful to play in times where "Work of Choice" time is available.