Sportscasting and its benefits in early learning

'Sportscasting' is the magic wand I received from Janet Lansbury, and as a parent, it is has made my world more beautiful. I cannot emphasize enough how important this tool is in early learning. Read on, as I take you through a journey by the end of which, you will be empowered with a brand new tool in your parenting toolbox.

What is Sportscasting?

Sportscasting or Broadcasting is commonly used in sports, where commentators describe the sport as it is in progress. Magda Gerber was the first to use this term in childcare. It simply meant verbalization of events without judging, blaming or shaming as a keen observer to the events.

In other words, it literally means stepping out of a situation for a brief moment to carefully observe and analyse it. To me, this tool is close to my heart as it allows me to watch my little girl learn on her own while I guide her, without interfering in any way.

Let me give you an example;

The comfy, grey sofa in our dining room intimidated my young tot who thought it was insurmountable. One morning, my house was calm except for the cling-clang of utensils that emanated from my cooking. My ears perked up as I heard a screeching sound as if someone was dragging a footstool along the wooden floor of our condo. As I made my way to the dining room to investigate, I saw my nugget pushing the footstool with all her might towards the sofa. When I asked what she was up to, I didn't get a response, and that meant she was positively 'up to' something!

I pretended to be oblivious and proceeded to cook. Within a minute I heard dramatic calls for help and I decided to investigate. I noticed that my munchkin was struggling to get on to the sofa. She had managed to get herself up on to the footstool, but couldn't find the courage to climb further, because of the height. I decided to sportscast my way into this one.

Me: So, you would like mommy to help?

S: nodded (wide-eyed, pouting).

Me: How may I help you?

S: I am scared (pointing to the sofa)

Me: Hmm, you are scared. Why I wonder

S: Because I will fall

Me: So you are standing on the stool, and are scared you will fall

S: If I put my leg like this (trying to put her left knee up on the sofa), I will fall

Me: You are trying to climb up and you chose to begin with your knee

S: And then I am going to hold my hand like this (proceeded to the next few steps)

Me: You are showing me how to climb up on the sofa

S: I did it! (She was elated as she had climbed up on to the sofa by herself,

without realizing it).

So as you can see, I was merely an observer and I was happy just being there for her. But I avoided judgement or even instruction of any sort.

How do I sportscast?

Pretend that you are watching a game. Report all the 'important' aspects of play or an activity the child may be involved in. For instance;

Scenario 1 - If your child is playing with blocks and successfully completes building a tower, report it like this "You built a tower! You seem to be pleased with yourself" or "You did it! Now you know you can build a tower this tall".

Scenario 2 - If your child is playing with alphabets and picks up the wrong one, instead of saying "No, that is not 'B' ", say "You were looking for 'B' and you picked up 'D' ".

Scenario 3 - If your child is frustrated that his puzzle pieces are not fitting correctly, say "Oh looks like that one doesn't fit there. I wonder where else it would fit?" Asking a question at times stimulates thinking, and makes way for new learning. You could also say " Looks like you are struggling with that piece. How about trying another piece?" Suggesting, and not providing solutions could allow you to teach your child to think 'out of the box'. Or even a "what are you going to do next?" could allow the child to implement other methods.

Scenario 4 - If your child is engrossed in sensory play, you could use this opportunity to teach important aspects of learning as he/she plays. Saying 'Now, you are feeling the texture and you like the grainy feel of sand' can impart quality, language and focus to such play.

Scenario 5 - Sportscasting while caring for an infant could facilitate respectful parenting. Saying "I am going to lay you on your back " before a diaper change, or "Now, I am going to take you outside" can lay out a plan for the infant.

Scenario 6 - Saying " You seem to like the yellow ball" or "Looks like that green triangle is not fitting there" could initiate an idea about colours, or numbers and so on and so forth.

Scenario 7 - Your child is distracted by a bird visiting your balcony, and she/he is in the middle of a lesson/activity you have meticulously laid out. "Looks like that beautiful bird has caught your attention" may alert the child or get her/him to share feelings with you. At the same time "I see you love watching birds, maybe we could go on a nature walk after this activity" provides the child with an outlet for his/her emotion and the child is reassured that you are not judging him/her. Your suggestion could further, gently redirect the child to the task at hand.

Role of Sportscasting in Early Learning

Sportscasting has a special place in early learning. Since it facilitates learning without the interference of the caregiver, the outcome can be fabulous.

1) Imparts confidence: Through the Eyes of an infant or a toddler, the world looks amazing. It is intriguing and when little hands explore their environment, it can be a frustrating learning curve for them at times. When a keen observer such as a parent, a caregiver or teacher sportscasts their play, they realize that they are in fact in, complete 'control' of what is going on. 'I am with you, but you are the decision-maker' is a great way to promote responsibility and independence in learning and play.

2) Promotes problem-solving skills: Sportscasting is devoid of any judgement, and so when the child faces a problem, the sportscaster does not jump in to 'solve' it. Instead, by lending support, the child is reassured that he/she is going through something that is only natural and there could be other routes to getting there.

3) Helps introduce learning concepts: While reporting events in the play, a caregiver could easily highlight certain aspects such as numbers, patterns, colours, shapes etc.

4) Aids language development: Using words that are representative of certain objects in play, and naming the child's emotion as she/he goes through it, can introduce the child to new words and expand the child's vocabulary.

5) Improves concentration and focus: Play can be prolonged and opportunities for learning can be created by reporting events. For example, an open-ended question such as " How else do you think you could do this?" compels the child to think and reason. This can make way for interesting discoveries and 'Aha!' moments.

Limitations of Sportscasting

1) Sportscasting is not advisable when the concern is safety or when the task at hand is too challenging or inappropriate for his / her age.

2) If a child is hungry/thirsty/sleepy, has a wet diaper or has separation anxiety, the fulfilment of the need at hand takes priority over sportscasting. There are other techniques a parent can use here, and I shall entail those in detail in another one of my write-ups.

The youtube version of my inputs on Sportscasting is here below;