While they attracted the child’s initial interest, some of the most apparently spectacular games were missing something that others far simpler had – the ability to sustain the child’s engagement. Having wired them up, I asked them to describe what they were doing and then made myself invisible.įrom previous observations it was clear that themes (i.e., Batman, Turtles, etc.), whizzy sounds, and sophisticated color graphics were not the real issues. I wanted to understand what made the Nintendo experience so engage able for children – why it was so easy for them to become deeply involved. Over the remainder of our walk Daaron stopped dozens of time to use his 'radar helper' and, I think, make sure that I understood the significance of his invention – 'Dad, don’t you think every kid should have one these?' JUMP …Ībout two years ago I used a VCR and microphone to record a group of three- to five-year-olds as they were playing Nintendo games. At points, Daaron stopped to show me 'visuals' on the device’s make-believe display – how the bugs’ legs worked and how great the idea of rolling into a ball was, much better than a snail’s shell.Īs I crouched alongside rather speechless, Daaron went on to describe the device as his 'radar helper.' He said that it would work on anything – telephone poles, cats, stars, trees – no matter what it was focused on, he would get pictures and sounds and be able to ask questions and immediately understand whatever it was he was curious about.įor reasons that will hopefully become clear as this article progresses, I was delighted and stunned. As he got closer, strange whirling and clicking sounds came forth, and in Daaron’s best imitation of synthetic speech, the invention began describing all that was known about roly-poly bugs. Dropping into his curiosity crouch, he placed the invention, as if it was some kind of magnifying glass, between his face and the bug. But when we encountered a roly-poly bug, Daaron and his device sprang into action. On first sight I wondered if it was a space ship, a magic sword or, possibly, a 'pk valence meter' (the Ghostbuster meter for detecting slime).Īt first he said nothing about his new invention. The 'device' (his word) had a body like a jet cockpit, wing-like struts which proceeded from its sides, a small spinning cylinder for a nose and a curious handle connected to its rear end. He was very enthusiastic as he told me that he had 'a new invention to share.' So I said, 'Okay – bring it along.' But on this particular night, Daaron was rather set upon bringing his latest 'Construx' creation. Walking is a special discovery time, and we both enjoy discovering who we are and whatever else we encounter as we trek around the neighborhood.

Normally when we walk we avoid bringing any toys or things which might be distracting.

It blends high energy and subtle-mindedness, and helps us tune in to being together. The other night my five-year-old son Daaron and I went out for one of our evening walks.

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