Arne Trageton

The computer revolution has changed society radically the last 30 years. The computer is a common appliance at home like TV and video for 70-90% of the 6 year olds in Norway. When the home and society outside school use the computer as a word processor, why should not the 6 year olds start their school writing with print letters instead of time consuming, imperfect handmade letters? In our project “Creative writing” we start the writing process on computers for the 6 year olds, and delay the formal teaching of correct handwriting to the 8 year olds. For 6-7 year olds, handwriting is a hard, boring and difficult technical process. One reason is that the fine-motor skills are not fully developed at that age, especially among boys. Using the computer as a word processing tool is better for children. The project answers two main questions – how to use computer writing for learning native language in primary school, and whether computer writing, dominant to handwriting, in 1 and 2 grades will lead to better knowledge of native language in the third grade. The article describes the project and provides the results of questionnaire study of 187 children and 130 parents that took part in this experiment. Both children and parents showed very positive attitudes to the implemented strategy. They thought writing on computers and delaying the handwriting to grade 3 was an effective strategy in writing- and reading learning, instead of the traditional reading- and writing teaching.

In Norwegian culture outdoor activities have had a high status. However, in recent years children in Norway have spent more and more time indoors. The play possibilities outside in forests, in open fields etc. are strongly reduced. Children are spending more time sitting still in front of TV, video, radio and computers at home. Now there is an increasing awareness in Norway to stimulate «out-door school» and out-door playgrounds. This is especially important in urban areas. But areas for constructional play and dramatic play out doors are almost non existent. It is a hard job to change the attitudes of the teachers in relation to play, and to make the outdoor environment at more attractive for 6-10-year olds. Hut building can become a method of outdoor play development for preschool and elementary school children throughout educational process.