Monday, July 19, 2010

The Game Nation

Rory J. Koopmans, B. Admin.
Ward A, Edmonton Public School Trustee Candidate
Lois Hole Library Public Terminal #VIII
Edmonton, Alberta

July XIXth, MMX

Hon. David G. Hancock, QC, MLA
Minister of Education,
Progressive Conservative, Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear David:

As I sit here on the computer waiting for my turn as an invited guest today to read a few passages to some kids here at the Lois Hole Library, I am struck at how good these games kids are playing on the internet stations. None of the games outright promote gambling. The young lad and his mom sitting next II me are playing a dice game, which teaches him numbers and basic mathematic algorithms. He is low functioning autistic so being able II stimulate his mind in a II dimensional format with bright colours and graphics is quite stimulating.

The twin sisters playing across from me are playing a game which teaches them how to grow crops. All the way from planting right to harvesting wherein they sell their crops for a profit. Then they can use those profits to start the process over with the next game and grow different crops. Plus they are taught that cows, horses, pigs and other farm animals must be well looked after. So its teaching respect IV life.

This branch tracks by paper and computer how many books each kid has read. But it doesn't degrade kids who may have read less books because there are kids in the club who read longer books or do research as a hobby and look at things like historical puicture books on the founding of Upper & Lower Canada. I certainly encourage the strong continuation of these games II kerep kids minds on an even tempo and instilled with good values.

Regards,

Rory

Source: Www.Epl.Ca

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