What Television Means for the Teacher

Abstract

TELEVISION is rapidly becoming a new member of the family. Present surveys indicate that one family in twelve has a television set. This new addition to the family is exciting to the other members. It is exciting to the neighbors, too. I hear that it is not the cost of television set that puts a strain on the purse, but the upkeep of the neighbors it attracts and holds. Television is almost a living entity, a companion, a teacher. I want to consider this new member of the family from the standpoint of a schoolteacher. Schoolteachers must be aware of the child's total environment, of all the influences that mold him. Each one is important; yet the most important part of his environment is that provided by his family and his home. Every member is important, so it is vitally necessary to consider this new force that has come to live in the midst of his family. What will be its gifts? How will it change the family? What controls will need to be placed upon it? Will the family once more become a closely knit group, with increasing common interests? Or will father watch the Yanks, mother toss a new salad, and junior gallop away with a favorite cowboy? All these questions, and many more, the teacher needs to ponder. Interest in television is tremendous. The workers in television