Video Games - Then and Now

In the winter months, there are people who enjoy outdoor activities and people who would rather stay in and be cozy. I am one who enjoys the latter. Actually, playing video games is one of my favourite indoor activities.  

I have been playing video games since I was 11 years old. In December of 1991, I got my first console which was a Super Nintendo. Video games were a lot different than today's games. For example, video games were either one or two players back then. You also had to go to your friend's house to play together. Today, you can play video games with friends on the other side of the world thanks to online play. 

Another difference is you had to have a physical game cartridge to play a game. When a new game came out, you had to preorder or go to the store to purchase it. Also, you could rent games from a store such as Blockbuster. This was great because it gave you the opportunity to try a game before you bought it. Nowadays, you can purchase the game online and download directly to your console or computer.  

I own two gaming consoles or systems, the Nintendo Switch and the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset. Some of my favourite games are Pokémon Violet, Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. I also really love playing Beat Saber for my VR system. One benefit to playing VR video games is that it gets you up and moving.

What gaming consoles or systems do you own? Do you feel you spend too much time playing video games? Do you think kids should play video games or should kids play outside and not virtually? If you don’t play video games, what would be your favourite winter activity?

~Mr. Coffee

BLOGGER OF THE WEEK

Winter 2024

 We live in Canada.  It's cold in Canada.  Everybody knows that.  But over the past week it's been uber cold.  We're talking -30 degrees Celsius with wind chills in the -40s.  It was so bad last Friday that over 100 students were absent from our school building.  

I think everybody knew it was coming though.  We had been experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures all through December, at least 5 degrees warmer than normal.  Everyone said that we would have to pay for it eventually because you can't get something for nothing.

I can't recall when I went to school if we ever had indoor recesses.  I don't even think they calculated wind chill back in the olden days.  Parents just sent their kids out the door for the long walk to and from school.  It probably wasn't a long of a walk as I'm making it sound, now that I think about it.  As for not attending school when it was cold?  Good luck.  Parents sent their kids in all sorts of weather.  At least that was my experience.

As a teacher, I personally do not enjoy indoor recesses.  I am of the firm belief that students need to be outside, not only to be active, but for fresh air and a change in environment.  Our school division has a policy that students are kept inside if it is -23 degrees Celsius or colder.  It was a long week of indoor recesses.

What do you think about this cold snap?  Did you miss any school because of the cold?  What is your thought on indoor recesses?

~The Big Ham

Twenty Twenty Four (2024) Is a New Year

Twenty twenty four is the start of a new year which makes many people excited.  It is a time to forget about what happened in the past and focus on a new beginning for many.  This is a time of the year that many choose to set goals and make resolutions.  Research has shown that at least one third (about 33%) of adults will make a New Year's resolution, but only 10% keep them.  Some of the most popular resolutions with adults are to eat healthier, save money, and lose weight.

Do you think kids should make New Year's resolutions too?  You might want to call them goals and forming good habits.  What does it take to achieve success when you make a decision to do something?  Some good habits for kids to form are such things like:

- drink water or another healthy beverage every day

- try a new physical activity to do at least three times a week

- try to be friendly to kids who may have a hard time making friends

- save time to read for fun

- choose an activity other than playing on electronics

Other goals for kids may be related to schoolwork.  What are some of the good habits that you think would be appropriate to try to achieve this year?

~The Big Ham