We’re back for another week of Childhood 101’s We Play!
This time it is the big girls who are playing… with old technology!
We dragged out the old typewriter after school today.
When we were fist given the typewriter about a year ago, the girls were fascinated by how it worked. They immediately got the idea that the typewriter works like tiny stamps… each time you press a letter it is ‘stamped’ onto the page. They were used to a computer keyboard for typing so it took them a while to get the hang of pressing the keys hard enough to make a mark, not to mention accepting the fact that there was no magic delete button when they made a mistake!
They still love the novelty of the typewriter and now that their reading and writing is taking off in leaps and bounds they have re-newed interest and purpose – typing stories.
One types her words out on the page, while the other illustrates the story, then they swap. It’s a story about fairies of course!
The Small Boy had a go too (because anything the girls can do he can do too!). It is really a bit hard for an almost three year old to resist bashing all the keys at once and getting them all stuck together – but with a bit of guidance and support he had a great time too.
They may be old technology but typewriters are heaps of fun!
Trace says
I remember doing the same thing with my mums old typewriter!!! I wonder if she still has it???
jenny @ let the children play says
I’m with SquiggleMum – I’d love an old typewriter for home and for preschool. I keep my eye open at op shops but no luck so far. The girls look so absorbed :)
juniper says
I LOVE old technology! We have an old typewriter like that too, but can’t seem to find out how to buy the tape? let me know if you have an idea!
SquiggleMum says
I’d love to get my hands on an old typewriter…!
Lyndsey Martin says
Cool stuff…reminds me of the Jerry Lewis Typewriter skit. A great one for the kids to watch, I found it a while ago on YouTube and we actually used it as the basis for a performance in a school assembly. The students loved following along with the music and it’s a real skill to match the timing of the typing, sliding and ringing of the bell.
Catherine says
cool – I wish we had a typewriter.
Kelly Be A Fun Mum says
That’s it! I’m going to have to track down a typewriter. I love this! I bet the children loved.
Maybe I could pretend I’m an amazing writer plugging away at my desk.
Melissa says
I remember typing everything on a typewriter. I wonder if Mum still has hers around somewhere… if not, I might have to track one down to show the boys.
Pathfinder Mom says
Wow – that’s a blast from the past. How fun that they can share the duties of writing and illustrating the story!
Marita says
That looks very cool and would be so great to build up Annie’s finger strength.
ingrid says
I have been keeping my eye out when thrifting for an old typewriter. No luck yet, but I am sure when I find one my kids will have a ball like yours.
Amanda says
Creativity the old fashioned way. Great idea!
Christie says
What fun and what fantastic reinforcement of their learning. I had a typewriter and am now wondering if it is still stashed somewhere at my Mum and Dads….
Belinda says
What a great work out for fine motor skills, eye-hand co-ordination, literacy skills and creativity, not to mention a very important history lesson. When I was a girl ……..