Lots of teachers have created digital online work for their students.
People are reading books online.
People are binge watching movies and shows on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus.
This is all great stuff, but isn't this TOO MUCH screen time?
Technology is fabulous! Thanks to technology, our children can continue learning during the pandemic. They can go to interesting sites and have great fun interacting with friends online.
But enough is enough!
Studies show too much screen time can create posture problems, vision issues, mood swings, sleep disorders, and possible social dysfunction. Because they spend so much time sitting in one place, children show lack of muscular development and often obesity. Kids (and adults) who are stagnant for too long show signs of sleepiness, crankiness and lethargy. That's a big clue to shut the screens off!
Here are some things they can do once their online lessons are done!
Board games are such fun for all involved. Plus, they involve important skills children need! Skills like communication, strategy, patience, and problem solving may not be taught in schools, but they are certainly are needed in life! Plus, most games require a little reading and math, too!
I'm not talking about books online, (although those are also fun) I'm talking about real books! The kind you can pick up, open, read, read again, then read it to your little sister. Maybe even read to the dog! There's nothing like a real book to escape all the madness that is going on in the world like that!
Children need to have their social needs met, and that just can't happen in the "regular way" these days. True, they can use phones and computers to stay in touch on line, which is great, but who doesn't love getting a real letter!
Here's a letter writing resource to help you out!
Do you realize how many skills are involved in cooking? Well, first of all, there's reading the recipe. Then there's all that measuring, counting, and fractions. Many recipes involve learning vocabulary, and even noticing some scientific chemistry changes! We all know that following directions is a skill that kiddos just can't get enough of!
Another thing about cooking... it has its own reward when you do it well! Children are more likely to try new foods when they cook them. Plus, there's that rewarding happiness when they serve their meal to their loved ones.
Plus, it usually leads to some fun family time. We all need that!
Children need an opportunity to create.
Getting away from the computer and creating is very healthy.
What sort of creation are they passion about? Music? Dance? Drawing? Painting? Fashion? All of the above? There are many ways to create. Give them the materials and the time, and be sure to give them an appreciative audience!
Children may be assigned projects from school, or can create some of their own. Or perhaps, the family can work on projects together! Family crafts are fun for all involved. Or, if you want to be more productive: clean out the attic, paint the bathroom, rearrange the living room furniture or plant a garden!
Yes, you read that right, let them get bored! It's actually good for them, for one thing, it encourages them to be independent and solve their own problems. Plus, scientists say boredom leads to creativity!
So, if they run out of schoolwork, get them off the screens and let them go! Watch your geniuses at work!
Here's another blog post, giving more information about the advantages of letting children be bored:
Here's a freebie list of 50 things children can do that don't use screens: Social Distancing "No Screen" Ideas
What are your "No Screen" ideas?