There’s no doubt the Internet has changed the way children engage with information, many now even known to multi screen – using more than one device at a time - but when they’re reported to be watching on average over six hours of screen time daily, isn’t it vital to remind them and us of what life was like before the digital era, and of the stuff that childhood used to be made of?
The headmaster of a leading independent school hit the national headlines recently when he encouraged his pupils to complete a week-long digital detox over the summer holidays.
As a parent of two girls ages 9 and 6, I
thoroughly support this school of thought,
particularly as given the opportunity my youngest would happily sit in front of
the television all day long.
She’s not alone. According to a study by the
market research firm Childwise,
children aged five to 16 spend an average of six and a half hours a day in
front of a screen. There’s no doubt about it that’s a lot, but in the holidays
it’s potentially even more, as parents look to ways to keep the children
entertained so that they can get on and do things themselves.
We are almost half way through the summer
holidays now and I’m proud to say my children have not broken me - yet!
Although of course six weeks is a long holiday to fill and planning and
preparation are definitely what’s needed if I’m going to survive the last three
weeks.
Personally, I like the idea of this list of
things to do. Heavens, as a somewhat tired mum(!) fresh impetus is always gratefully
received. Of course, you may have a nanny, or planned childcare over the
summer, in which case your children’s activities will be carefully planned out and
they will be able to continue their social, intellectual and physical
development with lots of activities, both indoor and outdoor lined up. But for
those of you that don’t, you may want to scroll down to the list below for
inspiration!
The list by Martin Stott is 30 screen-free
things for five - eleven year-olds to do. He said it was to both help parents
keep their children entertained but also to avoid learning skills going rusty
over the long break away from school.
An advocate of limiting screen time for
youngsters, Stott said the holiday hit-list was aimed at activities which were
fun but also enhanced learning, confidence and independence.
“It’s not easy to keep children occupied over
summer but it is also a long time away from the classroom and we do see skills
that have been built up over the school year going rusty during the holidays,”
added Mr Stott who is headmaster at The Old Hall School in Wellington, Telford.
“During term time children are working hard
and so are parents to support their educational journey and I felt it might
help to create a list of things they could do that doesn’t let all that hard
work go to waste and is fun to complete.
“I would love to see children get out and
about and learn more about their own community and yes avoid too much time on a
screen.”
Mr Stott said, “We find the children who are
happiest and learn more successfully at school are the ones who feel confident
at school and are independent. Several of the tasks on my list are aimed at
giving children that confidence and it is surprising how little things like
knowing how to get dressed on your own and looking after your personal
belongings can help a child approaching school with the best possible attitude
and get the most out of it.
“I do hope the list helps and that people
enjoy going through it and ticking off each one. Some activities are given an
age-appropriate suggestion to help mums, dads and child carers. ”
Bravo! Mr Stott is brilliant for making the
news with this. There’s no doubt the Internet has changed the way children
engage with information, many now even known to multi screen – using more than
one device at a time - but when they’re reported to be watching on average over
six hours of screen time daily, isn’t it vital to remind them and us of what
life was like before the digital era, and of the stuff that childhood used to
be made of?
1) Navigate a car journey without using a sat
nav.
2) Take stuff apart – a broken appliance will
do.
3) Learn to tell the time.
4) Skim stones.
5) Clean your own shoes.
6) Ride a bike/Do a park run.
7) Learn to get dressed and change outfits
independently in a timed race (ages 5-7).
8) Learn personal data including address,
phone number, birthday.
9) Complete a 500-piece jigsaw (7-11 years).
10) Send a postcard or letter.
11) Get muddy/Climb a tree.
12) Write your own top ten list - things to
do, favourite characters, foods or songs.
13) Prep and Pack a picnic and choose a
location for it.
14) Cook a meal, have a sausage sizzle or make
a sandwich (according to age).
15) Build a den/sandcastle.
16) Fly a kite.
17) Enter a competition – of which there are
many in magazines - which has a task element, such as drawing a picture.
18) Write a poem and learn one off by heart.
19) Follow wood trails in woods near you.
20) Join a free sports team.
21) Read a book/Make up your own fictional
character or story.
22) Camp out /overnight - back garden will do.
23) Have a water fight.
24) Paddle or swim in the sea.
25) Visit the library - enter a reading
competition.
26) Plan a playdate including menu and
activities.
27) Lead a walk using a map.
28) Take a picture of well-known landmarks in
your area.
29) Play football in your local park.
30) Plant something in the garden - lettuce
and carrots can be planted in the summer.
This post first appeared here