The simple way to help your kids have a more fulfilling summer: Put down the phone
The evidence is strong that children are spending too much time on their phones, and so Beaverton, like other Oregon school districts, is restricting their use. Overuse of phones results in a child spending less time directly interacting with people, especially friends, and less time outside. Saying “You can’t use your phone.” is not enough.
There are other ways to reduce phone time. For example, questions that require a child not only to think of what the answer might be, may entice them to touch, listen, smell or observe, thus enhancing the learning experience. A fun question to ask is, “How many sides does a banana have?” The child will say something like, “None, because it is round.” Actually, the banana has five sides. After asking the question, have the child carefully peel the banana—the five sides become more evident. This also increases the tactile learning experience.
Questions, which encourage children to check for themselves, might include:
- “What birds can’t fly?” Answer: Penguin or Ostrich.
- “What direction do crows fly at the end of the day?” Answer: East. Crows, like all predatory birds, have eyes that point forward, so they do not want to look directly at the sun.
Getting children outside is not only a fun way to reduce phone time, but also, sunshine and fresh air can improve modes and reduce stress. Research shows that children who spend time outside also tend to focus better, think more creatively, and work more cooperatively. It also stimulates using other senses for learning.
Invite their friends to join your walks. Look at clouds, observe their shapes, and discuss what they indicate about the weather. If mackerel clouds are spotted—dappled like fish scales, you can repeat the old phrase, “Mackerel sky means rain nearby.” Noting the color of the early morning or evening sky is another indicator of weather. “Red sky in the morning, sailors take warning. Red sky at night, sailors delight.” Using little rhymes is another way to enhance the learning experience and increases retention of information.
There are so many different things to touch, smell, listen for, as well as visually observe while outside. It is not necessary to travel far distances. It could be a walk in the neighborhood after rain, and the child spots a worm that washed on to the sidewalk. Initiate a “worm rescue”. Have them pick up the worm and place it in the grass. During the “rescue” telling the child about the benefits of worms is fun and educational.
If you happen to be walking near water and there are ducks or geese, have the child note which side of the pond they are near. If it is morning, the birds will be on the West side, and if it is afternoon, they will be on the East side. The ducks and geese want to maximize the amount of sunlight they get to help dry their feathers.
Encouraging a child to play and interact more with friends reduces phone time. No matter if you are inside or outside, or if it is sunny or rainy, there are an unlimited number of things that you can do with a child that not only keeps them off their phone but also enhances learning while having fun.
Nancy Yeend is a local grandmother, a retired Realtor, and mediator/dispute management strategist. She enjoys going to parks, identifying birds and visiting memory care facilities with her Therapy Dog, Wolfie.
