Balancing Screen Time For Online School
1) Set Screen Time Limits On Devices And Monitor Your Child’s Screen Time For School
Did you know that you can actually set screen time limits on your child’s devices? While your child will mostly be using a computer or laptop to complete their work, their phone, tablet, or other devices still might be a distraction for their work. Check out their devices and consider setting some limits to avoid too much time.
That being said, when your child is working on their online work, you should be involved in observing and monitoring how much time they spend on their screens. When you know how much time they’re spending, you can appropriately set limits.
2) Limit Screen Time After School Work Is Complete
It is easy to let our children watch TV, play on the tablet, or scroll through social media as a reward for finishing their school work, but too much time after school work can be problematic for your child’s wellbeing. Like we said earlier, too much screen time has its effects on your child’s mental and physical health. Limiting screen time after school is a great way to prevent your child from staring at a screen all day.
3) Use Pen And Paper Whenever Possible
Using pen and paper might sound like a silly way to spend less time on a screen, but writing is very beneficial for your child. Handwriting math problems, or writing notes, or even scribbling while you learn has many cognitive benefits that don’t involve a screen. Writing by hand can improve memory, creativity, critical thinking skills, and more. If you don’t already, get a notebook or two for your child.
4) Set A Schedule That Includes Breaks
Organizing a schedule with screen time breaks is something we highly encourage. Having a set schedule with breaks and times for school work will help your child stay organized and aware of their workload for the day. The Centers for Disease Control, or the CDC, recommends kids get at least sixty minutes of physical activity each day.
Setting up a schedule with breaks is a great way not to spend too much time on a screen. Take a break and walk around for ten minutes after fifty minutes of work. Maybe have a dance party to your child’s favorite music. Any physical activity, even if it’s for a few minutes or thirty, is important to encourage their physical and mental health.
5) Change Up The Classroom Setting And Get Involved In Your Child’s Work
If you have the space, time, or means, we suggest switching up your child’s online classroom setting if you can every once in a while. When we say switching up the classroom setting, we don’t mean anything crazy, but sometimes it’s good to switch things up!
Consider taking schoolwork outside on the patio if the sun is shining. Set up a holiday-themed area for schoolwork for special holidays! While switching up the classroom setting won’t directly limit screen time, it will be fun for your child and encourage a positive attitude towards school work.
About Online Education At Ignite Learning Academy
Ignite Learning Academy is an online private school created to address the unique learning needs of many children and families. Our students are able to structure their day to complete their schoolwork at a time that works for them, and they can accomplish this from any location with an internet connection!
ILA is a great fit for children who are bored in school, have been bullied, suffer from anxiety, have learning disabilities, are gifted, travel frequently, or simply need a new way to receive their K-12 education.
Our mission at Ignite Learning Academy is to:
- Propel children’s curiosity for learning
- Inspire a passion for knowledge
- Develop independent, inquiring minds and intellects
- Commit to each child’s personalized learning so they can experience a safe social and emotional environment while gaining skills that prepare them for college and beyond
We would love to tell you more about our school. Contact us today to learn more about our online schooling options!