The Joy of Teaching – Page 43 of 46

August 7, 2014
by Evan-Moor
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3 Myths Surrounding the Common Core

I encounter a lot of misinformation about the Common Core State Standards. Let’s take a few moments to explore three of the most frequently encountered myths.

Common Core Facts Myth #1: Everything is changing!

Fact: While it’s true that the new standards may represent a different way of measuring student success, they’re not entirely new. The new standards are based on the most successful state standards, so they actually look familiar to many teachers. And since the Common Core State Standards don’t prescribe any particular curriculum or teaching style, you’re likely to find that many of your favorite teaching techniques and lesson plans still have a place in the CCSS classroom. Effective teaching is still effective teaching.

Myth #2: The Common Core State Standards are complicated and hard to understand.

Fact: The Common Core State Standards are detailed and specific. But once you understand the organization, and take a moment to familiarize yourself with a few terms, you’ll see that the standards are straightforward. There’s nothing about the standards that is “tricky.” They are logical. Understanding CCSS and meeting their requirements is well within the grasp of every teacher. Download your very own copy at http://www.corestandards.org and read it. You’ll see what I mean.

Myth #3: The new standards are a federal mandate, and politicians (not teachers) put them together.

Fact: The federal government wasn’t involved in the development of the CCSS. State governors and education commissioners led the initiative. Even though it’s unlikely that they asked you for your opinion, the standards most certainly weren’t created without teacher input! Actually, one of my favorite aspects of CCSS is the way in which teacher organizations were invited to provide individual teachers to help with the standards’ formation. These standards are research based, not politically motivated. And actual classroom teachers provided specific, concrete feedback at many steps along the way. Here are the teacher organizations whose members offered feedback:
• National Education Association (NEA)
• American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
• National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
• National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)

These are organizations that you might belong to. I’m confident that they represent us. And that’s why I believe that these new standards empower teachers more than many of the previous generations of standards did.

Contributing Writer

Contributor McKnight Dr. Katie McKnight is an educator, author, and consultant. Her career in education began as a high school English teacher in the Chicago Public School system more than 20 years ago. She received her B.A. degree from George Washington University, her M.Ed. from Northeastern Illinois University, and her Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Today, she serves as a Distinguished Professor of Research at National Louis University.

August 5, 2014
by Evan-Moor
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Survival Tips for the First Day of School

No matter if this is your first year of teaching or your fortieth, the first day/week of school can be overwhelming. Here are some tips that just might help you survive those first challenging days. Back to School

Before the first day:

Plan the first and most important day minute by minute… and then have more activities or fun Read Alouds in your “back pocket” for any unexpected down time. (I write an abbreviated version of the minute-by-minute schedule on a large index card for quick reference throughout the day.) This should counteract the spinning head/panic that might otherwise occur!
Create a temporary rug placement chart or desk chart using any information you have about your new students.
Use lined chart paper and write large headlines on each paper, such as When I Arrive At School; Before Recess; Lining Up For Recess; Walking in a Line, etc. You can co-create the behavior rules/expectations charts throughout the first day of school. The charts can then be posted on the walls for the first weeks.
Put up simple bulletin board headliners for each subject area that can stay up all year. I like to create phrases: Super Scientists, Future Authors of America, Math Detectives, Got A Problem?
Organize and label all the folders
Label all the school supplies, book boxes, etc., with student names
Put names on the discipline card pockets (or your our own system) for use on the first day
Copy all student paperwork for the first week (at least) and stack it up in order of use.
Have name tags, books, temporary folded desk/name tags, first day fun packets, etc., organized on top of student desks. (I use packing tape to mount laminated student desk identifiers on desk top book boxes instead of right on the desks. They will last all year and not peel off! I use the smaller ones that have room for a small photo of the student along with the student’s name. I save the large, fold-up name tags for substitutes.)

First Day/Week Tips:

Keep your schedule handy on an index card.
Focus on the students! Give each student a hug and wear a huge smile. All children deserve to feel welcomed, loved, and appreciated for who they are!
If you feel nervous or uptight, take a deep breath, slow down, and act like everything is under control. The power of positive thinking works.
I have the students get started right away on a fun packet of activities. Here are some ideas:
- Evan-Moor’s Draw…Then Write
- First Day of School activity books
While students are quietly working, I go around the room and take photos of each child (to be used for bulletin boards and name tags.) I greet and reassure the parents, take attendance, guide late students to their spots in the room, take a breath, etc.
A lot of the first day is sensing when it is time to move on to the next item on the schedule. Be flexible!
Before you have the students transition to the next item on the schedule, give explicit instructions and model when you can.
Try to do as much as you can of the yearlong daily routines, such as: Calendar, Number of the Day, Problem of the Day, etc.
Work together on the behavior rules/expectations charts.
Use a soft, calm voice to set the tone of the classroom atmosphere.
Use your discipline system from the get-go. Your goal is to make things as real and routine as possible from the beginning.
Do a fun art or P.E. activity on the first day. I like to use a big bubble maker as a P.E. activity outside for my second graders. I call off numbers and children try to pop as many bubbles as they can!
At the end of the busy day, read aloud a funny book and lavish praise on your new family of students! I hand out inexpensive medals or certificates to every student. All students deserve to end their first day on a positive, happy note!

My final advice after teaching for more than thirty-five years:

Make it as real and routine as quickly as possible!

For example, it is easy to put off the challenging training involved in the rotations and routines. So, I start the all-important flexible Guided Reading groups on the Monday of the first full week of school. So much anecdotal information can be obtained about each student’s reading needs during the group time. I usually have three or four groups: one group remains at their seats doing Daily Work such as Evan-Moor daily practice lessons; one group is at the computers; one group is selecting and reading Independent Reading books; and one is meeting with me for Guided Reading.

Remember: get the routines flowing and the hard work will pay off down the road!

Contributing Writer

Image of Blog Contributor Alice Evans Alice Evans is a forty-year veteran National Board Certified elementary classroom teacher and is a published author. She recently retired from the San Diego Unified School District.

July 22, 2014
by Evan-Moor
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How to Manage Back-to-School Stress and Anxiety with Food

Healthy food How do you cope with anxiety at the start of the school year? Believe it or not, making dietary changes can often ease the symptoms of anxiety. While diet alone cannot cure anxiety, healthy eating is one of the simplest ways to begin controlling anxiety to improve your mood, both inside and outside the classroom.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

The body is made up of 65–70% water, and every cell in the body needs water in order to function properly. The brain, heart, blood, joints, kidneys, and energy systems are most effective when the body is well hydrated. Hydration also flushes our bodies of excess waste and the toxins that can lead to illness.

Adding more water to your diet is one of the simplest things you can do to reduce stress. Many studies have found that dehydration affects as many as 25% of people with persistent stress, and dehydration is known to cause increased anxiety. So drink up—your body and nervous system will thank you!

Crucial Foods to Avoid

Before we look at foods that help ease anxiety, it’s important to minimize foods that contribute to anxiety. Examples of these foods include fried foods, stimulants such as sugar and caffeine, and alcoholic beverages.

Why do these foods cause increased anxiety? According to the Association for Comprehensive Neurotherapy, hypoglycemia has been linked to anxiety, so it is important to keep our blood sugar levels steady to avoid symptoms.

The concept is easy to understand if we look at the body in terms of regulating blood sugar levels. Every day, the main goal of the body is to maintain internal stability (homeostasis). For example, the body consistently and automatically regulates heart rate and body temperature, and eliminates toxins on a daily basis. When we are out of balance, our heart rate may increase or we might develop a fever from illness. The same holds true for blood sugar—it aims to be stable to maintain our energy levels.

When we take in foods that spike our blood sugar levels (caffeine, sugar, chocolate, etc.) or take in drinks that drop our blood sugar levels (alcohol), mood is affected and our ability to cope with stress is greatly impacted. In addition, some of these foods also cause dehydration (coffee, caffeine, alcohol) which affects mood, blood sugar and energy levels. As this happens, it leads to lower blood sugar, further increasing anxiety and impacting the body’s ability to stabilize.

Tryptophan – A Calming Natural Chemical

Tryptophan can produce chemicals in the brain that encourage relaxation and boost mood. Tryptophan is found in bananas, peanut butter, turkey, cheese, nuts, sesame seeds, seaweed, oats, and milk. Adding foods with tryptophan may ease symptoms of anxiety by allowing you to relax.

Healthy Fats for a Healthy Mood

Omega-3s – In the standard American diet, there is a lack of healthy fats due to a societal fear of fats contributing to weight gain. In actuality, healthy fats are essential to a healthy brain, heart, joints, and nervous system. A depletion of omega-3 fatty acids in the brain can be related to anxiety disorders, according to “The Anxiety Book: Developing Strength in the Face of Fear.” Adding sources of omega-3s such as fish, flaxseed, and nuts can help ease symptoms of anxiety.

Almonds – Almonds are rich in vitamins B2 and E, both of which help boost the immune system during times of stress. Just a quarter cup of almonds each day does the trick. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that adding a variety of B vitamins to your diet can help reduce anxiety.

Avocados – Avocados are also rich in stress-relieving B vitamins and high in monounsaturated fat and potassium, which help to lower blood pressure.

Calming Whole Grains

Whole grains can have a powerful effect on anxiety. Eating whole grains can boost serotonin levels, which leads to relaxation and can help ease feelings of anxiety. Whole grains also work to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Studies have shown that true whole grains have several benefits, because they:

Are rich in magnesium, protecting the nervous system
Contain tryptophan, a calming neurotransmitter
Work to stabilize blood sugar for homeostasis
Are slower to digest; the body will use them throughout the day for sustainable energy

Grains Examples of gluten-free whole grains include oats, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, and kasha. If you have a gluten sensitivity, read the labels to ensure the grains are milled in a factory that is gluten-free in order to avoid cross-contamination.

Get Your Greens On

Seaweed is a good alternative to whole grains for those who are gluten sensitive. Seaweed is not only rich in nutrients such as iodine, but it is also high in magnesium. Kelp and other seaweeds appear to be very high in tryptophan content as well.

Spinach is packed with magnesium, which helps regulate cortisol levels and promote feelings of well being. A cup of spinach fulfills 40 percent of your daily quota of magnesium. Adding spinach to your morning smoothie or to an egg dish will start your day off right. You can swap spinach for lettuce in a sandwich or add it to a salad. Steamed spinach takes about 3 minutes to prepare and can be used as a side dish. A handful of leaves can also be added to soup or stews.

Fruity Stress Busters

Blueberries are more than a delicious fruit because they are rich in vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial for relieving stress. Just a handful of blueberries pack a powerful punch with the addition of vitamin C. When stressed, our bodies need vitamin C and antioxidants to repair and protect cells.

Peaches fall into this category as well because they have nutrients that appear to have a sedation (calming) effect.

Oranges – There’s a reason orange juice is said to be part of breakfast because vitamin C is known to lower blood pressure and the stress hormone, cortisol.

Bring on the Protein

Protein Sources. According to the Association for Comprehensive Neurotherapy, increasing protein intake can help alleviate feelings of anxiety. The Association reports that hypoglycemia has been linked to anxiety, and it is important to keep blood sugar steady to avoid symptoms. Individuals suffering from anxiety can add sources of protein to their diet, including chicken, fish, and lean beef, as well as vegan sources such as nuts and legumes or beans.

Herbs to the Rescue

Maca root is not exactly easy to find, but the powder can be added to several foods, smoothies and beverages. Maca be found in many health food stores. It’s believed that this root has more phytonutrients than nearly every type of fruit and vegetable. These phytonutrients include magnesium and iron—two important nutrients for controlling anxiety.

Herbal Teas – There are also herbal teas, such as kava, chamomile, and passionflower that can be valuable for reducing anxiety.

Contributing Writer

Leslie Edsall loves to work with people to simplify the noise and develop healthier habits through nutrition, yoga and self care. She is a Certified Health Coach, Health Education Specialist and Registered Yoga Teacher. Leslie offers a variety of online and in-person health coaching programs, teaches yoga, runs workshops in the DC area and leads wellness retreats. To learn more about Leslie visit: www.TrifectaWellness.com.

July 21, 2014
by Evan-Moor
2 Comments

Making a Good First Impression: Checklist for Student Folders for the First Day of School

As with any job interview or introduction, making a good first impression is critical, and that is exactly what the communication at the beginning of the school year should create!

Back to School Folder So, how can you as a teacher put your best foot forward? Here is a sample checklist of what to include in your students’ folders. Also included are some ideas for behavior management and a first week’s homework assignment to ease your students into the best school year ever.

Select sturdy plastic folders for primary grades. I love using printed labels (hand labeling takes a lot of time and effort). Indicate that one pocket is for papers to be returned and the other is for papers to be left at home: “Bring Back” and “Keep at Home.”
On the “Keep at Home” side, you could include (with a large headline at the top of each page to make things very clear):

Letter to Parents: Make it warm and positive! It doesn’t have to be long—the more concise the better. Briefly introduce yourself, your background, your philosophy of creating a family atmosphere in your classroom, best ways to communicate with you (with a vow to return all calls and emails within 24 hours), date and time of upcoming Back to School Night…and that is it!
Homework Instructions and Expectations
Classroom Daily Schedule
Wish List: Gift cards to Target, Walmart, Lakeshore, grocery stores, etc.
Discipline Plan: See this sample “Behavior Calendar” that the students complete. See the corresponding “Card System”/note to parents that worked amazingly well in my second-grade classroom but could be adapted for higher or lower grades.
Parent of the Year Qualifiers: Create a bulleted list of the most vital things parents can do to help their child succeed. For example:
- Overseeing homework completion and on-time return
- Packing healthy snacks
- Calling the school if child is going to be absent
- Getting child to school on time every day (explain why this is critical)
- Checking backpacks/folders daily for flyers, behavior calendars, and making sure that no trinkets/toys/ “distractors” have been slipped into the bags
- Also include items such as: reading with your child every day; sharing concerns with the teacher immediately, as you are a team and you want to make things better for the child to optimize learning; joining the PTO or PTA; being on time to pick child up after school, making their child’s safety a top priority; etc.

Field Trip Schedule
Common Core Standards Information: This could be a simple announcement that it will be discussed at Back to School Night.
Recommended Websites and Book List
Book Order Instructions

On the “Bring Back” side, you could include:

School Office Forms That Need to be Returned
Parent Information Sheet: You could also include your own parent permission photo/video form. The school office will no doubt provide a form, too, but having your own will provide added security and enable you to get some fun photos up and running on your classroom website or in your classroom.
Parent Volunteer Checklist: Don’t forget to have lines for child’s name and parent’s name. Last names can be different.
First Week’s Homework Assignment: To ease students back to school, I provided a fun project. See the “Ancestor Child” assignment and sample pattern. (My first homework packet was usually sent home on the first Friday of school.)
Behavior Calendar: It is taken home each day in the folder and returned the next day in the same folder.

There is no better time than now to get going on this checklist of items. You may want to have someone proofread your items. Making an outstanding first impression is every teacher’s goal!

June 11, 2014
by Evan-Moor
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Summer Break: How to Relax and Recharge

Reading a book on the beach At the start of my teaching career, I was fortunate to have a perceptive principal who loaned me a book. I don’t remember the title of that book, but the essence was about keeping a balance in your life as a teacher.

Most people who don’t have a teacher in their lives would be surprised to learn that the challenge of keeping the balance drifts into summer breaks. Part of me wanted to frantically catch up with every appointment, home project, and neglected family member that had to be put aside during the busy school year.

Conversely, I also felt pressure to get a head start organizing and preparing for next year’s class and take advantage of professional growth opportunities. Yet another part of me craved to indulge in travel, relaxation, lunches eaten slowly—basically anything that was the opposite of a bell schedule.

This is a natural reaction to having a job that daily tugs at your heart strings, demands oodles of time and energy, and regularly spills over the school day into your early morning, late afternoon, evening, and weekend hours. Along the way, I had some great summers that were personally relaxing and career recharging. Be good to yourself and seek the balance.

Tips for Relaxing and Recharging

Indulge in a hobby
Exercise
Connect with nature
Rev down and practice being “in the moment.” (No planning lessons in your head while you are enjoying a vacation on a tropical beach.)
Keep a notepad or journal of the good ideas and inspirations that pop into your head, when you are not successful at being in the moment.
Read for pleasure and professional development. Here are some ideas for summer reading for teachers.
Collect basic resources that will help you launch the new school year effectively, such as Evan-Moor’s How To Plan Your School Year and Lesson Plan Books.
As you would for your students, assess what you need this summer, and work toward your goal of achieving balance.
Finally, keep in mind that if you have a summer break where demands of career, family, or the unexpected encroach on your time, plan mini-breaks throughout the school year, so that you can still relax and recharge.

Connect with ways that other teachers strive toward a balance in articles such as Edutopia’s “Balancing Work and Life: The Ongoing Challenge for Educators,” by Elena Aguilar.

What are you planning to do this summer to relax and recharge?

Marti Beeck started her career in education as a parent volunteer in her three children’s classrooms. Her teaching experience, including adult school, intervention, and the primary classroom, was inspired by her background in psychology and interest in brain-based learning. Marti currently works in the field of educational publishing as an editor.

June 6, 2014
by Evan-Moor
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5 Tips for Traveling Happily with Your Children

Traveling with Kids Due to a cross-country move away from my family and friends, I have been traveling with my children since they were babies. Even at their current young ages of 5 and 6, they have logged thousands of miles in long car rides and cross-country flights with me. Since day one, I have listened to candid advice from experts (other parents) and have the following tips to share with you.

Let go of the plans: Sure, you want to get in as much as you can, but it is important to rest, take it all in, and have some spontaneous “I feel like doing X today” moments.
Share your travel plans with friends and family: This way they can see when you are leaving and arriving. This helps your family understand, for instance, that you had to get up at 3:00am and it is not best to have the entire family over for a family dinner on the first day you arrive.
Be flexible: Whether it’s travel delays, weather, an unexpected sight, or interest your child takes in a certain activity, be open to changing your plans. This may mean staying somewhere longer, leaving earlier, or not going at all. Remember that this is your family’s precious time together.
Get your children involved: Let them know they have a vote in what the family does. Perhaps they get to pick the dinner cuisine or the day’s activity. It is important for them to know they have a voice, too, and aren’t just getting dragged around.
Pack a personalized back pack: Let children pack snacks and activities, as well as select the music they want to hear or the movies they want to watch while traveling. This helps prevent the “I’m bored,” “I’m Hungry,” and “How Much Longer?” comments.

Here are some ideas to include in the backpacks:

Let us know your favorite tips for traveling with children. Feel free to include travel destinations and pictures.

Contributing Writer

Trisha Thomas is the mother of two and serves on the board of directors at a co-op preschool. She has also been a marketer of educational materials for grades PreK–8 for more than 15 years.

June 4, 2014
by Evan-Moor
0 comments

Lesson Roundup: Activities for the End of the School Year and Summer Learning

Free end of the year printables Whether you’re looking for a quality lesson to fill a gap in your lesson plan or an educational activity to keep your child learning over the summer, use this “lesson roundup”! This post features downloadable activities and resources from a collection of Joy of Teaching articles:

Pop art activity

Directions on how to make a pop art food poster.

Lessons on nutrition

Downloadable science nutrition lessons from Evan-Moor resources (grades K–6)

Creative writing ideas

Examples of how to use images from The Mysteries of Harris Burdick for writing projects
Examples of using images from the Library of Congress or magazines for creative writing prompts

Baseball-themed lessons and activities

Downloadable reading and language arts activities from Evan-Moor (grades PreK–5)
Link to a site for making your own trading cards

Quality time fillers

Activities from Evan-Moor’s Thinking Skills books
Downloadable art projects (paper weaving and paper tube animals)

Musical vocabulary activity

Example of how to have students create a song or jingle using vocabulary words

Quick and fun drawing and writing activity

See what students can create from a simple shape and how to tie this activity to a theme.

Poetry activities and poems

Template for helping students write an autobiographical poem
Examples of free verse poems to share with students

Favorite author book reports and trading card book report forms

Simple book report forms and suggested book lists (grades PreK–4)
Book report forms for trading cards, mobiles and more (ideal for summer reading too!)

Summer learning ideas

10 ideas for quality summer learning experiences, including links to family gardening activities and helping children create their own blog

Science Fair project ideas

Free e-book with a step-by-step guide for completing science projects—ideal for a summer project, too!

Contributing Writer

Theresa Wooler has more than 10 years’ experience in K–6 classrooms as a parent volunteer, has taught high school English, and is currently involved in education through Evan-Moor’s marketing communications team.

May 30, 2014
by Evan-Moor
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What to do with those art projects?

As the school year is winding down, you may realize that you have an overwhelming pile of art projects. These projects represent a moment in time that you treasure and may also want to share with your child as he or she gets older. However, how do you save your child’s artistic treasures? Art project example

Here are five suggestions of how to keep art projects organized and saved:

Purchase a Keepsake Portfolio: Lakeshore Learning offers a large, sturdy, customizable keepsake portfolio that I really like. It can be labeled with your child’s name and grade. It fits nicely on the top of a closet shelf.
Designate a Space in the House: Of course, the refrigerator is a good place to showcase your child’s art. Or you can hang a large bulletin board in their room or playroom to display artwork. Another idea is to hang a clothesline in a playroom area to hang projects. This Pinterest site offers many creative ways to display artwork at home.
Take Photographs: Once you take photographs of the artwork, you can scan and store the artwork digitally, and create a photo book, calendar, or note cards. These make excellent gifts for special holidays including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Christmas. Here are some suggestions from Snapfish on how to get creative with your child’s artwork.
Create a Scrapbook: If you’re into scrapbooking, integrate your child’s schoolwork and artwork, along with photographs, to help capture the year. This is another wonderful way to save these timeless treasures.
Get social: You can also feature a Facebook or blog page dedicated to your child’s art as a digital library for yourself, your child, and family and friends.

Hopefully this will help you protect your child’s artwork. Let us know your favorite or suggest additional ideas by responding to this post.

Contributing Writer

Trisha Thomas is the mother of two and serves on the board of directors at a co-op preschool. She has also been a marketer of educational materials for grades PreK–8 for more than 15 years.

May 28, 2014
by Evan-Moor
1 Comment

Teachable Moments: Using Quality Time Fillers

Teachable Moments When I was studying to become a teacher, one thing that impressed me most about my mentors was how these teachers purposefully used bits and pieces of time for effective learning. I am talking about those precious minutes ranging from 5 to 20 minutes that happen “just because.” They may happen daily, weekly, or unexpectedly. I found myself thinking how the value of quality time fillers adds up over a period of time. It became one of my goals to use effectively these precious bits of time during a school day.

Why are bits and pieces of time important?

1. Educators can use bits of time to recall prior knowledge, build on previously learned skills, or apply concepts already learned—all important to retention and memory. Caine and Caine suggested that spatial and rote memory types are enhanced with these opportunities.

2. Many students, especially those with short attention spans, thrive with having short chunks of instruction embedded into a day that primarily consists of longer lessons and tasks.

3. It is an opportunity to focus on target areas that will benefit or enrich students’ learning.

4. Used creatively and efficiently, time fillers effectively enhance the regular curriculum.

Getting the most out of quality time fillers

Be purposeful: Assess how this mini-block of time will best serve your students.
Be prepared: Have everything ready so that each student can access what they need in less than a minute.
Focus on one type of skill or topic: This dedicated time will have an impact.

Some time-filler ideas:

1. Evan-Moor Thinking Skills develops critical, creative, and logical thinking skills in concise, imaginative activities:

2. Evan-Moor “Daily” titles provide review and practice of math, language arts, science, and social studies in 10–15 minute activities. Daily titles include:

3. Art project kits stored in individual zip-lock bags like weaving projects or paper crafts such as this paper tube animal project or paper weaving project.

4. Music ideas:

Total Physical Response such as dancing, clapping, singing, and chanting
Music theory such as learning about rhythms or notes (e.g., clapping rhythms)

What are some ways you have effectively met the needs of your students using teachable moments?

May 23, 2014
by Evan-Moor
0 comments

No Screens for Ice Cream – A Parent’s Survival Guide

My son came home excitedly with a piece of paper from his school and said, “Mom, sign this so I can get ice cream.” A bit perplexed, I read the paper and saw that the PTO was organizing a “No Screens for Ice Cream” week. Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like. For one week, your child and other family members do not use any screens unless it is for work or homework. This means no TV, iPads, iPhones, computers, video games, etc. If you solemnly swear that your child did not use a screen all week, he or she will get ice cream during lunch. I have to say, the motivation worked for my son.

No Screens for Ice Cream

So, if you find yourself wanting to take this pledge or doing something similar, here are five activities that you and your family can do together. Our week was during a rainy week, which made it extra challenging, but I have to say it was worth it.

Bring out the board games – Family game time was my personal favorite. We played numerous games of Uno, Connect Four, Monopoly, and Go Fish. We were able to practice following directions, basic math skills, and good sportsmanship. Check out this list of new family games.
Read – Many times “No Screens” is associated with a reading week, so of course it makes sense to do more reading as a family, whether it is reading the same book together or each family member reading his or her own book at the same time. Here is a list of suggested family read-aloud books.
Open up the craft box – Open up the craft box and do some crafting together. Even though it may not be the holiday season, get a jump-start on some upcoming holiday gifts with the extra time you have to spend together. Discover these quick and easy family crafts.
Have a dance party – Have each family member select his or her favorite songs and make a dance party play list and dance together. Things can get pretty silly! Need help getting started? Here are some song suggestions.
Write together – Each family member can write a letter or create a story with pictures to send or keep for themselves. This can include journaling about your week, writing about a book, or thinking of 10 questions your child wants to know about a particular place in the world. You can turn this into a game by having every family member guess what the answers will be. Then go to the library to see who had the most right answers. Or check out this fun quiz about Which Country.

I’m happy to say we survived No Screens week fairly easily and that my son got his ice cream at school. No Screens week made me realize that I use “screen time” as a way to get things done or to keep my child still for a period of time. Now I have other things to try first, including the above ideas, and others such as taking the time to get outside, cleaning up or organizing toys, visiting a skating rink, or finding fun recipes to do together.

Will you accept the challenge of no screens for a week? Tell us how it goes and share your ideas for success.

Contributing Writer

Trisha Thomas is the mother of two and serves on the board of directors at a co-op preschool. She has also been a marketer of educational materials for grades PreK–8 for more than 15 years.