How To Plan Device Free Activities For Students

It is increasingly common for even young children to access their own devices, whether a tablet or smartphone. With these devices come both pros and cons. On the one hand, technology can facilitate learning and be a great tool for exploration. On the other hand, too much device time can lead to unhealthy behaviors such as sleep deprivation, a lack of physical activity, isolation, and difficulty socializing with peers. Taking regular breaks from device use can help alleviate some of these issues and provide students with opportunities to engage in more meaningful activities that may not involve screens. Planning device-free activities for students can help to ensure that they get a well-rounded learning experience.

1. Create a List of Activities: Before planning any device-free activities, it is important to first create an inventory of potential activities that students can engage in without using devices. Consider activities that are age appropriate and can be done inside or outside. Examples include reading, drawing, painting, playing board games, participating in physical activity (such as sports), and engaging in creative play with friends.
2. Utilize Technology to Facilitate device free activities for students: While the goal is to have students take time away from screens, technology can still be used to enhance the device free activity experience. For instance, websites such as Kahoot! can be used to create fun quizzes or trivia games related to the topic of study. These can then be completed without devices as students compete against each other in a team format.
3. Set Goals: Setting goals can help motivate students to engage in device free activities for students. For instance, have students come up with a goal they would like to achieve by the end of the school year or month, such as reading a certain number of books, completing a new art project every week, or attending physical activity classes regularly. Having these tangible goals will help keep them motivated and provide something to work towards throughout the school year.
4. Make Connections: Look for ways to connect device-free activities with areas of study that students are already interested in. For instance, if a student is studying history, have them put together a timeline of key events or create a historical map. If they are studying science, have them collect leaves and observe the differences between different species of trees.
5. Monitor Progress: Once device-free activities have been implemented, it is important to track how students respond and adjust accordingly. Track the amount of time spent on devices versus the amount of time spent engaging in non-device-related activities and look for changes in behavior or attitude as a result. By monitoring progress regularly, you can ensure that students are getting the most out of their experiences with device free activities.

Engaging in device-free activities can be an excellent way to help students stay connected with their peers, explore new interests, and develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. By following the steps outlined above, educators can ensure that they are providing an enriching learning experience for their students that goes beyond screens.