In today's digital world, it's too easy to give your child a screen to watch, and becoming increasingly difficult to tear them away from those electronic devices. We do recognise the importance of digital learning, but spending too much time in front of devices can have a negative impact on children’s development.
That's why it's important for parents to encourage screen-free time activities at home that promote healthy growth and learning.
In this article, we'll explore six engaging and educational activities that not only keep your child entertained, but also boost their cognitive, physical, and social skills.
From creative arts and crafts projects to outdoor explorations, these screen-free activities are designed to stimulate your child's imagination, encourage problem-solving, and foster meaningful connections.
Screen vs screen-free time
In our modern age, screens are an integral part of daily life, shaping how we communicate, learn, and entertain ourselves. Learning how to use technology is a huge benefit for children as it opens up a multitude of opportunities, both for learning in the here and now, and for the future with promising job roles.
However, the implications of excessive screen time on children's development are becoming increasingly evident. The National Library of Medicine concludes that excessive screen time for young children has been associated with poor language development, lower cognitive abilities, and problems with social-emotional development such as sleep issues, obesity and the promotion of aggressive behaviour. [1]
Screen-free time is essential for fostering holistic growth in children, as it nurtures their physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being, something technology can’t do.
By engaging in activities that do not involve screens, children have the chance to cultivate critical life skills that are often overlooked in a digital environment.
One of the key aspects that technology can’t promote is the development of social skills. Children need to interact face-to-face with peers or family members to learn vital communication skills, such as recognising non-verbal cues and practising empathy. These interactions allow children to build strong relationships and develop a sense of community, which is crucial for their emotional health. In contrast, excessive screen time can lead to feelings of isolation and hinder a child's ability to connect with others on a deeper level.
Benefits of engaging in screen-free activities
Engaging in screen-free activities offers a plethora of benefits that extend beyond mere entertainment. These activities foster creativity, enhance cognitive skills, and promote physical health.
By participating in various hands-on experiences, children can develop a well-rounded skill set that strengthens their overall development. Additionally, these activities provide opportunities for parents and caregivers to bond with their children, creating cherished memories and a supportive environment for growth.
[image - family with bubbles]
Caption - Image from FreePik
One of the significant benefits of screen-free activities is the enhancement of fine and gross motor skills. Activities such as crafting, building, and outdoor play require children to engage their bodies in ways that screens simply cannot replicate.
Fine motor skills are developed through tasks that involve manipulation and coordination, such as drawing, painting, or assembling puzzles. Gross motor skills are enhanced through active play, such as running, jumping, or climbing. Together, these skills contribute to a child's physical development and well-being.
What’s more, screen-free activities promote emotional intelligence by encouraging children to express their feelings and thoughts without the barriers that screens can create. Engaging in group activities or team sports teaches children how to manage emotions, cooperate with others, and resolve conflicts. These experiences help to build resilience and emotional awareness, which are crucial traits that children will carry with them into adulthood.
Screen time recommendations for children
We know that it’s extremely difficult to keep our children away from screens altogether. And we’ve touched upon some of the benefits of screen time.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) suggests that children below the age of 2 years old, should avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting; and children aged 2 to 5 should have no more than one hour of high-quality programming per day. [2]
NHS England and Wales add to these recommendations that children over the age of 3 should participate in at least 180 minutes of physical activity every day and have 10-13 hours of high-quality, consistent sleep.
These guidelines emphasise the importance of quality over quantity and encourage parents to select engaging, educational content when screens are used.
Now we’ve seen the importance of both screen and screen-free time for young children, let’s get busy with our 6 screen-free activities to boost your child’s development.
1. Dramatic play
One engaging activity that promotes imagination is dramatic play. Parents can encourage their children to create their own stories using puppets, dolls, or action figures.
This activity not only stimulates creativity but also enhances language skills as children learn to articulate their thoughts, ideas and worries too. By incorporating dramatic play into playtime, parents can help children develop their narrative abilities, encouraging them to express themselves.
2. Outdoor activities
Spending time outdoors is crucial for a child's physical and cognitive development. Nature provides a dynamic environment for children to explore, discover, and learn.
Engaging in outdoor activities, such as walking, cycling, playing sports, or forest schools, not only promotes physical fitness but also enhances cognitive skills through experiential learning. Connecting with nature allows children to observe their surroundings, ask questions, and develop a sense of curiosity about the world.
Going on scavenger hunts is an effective and fun outdoor activity. Parents can create a list of items for children to find whilst exploring their local parks or gardens. This activity encourages children to observe their environment closely, developing their observation and critical thinking skills.
Top tip: you could ask children to find certain colours, or an item beginning with a certain letter, this will help develop your child’s literacy and numeracy skills.
Outdoor games such as tag, or obstacle courses provide excellent opportunities for physical activity. These games not only promote gross motor skills but also teach children about teamwork, cooperation, and strategy.
3. Reading and storytelling
Reading and storytelling play a pivotal role in enhancing language and literacy skills in children. Engaging with books from an early age promotes vocabulary development, comprehension, and critical thinking.
Storytelling, whether through books or oral traditions, encourages imagination and creativity, allowing children to envision new worlds and ideas.
Parents can create a nurturing reading environment by designating a cosy reading corner in the home filled with age-appropriate books. Reading aloud to children is an excellent way to introduce them to new vocabulary and concepts while also fostering bonding moments.
Interactive reading sessions, where parents ask questions and encourage children to share their thoughts, can enhance comprehension and promote a deeper understanding of the material.
4. Arts and crafts
Arts and crafts activities are not only enjoyable for children but also serve as powerful tools for enhancing creativity and fine motor skills.
Participating in hands-on projects allows children to explore their artistic skills while developing coordination and dexterity. From simple colouring tasks to complex crafting projects, these activities promote imagination and self-expression. Manipulating materials such as Play-Doh fosters fine motor skills and muscle strength in fingers and hands, ready for writing, catching, tying shoe laces etc.
Caption - Imgae from FreePik
An excellent option is painting, which provides children with the freedom to express their emotions and ideas through colour, shapes and movement. Encouraging children to experiment with different painting techniques, such as sponge painting, finger painting, or painting to the beat of music, can further enhance their artistic skills.
5. STEM activities
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities are invaluable for fostering problem-solving and critical thinking skills in children. Engaging in hands-on STEM experiences encourages children to explore, experiment, and innovate while building a solid foundation for understanding complex concepts.
One simple yet effective STEM activity is building with blocks or construction sets. These activities encourage spatial awareness and engineering skills as children learn to design and construct structures.
Parents can introduce challenges, such as creating the tallest tower or a bridge that can support weight, to stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. As children navigate these tasks, they learn to assess their designs, make adjustments, and collaborate with others to achieve their goals.
6. Cooking and baking
Cooking and baking activities offer a unique opportunity for children to develop essential life skills while fostering family bonding. These activities allow children to engage in hands-on learning, developing their understanding of nutrition, measurement, and basic cooking techniques.
Involving children in the kitchen promotes confidence and independence, setting the stage for lifelong skills that will serve them well. Our article on healthy meals for kids has some suggestions on meals your child can help prepare.
Parents can involve children in the entire process, from selecting ingredients to measuring and mixing. As children learn to follow recipes, they develop important math skills through measurement and fractions.
Additionally, cooking allows children to experiment with flavours and textures - a great way to encourage tasting new foods! This hands-on experience also cultivates an appreciation for healthy eating habits and the value of home-cooked meals.
[image - baking]
Caption - Image by Kireyonok_Yuliy from FreePik
Incorporating screen-free time into your child's daily routine
Incorporating screen-free time into a child's daily routine is essential for fostering healthy development and creating a well-rounded individual. By prioritising activities that promote cognitive, physical, and emotional growth, parents can help their children thrive in a world filled with digital distractions.
The activities discussed in this article serve as a foundation for creating a balanced lifestyle that encourages exploration, creativity, and meaningful connections.
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10353947/#:~:text=Early%20screen%20exposure%20has%20been,interactions%20between%20children%20and%20caregivers.
コメント