Dear LREI Families,
As Screen-Free (-ish) Week gets underway here at LREI II write to ask families to join us in considering when, how, and how much we are screen dependent in our lives. This event is being promoted by a number of organizations. One described their goals by writing, “Join us for Screen-Free Week, a global invitation the first week in May to take a break from entertainment screens and experience more peace, connection, and fun!”
We have decided to participate in this national event in order to remind ourselves and our children and students that there are many ways they can engage with each other, with the world, and with the adults in their lives other than through a screen based device.
The divisions will be limiting screen use in classrooms and for homework and high school students will be turning in their phones all week, much like middle school students do each day. The high school is also planning a 100% screen free day on “Throwback Thursday.”
We ask you to think about using this week to examine and to experiment with limiting screen use at home, to talk about the screen-less days in the evenings and to look for screen-free ways to spend time together. We know that there are many and differing pressures on families. Please know that we are asking you to help your child consider this experience and join as and if you choose.
Here are a few suggestions for ways to spend screen-less time, if needed:
Monday – here is a list of excellent books for students of all ages. If your child does not have a public library card, this week is an opportunity to get one.
Tuesday – Looks like a warm afternoon and evening. How about a long walk (1, 2, 3, 4) or maybe play a traditional NYC game. Draw pictures of what you see or do. Here are some easy art projects for kids.
Wednesday – Here is a list of age-appropriate Board Games and a list of card games played with a standard deck (1, 2).
Thursday – Did someone say Paper Airplanes?!
Friday – Take a look at Wired Magazine’s top 5 toys of all time.
In the coming weeks, the faculty will reflect on our experience this week and think about what changes we want to make. If you would like to speak to your parent peers and think about screen use at home, please join me for one of two conversations:
- Parents of children in the fours – 5th grade, please join me on Monday, May 13, 8:45a.m.-9:45a.m., Sixth Ave. cafeteria.
- Parents of children in the 6th-12th grade, please join me on Friday, March 17, 8:30a.m.-9:30a.m., High School Student Center, 40 Charlton St.
Thank you for participating, and do not hesitate to be in touch – happy to speak in person, on the phone, or via email, though I will be checking my email less frequently than usual.
Best,
