Online learning has become the new norm for families across the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Children who already spent several hours each day using a screen are putting in even more time on laptops and tablets to view lessons and complete assignments.
Even adults working from home are reporting experiencing Zoom Fatigue, so imagine how exhausted children must get from concentrating on screen content for hours on end.
It is important to take regular screen breaks for mental health, focus, and eye health. Experts recommend a 20 second break every 20 minutes and longer breaks every hour or so. Here are 10 constructive activities to give children a break from online learning and recharge their energetic batteries so they can resume their schoolwork with renewed focus.
- Taking a stretch or dance break to music.
- Drawing or coloring—using the non-dominant hand can encourage creativity.
- Playing a quick scavenger hunt race to find items around the house.
- Taking a walk around the neighborhood or racing around the yard.
- Baking or cooking with adult supervision.
- Playing with Legos or other tactile toys.
- Using the voice—singing or yelling into a pillow.
- Playing an active game like Simon Says or Red Light/Green Light.
- Giving the eyes a break by closing them or focusing on far-away objects.
- Checking in about feelings and any stress the child may be feeling.
We developed TeachPar as a way for parents and teachers to get on the same page and communicate more effectively. The virtual classroom management platform allows parents to receive notifications about assignments and due dates and see everything teachers create. To learn more about our time-saving features, visit www.teachpar.com.