There’s a lot of talk lately about kids growing up in front of screens. Long gone are the days of cartoons delegated to Saturday mornings—kids have a pick of not one, but several television channels with non-stop children’s programming. On top of that you have computers at home to surf the net, video games to while away the hours, and the growing prevalence of mobile phones used for entertainment (who hasn’t seen a harried parent shove an iPhone in front of a whiny baby?). Screen-Free Week gives us a chance to break the cycle!
Organized by the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood, Screen-Free Week takes place from April 29-May 5. That’s seven days of no TV, computer, video or mobile games, or any other screen you use for entertainment. Seven days of reconnecting with the people and world around you. Seeing as my son is only 21 months old he doesn’t have any real screen time in his life now (barring the occasional music video when he’s feeling under the weather). So I decided to walk the talk and made the pledge to go screen-free myself. Of course, this only applies to entertainment screen time—my job requires me to be stuck to a screen all day so I don’t think screen-free would go over too well there. I’m not a huge TV watcher, but I certainly indulge now and then. Ironically, my passion for books has increased my screen time quite a bit as I find myself spending more time online because of this blog. So giving up all screens for a week will be a challenge, but one I’m willing to make because I want to set a good example for my kid when the time comes.
I encourage my family to join me (my husband is whether he realizes it or not). We’ll be ending the week visiting my sister and her kids for an overnight trip, and I hope to bring the joy of television-free living with me (dust off the board games!).
If the kids need some inspiration to unplug for a week, try some of the books below. Note, I use the book’s suggested age ranges, but as always, go with your gut about whether your kid will enjoy it.
Books to Unplug To:
Doug Unplugged
Ages 5-9
A personal favorite, this new book about a young robot who forgoes his daily download to discover what he can learn by seeing, feeling, and hearing the city is a great way to introduce the concept of “unplugging” to kids. It’s all about experiencing the world around you the old fashion way. Learn more about the book from the author himself over at Random Acts of Reading.
Aunt Chip and the Great Triple Creek Dam Affair
Ages 5-8
This is a story of how an entire town forgot how to read because they became so addicted to TV. Leave it the town librarian (who is considered a real nut case) to save the day. She is still able to inspire one person, her nephew, and through his actions the entire town is once again reminded of the importance of reading.
Blackout
Ages 4-8
I have fond memories of the 2003 blackout. I left work early, rode my bike around Brooklyn, and enjoyed a much welcomed evening of conversation with friends. The young boy in this book also discovers the simple joys of spending time with loved ones when the city goes dark. Read more about it in the New York Times review.
Hello, Hello
Ages 2-6
Lydia says hello to everyone, but her family members are absorbed in their gadgets. Felling restless, she ventures outside where there are so many things to say hello to. Read a full review at books4yourkids.
Books to Encourage Reading & Writing:
How Rocket Learned to Read
Ages 3-6
Rocket is an energetic puppy who loves to chase leaves and chew sticks, and would rather take a nap than learn to read. Until one day when a bird shows up and introduces Rocket to the wondrous alphabet. Soon Rocket can hardly wait for the next story, and he MUST learn to read. Read a review of the book and App at Great Kids Books.
Nothing Ever Happens On 90th Street
Ages 6-10
This colorful book helps young authors deal with writer’s block. Young Eva sits on her stoop searching for inspiration when a colorful cast of characters help her realize that fantastic and extraordinary things can and do happen in her neighborhood. Read a review over at Storied Cities.
The Best Story
Ages 5-8
Another book in which a young girl struggles with a writing assignment and is given plenty of advice. Her dad tells her to make her story funny, her aunt says it should make you cry. Finally she gets sound counsel from her mother, and writes what she knows, from the heart. See the full review on Kirkus.
Ralph Tells a Story
Ages 6-8
Ralph is always stumped when it comes to writing stories in class. Ralph just can’t come up with any ideas. Nothing ever seems to happen to him until a daydream opens up his creative floodgates. Full review at Children’s Literature Network.
And for when you’re ready to take a break from bookish activities, but are low on ideas, take a look at Unplugged Play—over 700 old-fashioned games and activities for kids from 10 months to 10 years old.
Dan Yaccarino, the author of Doug Unplugged, teamed up with other children’s book authors to travel around the country and help spread the gospel of unplugging. Check out the video below to see them visit Brooklyn’s own P.S. 9 and watch the very end for an inspirational free style rap by one of the students…
