Goals for Screen-Free Week {2013}

I have set some strict goals for a screen-free week along with a list of activities for a screen-free week. Technology has come such a long way, and it’s a huge part of today’s society. But sometimes we get so dependent on our screens and devices that we forget to be present with our children and students. Hopefully, these goals will help us all get back on track!

Tomorrow is the first day of Screen-Free Week, and I’m jumping on the bandwagon!  To be honest, I’m a little scared of how the week will go, since we are definitely reliant on “screens” around here.  That’s not to say that we watch television all the time at my house.  However, it is nice to have a show on (or a computer game available) for the kids if I’m running around changing the little ones, feeding the little ones or just trying to make my place less of a disaster.

Despite the fact that is certainly helps keep the peace sometimes, I also think Engineer has become a bit too into screens (especially computer games).  He only plays age-appropriate games that I okay, of course, and I don’t see anything wrong with some screen time.  I’ve noticed, though, over the past few weeks that he’s bordered on “obsessive”.

Engineer is an active kid, and he is really into imaginative play, building, trains, science experiments, and art.   Recently,  these activities have taken a backseat to cartoons and computer games.  I’m planning to use Screen-Free Week to refocus Engineer’s attention.  Of course, I’m also going to make sure that I’m refocusing MY attention too!  I don’t watch much television during the day, but I definitely use my computer more often than necessary.  I also goof off on Facebook much more than I need to!

So, without further ado, here are my goals for Screen-Free Week:

• Keep Engineer engaged in screen-free activities all week
• Allow Engineer to seek out his own screen-free entertainment
• Come up with a plan to pare down our screen time (for after Screen-Free Week)
• Limit MY screen time to when Engineer is in bed
• Stay off of Facebook the entire week
• Use my computer for only preschool-related or blog-related work

What about you?  What are your goals for Screen-Free Week?  Please share what you’re doing in the comment section below.  If you’re looking for some ideas, feel free to check out 60+ Activities for Screen-Free Week.

Hands-On Preschool Materials

It is imperative that we keep our classrooms stocked with materials that will give our students the hands-on learning experiences that they love (and need!). There are a few specific things that I always keep on hand in my classroom. Check them out in the list below.

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• Crayons
• Glue
• Blocks
• Puzzles
• Safety scissors
• Dramatic play items
• Math manipulatives
• Dry erase markers
• Sensory items
• Play dough
• Craft supplies
• Playground balls
• Music and movement tools
• Books, books, and more books!

When it comes to preschool, this list is really just skims the surface of the wide variety of materials that can be used. The best thing about this age group is that they learn the most while playing. So, whether they’re playing on the playground, building with blocks, or creating a masterpiece, rest assured that the children are learning so many important skills, all while having fun!

Done-for-You Preschool Resources

Planning meaningful lessons for students week after week while balancing other teaching responsibilities and a personal life can be a daunting task. That’s where Preschool Teacher 101 comes in to save you time!

Preschool Teacher 101 has created some amazing preschool lesson and activity plans that will be perfect for your classroom. Click on the images below to learn more about our bear hunt resources! Your preschoolers will love this theme!

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