An End to the Summer Screen Time Battle
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I'm always excited about winding down the homeschool year, and all of the summer possibilities that lie ahead. But I also know the draw screens can have on my kids, and with a little less structure to our days, the temptation to play Minecraft all day long is stronger.
Maybe you've had a similar question pop into your head: “How am I going to keep my kids from staring at a screen all summer?” The screen time battle is real, and you and I are on the front lines. But I've got a radical thought about summer screen time.
Instead of figuring out how to keep the kids off the computer over the summer, what if we intentionally put our kids on electronics?
They want to be in front of a screen. We want them to be creative and productive with their free time. So, why not have a win-win situation? Why not set up healthy, worthwhile, creative screen time?
Why not guide them to be tech creators, not consumers?
What I propose is that we all be deliberately digital this summer and be intentional about techin' our summer. Let’s direct our kids towards techie tasks and projects, integrating computers into our lives. Let’s instill a healthy attitude about tech in our kids. And let’s challenge them (and us) to develop new techie skills and hopefully discover some new interests.
I am definitely excited about activities I have planned for fun in the sun this season. But I'm also excited for some new learning experiences we will have, utilizing technology, that we don't always have time for during the school year and our “regularly scheduled curriculum”.
So, if you're up for the challenge, I wanted to share some ideas with you for intentional summer screen time. These aren't things you need to do too much to prepare for. And they won't put your kiddos in a screen-induced coma. These activities will get your kids thinking and using electronics in productive, worthwhile ways. Your kids will figure out how to use the tech tools and apps and will end up teaching you.
Plus…you'll earn some “Awesome Parent” points because, instead of battling over screentime, you'll be encouraging it.
6 Intentional Summer Screentime Ideas
Here are six ways I am going to try to incorporate intentional screentime into our summer. I'm challenging you to try some of them with your kids! Do them all, or just pick a few. Of course, you can choose something completely different (and share your great idea with us all in the comments!).
The goal is to try something new, potentially learn some new skills, and even unlock some new interests this summer that you can carry into your new school year.
Idea #1: Read an eBook or listen to an audiobook with your kids.
To encourage reading over the summer, check to see if your local library hosts a summer reading challenge, or try a fun summer reading printable challenge with your kids. Encourage your kids to do some of their reading on a mobile device – they will think it's so much cooler! There are even some great online book clubs for kids you can check out.
I will admit…this was hard for me at first, because I definitely prefer holding a book in my hands. But honestly, my kids love reading electronically. And as parents, we can help our kids learn how to navigate through eBooks and the sites where they can access them.
My family's favorite source for ebooks and audiobooks is Epic!. With thousands of fiction and non-fiction books, there is something for every kid 5-12 years old. The app recommends books based on a child's interests (which you share when you set up your child’s account) and keeps a reading log of their progress. This is a great feature if you want them to set a goal for their summer reading!
Your kids can read on the computer and mobile devices in a safe controlled environment. I am totally comfortable with my kids searching on their own in Epic! (unlike on our library's website or the Kindle store where adult books with raunchy covers can pop up).
You only need one account for your whole family. And you can just cancel at the end of the summer if you don't think you'll continue reading on Epic! Click here to try one month for free.
Idea #2: Help your kids learn some graphic design basics.
Do you have an aspiring designer at home? Luckily, you don’t need to be a design expert to guide your child. In fact, it's OK if you don't have the slightest clue. You just need to direct your kiddo towards information that will introduce them to design concepts.
My Graphic Design with Canva Course is the perfect way to introduce your kids to graphic design, as it can easily be completed over the course of the summer. I am always amazed at the fun projects students complete as they work through this class!
Idea #3: Help your kids learn how to code.
Whether your kids already know how to code, or are complete beginners, there is always something new to learn.
Here are four ways you can help your kids get started this summer:
- Tynker is a favorite of ours, and you can get started with some simple games and projects for free! Whether it's game design, drones, art, robotics, music, Python, or JavaScript, Tynker makes coding fun for kids of all ages.
- CodeWizardsHQ is another great option for live, online coding classes. Click here to learn more and see if it would be a good fit for your kids!
- Code.org has a TON of one-hour tutorials to empower anyone to get started coding.
- Excalibur STEM Solutions Academy offers an amazing Content Library filled with self-paced video lessons and projects that teach computer programming, electronic circuitry, 3D design, and more. Techie Homeschool Mom readers can save 40% on a subscription here.
Idea #4: Plan a techie family game time.
Family connectedness is foundational for effective parenting. When you take time to focus on unity, everyone in the family benefits. Memories are made, laughs are shared and (psst…don’t tell the kids) you have the opportunity to model and teach some positive character qualities.
Why not take your family game night to the techie side this summer? Get out the video games and apps and play together. Trust me…you'll win some “rad mom” points.
I’ve got a list of 25 multi-player apps for a techie family game night that would be perfect for this. Click here to discover some new ideas for family fun.
Idea #5: Take an online course to develop a skill or talent.
There are so many great options available for enrolling your kids in skills-based online courses, and the summer might be a great time to try something you just couldn't fit in during the regular school year.
When your kids take an interest-based online course, not only are they learning about something they're passionate about, but they are learning how to learn online. They gain experience navigating through the courses, staying focused, submitting assignments (if needed), and communicating with instructors and other students.
Photography, programming, music, crafts, writing, baking, robotics…these are all special interests that can be learned through online courses. Here are a few of my favorite sites where you can find one that's right for your child:
Udemy
CreativeLive
Outschool
Craftsy
You might be wondering why you can't just find “How-To” YouTube videos. I prefer enrolling my kids in actual courses because they are more concise and comprehensive. My kids aren’t wasting time finding an instructor who actually knows what they’re talking about. I share more about this in my blog post, “The Pitfalls of Using YouTube for Homeschooling”.
Idea #6: Freshen up skills in a fun way.
If you don't want to commit to an entire online course over the summer, you can still use technology to promote creativity or learn a new skill.
For example, Night Zookeeper is a program my kids love, and we use it more as a supplement to our regular curriculum. Over the summer, they have extra time they can spend writing and exploring all the “Night Zoo” has to offer.
I also love using Xtra Math to help my kids work on automaticity of their basic math facts. If you haven't tried this supplemental program yet, I highly recommend it. It's free, only takes a few minutes each day, and sends me a progress report each week.
Finally, why not learn or brush up on those typing skills? There are many free resources you can use to help your kids learn to type this summer. Check out this post to learn about the best programs for teaching kids how to type.
Intentional Summer Screen Time for YOU
Why should your kids have all the fun this summer? A great way to have some intentional screen time yourself is by learning how to simplify and synchronize all the tech in your homeschool, so you can be prepared and organized for the upcoming school year…especially if you are new to techin' your homeschool or have TONS of printable files you can't seem to keep organized.
Check out the Techie Homeschool Mom Guide to Digital Homeschool Organization to help you out with this – you can see a free preview lesson here.
Use the discount code GDHO25 to save 25% on this course if you think it could be a big help to you and your homeschool (I think it will be!).
So what do you think? Will you join me in creating some moments of intentional summer screen time for your kids? I would love to hear your own plans in the comments!
Even More Summer Learning Fun
Now that we've got the “techie” summer ideas covered, let's talk about some other ways you can create a summer filled with memories…and learning!
I've teamed up with some of my favorite homeschool blogging friends to share our best summer activities, resources, and freebies in one easy place.
Click through each link below to visit their blogs and be inspired for summer learning fun. You'll find unit studies, reading challenges, craft projects, STEM activities, and more.
Have fun learning this summer!
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Related Posts
- A Mom's Greatest Struggle in This Tech-Driven World
- How to Find the Best Udemy Courses
- 50 Online Courses for Kids to Try This Year
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I just found your blog and it’s excellent! What a great source for incorporating technology in your homeschool!
I’ve just started using tech in a more “let’s” create way vs. “consume it” for hours. My dd was very to online craft videos she’s now doing her own. So glad to see your post!