05 July 2024

I’m often asked about our use of screens at school. I must say the pendulum has definitely been swinging for a while. Years ago if you didn’t have an active smart board ‘up the front’ of the classroom it could be deemed that you weren’t providing the children with a ‘sound education!’

We know of course that it is the relationship, the human interaction, what the teacher does minute by minute during the day that makes a huge difference. Active smart board or not! 

We also know so much more about screens and brain development research and yet we have this conundrum of also making sure our children leave ‘technologically literate’. For this reason we have no screens in Autahi, very,  very minimal in Tautoru until nearing the end of Year 3… and a whole lot less in Māhutonga Matariki than we once had.

The rise of pencil and paper, combined with specific teaching of literacy from day one at school has meant far more controlled and well formed handwriting amongst many other benefits. At the risk of sounding like a complete luddite, as I also know the great benefits technology can bring to children who need support accessing the curriculum, the focus on gross and fine motor skills - even the art of sitting up, not slouching over a screen, reaps ongoing rewards.

Sensory rest is one of Saundra Dalton-Smith's areas of rest and restoration.

Sensory, along with physical, mental, creative, emotional, social and spiritual. Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith.

How often do we model this type of rest during the school day or at home I wonder. It’s definitely something I’ve been pondering for a while and while the energy and excitement of the full on vibrancy and go, go, go of a school day can be exhilarating, in the words of one of my yoga teachers... think southern accent ‘y’all have to take a little rest sometimes’.

We have the 2 week compulsory break from school upon us. Please check how much screen time your child may be enjoying… (or not!)

Check out Dr. Saundra’s website if you are interested for yourselves too - it may spark an intention for the depths of winter maybe? You may even want to take the quick quiz… 

Rest Quiz: www.restquiz.com/quiz/rest-quiz-test/

Have a terrific break and I will see you, in person... soon.