4 – 6 hours per day — that’s how much time the average American child spends in front of a screen.
That screen time statistic increases to up to 9 hours a day for teens.
The consequences of heavy screen use are not benign. As this Psychology Today article explains, “The internet creates a learning environment in which consistent attention is impossible, imagination is unnecessary, and memory is inhibited.”
This lack of opportunity for imagination and creative play is not simply a loss of creative fun. It has very real implications for a child’s development.
As this Washington Post explains, “We know that learning in the early years is active — that kids learn through direct play and hands-on experiences with people, with materials, and in nature.”
The article continues: “Kids need first-hand engagement — they need to manipulate objects physically, engage all their senses, and move and interact with the 3-dimensional world. This is what maximizes their learning and brain development. A lot of the time children spend with screens takes time away from the activities we know they need for optimal growth. We know that children today are playing less than kids played in the past.”
Because of this, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises no media use for children under 2 years of age and recommends old children be limited to no more than two hours of screen time per day.
So how can you encourage your kids to turn off the devices and enjoy some old-fashioned, imaginative fun? We have some ideas for you!
Here are 8 digital-free ways to encourage imagination in your child.
1. Get crafty.
In the digital age, we’re constantly consuming other people’s content, rather than creating our own. This constant consumption is harmful to children’s imaginations. Plan a tech-free afternoon of creation with crafts!
These fun kid’s craft ideas are perfect for any day, not just a rainy one!
For friends local to Middle Tennessee, we invite you to join us at Stoney Creek Farm in Franklin, TN for our upcoming Kid’s Class: Create a Fairy Garden on February 19, 2022.
In this crafty class, kids’ imaginations will be engaged as they learn how to create an all-natural Fairy Garden out of moss, bark, evergreens, rocks, lichens, mushrooms, and more. It’s going to be a lot of fun! You can get your tickets here.
2. Stage your own version of “Chopped.”
This is a fun way to get older kids in the kitchen. Re-enact your own version of the popular TV show, “Chopped.” Create a grab-bag of various ingredients, then encourage your children to get creative by cooking up their own concoctions using the ingredients.
3. Plan a family board game night.
When was the last time your family played a real, old fashioned board game — one that doesn’t involve screens? Board games are a great way to encourage creative problem solving and enjoy some playful competition among one another.
4. Don’t just read books — have your kids make their own books.
Reading is great, and we encourage you to make reading real books (not e-readers) a priority for your kids, since reading comprehension is an important skill that, unfortunately, is depreciating among the younger generation in our digital age.
But take it a step further by encouraging your child to ignite their imagination to create their own stories! Even younger children who can’t read or write yet can participate by illustrating their own picture books.
Host a storytelling night with your family, allowing your children to share the stories they’ve written.
5. Host a family talent show.
Why watch America’s Got Talent when you can cultivate talent in your own family? Singing, storytelling, poetry, dancing, gymnastics, and more — this is all about being creative and having fun.
6. Go on a nature walk.
Go on a walk out in nature — and leave the phones at home. So much of our engagement with the digital world uses only our visual and aural senses, but leaves the others dormant. Encourage your children to use all their senses on your nature walk. Smell the flowers, listen for birds, feel the texture of different tree bark, and observe the variations of colors along the way.
If you’re local to Middle Tennessee, join us right here at Stoney Creek Farm in Franklin, TN for our Kid’s Nature Walk on April 2, 2022.
During this two-hour class, kids will enjoy an imaginative nature hike through the woods on our farm, learning all about the different trees native to Tennessee.
7. Bake and decorate cookies.
Why leave cookie-decorating only for the Christmas season? It’s fun any time of the year, and gets children away from the screen and into the kitchen.
8. Teach kids the joys of gardening.
Green thumbs — start ‘em young!
These 5 fun gardening activities for kids offer great ways to introduce children to the joys of gardening, like learning how to make a mini garden with egg cartons.
For our local readers, we’re hosting Kid’s Class: Create an Herb Garden with Seeds & Seedlings on March 19, 2022 at Stoney Creek Farm in Franklin, TN.
During this class, kids will learn how to create their very own herb garden. It’s a great opportunity for children to take ownership of growing their own plants, from seed to maturity.
Local to Middle Tennessee?
Join us for our upcoming kid’s classes.
We have several upcoming kid’s classes on our calendar this year!
Led by Cori Williams, teacher and certified Tennessee naturalist, these classes introduce children of all ages to the joys of sustainable living.
Upcoming classes include:
- February 19 — Kid’s Class: Create a Fairy Garden
- March 19 — Kid’s Class: Create an Herb Garden with Seeds & Seedlings
- April 2 — Kid’s Nature Hike: Tree Identification
- May 14 — Geocaching at the Farm
View our full class calendar here.
All classes take place here at Stoney Creek Farm in Franklin, TN. We hope to see you on the farm this spring!
