Before Screen Time List

Summer is almost here, and that means kids will need activities to do. Camps and trips are great ways to keep kids busy, but what about the time in between? The day to day? Screen time, although convenient, is not the best way for our children to spend all their free time. So what is another option? How about a list? This list would have items that a child would need to complete in order to earn screen time. This list would include enrichment activities so that a child can stay sharp during their Summer break. I have seen this type of list around Pinterest and I wanted to share my version with you.

Item 1 – Get Ready!

So what’s on the list? First, is Get Ready! For my family, this step means, they need to go to the bathroom, brush their teeth, and get dressed. Get Ready, may look different in your home, just let your child or children know what you expect of them for this part.

Item 2 – Read for 20 mins

Read for 20 minutes, is up next. It is important to encourage reading during the Summer break. Making reading part of this list will motivate your child to read. At the beginning or before Summer break, it is a great idea to visit your local library and pick up books that interest your child. You can also use websites like Epic to read free eBooks. With so many books to choose from, they will easily complete their 20 minutes of reading. To motivate your child even further, you can also fill out a reading log from Barnes & Noble to earn a free book from a book list. To find out more about the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program, click here. We try to do this every year, and the kids love getting a free book.

Item 3 – Language Lesson

Third on my list is, Language Lesson. Our children are encouraged to learn a second language. Currently, we are using the app Duolingo to learn Spanish. You can also use this app to learn other languages too. My husband started using Duolingo years ago, and the kids recently began lessons. Duolingo is free, fun and easy to understand. We like using Duolingo, but there are other language apps as well. Use whatever app or option works for your child.

Item 4 – Movement Activity

Outdoor or indoor movement activity is fourth on my list. If the weather is suitable, outdoor play is preferred, but on occasion we get ash form the fires during part of the Summer and the air quality can be bad. During this time I have the kids do something inside. Cosmic Kids Yoga is a great option, and or another indoor exercise YouTube channel. We also love PhonicsMan Fitness. As long as my kids are getting some type of exercises, I am happy.

Item 5 – Creative Building, Writing, or Drawing

This item is where a child can be challenged to be creative though building, writing or drawing. They can have fun coming up with short stories, or building with Legos. In addition, your child can do one of the many drawing tutorials available on YouTube, or just doodling on their own. This is also where they can do paper crafts, coloring, or even math practice. Whatever option they prefer.

Item 6 – One Chore

Last on my list, is to complete at least on chore. Now, this doesn’t mean they only have one chore a day, but before getting to play on elections, a chore must be completed. That might be putting away clean clothes, or tidying up a room. It’s really up to you.

I hope this list is a helpful tool when preparing for Summer break this year. I will definitely be using it! Enjoy your Summer!

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