Screen Free Week

by Jennifer Cooper, posted on April 12th, 2011 in Features, Ideas and Inspiration, News

This year, I was tasked with heading up our PTA’s campaign for Screen Free Week. You may know Screen Free Week in its former incarnation as Turn off the TV week. With all the advancements in technology (hello smart phones, DSs, gaming, etc.), the powers that be decided to change the name to reflect more modern living.

First let me say I don’t think TV and movies (or gaming!) are bad. I’m married to a filmmaker after all. And the next issue of Classic Play is completely dedicated to them, which, come to think of it, is strangely interesting timing, wouldn’t you agree? Probably should have gotten the issue out in February when I meant to. Sorry, inner monologue.

So here’s my pitch as to why your family should consider taking up the challenge: Screen Free Week is a time to examine our family’s relationship with entertainment, each other and the larger community in general. After all, it’s rather difficult to meet and play with neighbors when you’re inside all day glued to a TV or game system. Creating your own fun is empowering and helps you break free from being a cog in the machine.

Okay, that last bit may be a bit melodramatic, but it’s 100% melodramatically true.

SCREEN-FREE WEEK is Proudly Endorsed by the Media Education Foundation from Media Education Foundation on Vimeo.

So give it a go. If the kids only make it one day, they only make it one day. But it’s good to challenge oneself. It’s out of challenge that we grow.

And I have to say, this is a rather fun challenge. Plus, you won’t be alone! I’ll be going through it with you.

In preparation of this week, I tried to make Classic Play a little more organized. Here are some ideas of what the kids can do if they get stuck in the “I’m bored,” “I don’t know what to do” cycle. After all, if they’ve enjoyed a steady diet of tv/gaming, it might be a tall hill to climb at first:

Arts & Crafts Projects
Games & Creative Play
Science Projects
Recipes the Kids Can Make

And if you do join me in this challenge, let me know. We can swap stories, share tales of woes and rejoice over small victories. Plus, if your child successfully completes the week, I’ll send him or her their very own certificate and a little gift they can print out and play with. You know, for once the week is over and they’re allowed back on the computer.