This post is for PARENTS, TEACHERS, COACHES, AND ANYONE WHO CARES ABOUT THE HEALTH OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS.
This past summer I read the book, "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt. I want to encourage all of you to read this book, look up an interview from the author on youtube, or read these notes below. The main message of this book is to encourage parents to provide children with a "play-based" childhood instead of a "phone-based" childhood.
After teaching elementary PE for over 20 years, I have seen a change in the mental, emotional, and physical health of our children. I believe a major cause of this is the increase of screen time. This school year, I have become more focused on intentionally talking to my students about participating in physical activities and limiting screen time.
Some of my students have told me they go home after school and play video games ALL NIGHT. Parents, please set limits on screen time! Encourage your children to get outside, exercise, play, participate in a sport, attend classes such as Dance, Karate, etc. Take advantage of the opportunities in your community such as organized team sports or the parks and recreation programs. You can also set family goals such as taking walks around the neighborhood, going for bike rides, walking the dog, playing catch, etc.
Together, we can make a positive impact on our children and improve overall health and well-being!
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| The gist of this book - Provide children with a "play-based" childhood instead of a "phone-based" childhood. Keep your children off of social media. Increase real-life experiences and decrease online activity in order to improve physical, emotional and mental health. Check out the pictures below of my bulletin boards which are in our school hallway. I have asked parents to send me pictures of their child participating in sports OR any physical activity (riding a bike, taking a hike, jumping rope, etc). This is a way to promote sports and fitness at school.   We're still working on adding pictures to this board! PE Curriculum Video - If you'd like more information on the things I teach in my PE classes, please watch this 5 minute video (click here). |
