Screens · Play · Autonomy
Screen-FreeActivities
About
The secret to reducing screen time isn't to forbid it: it's to have something better to offer.
A screen that turns off to nothing creates a crisis; a screen that turns off to an activity creates a transition. Here are 20 screen-free activity ideas, categorized by age.
3 to 5 years old
Toddlers
- Color hunt around the house
- Homemade playdough
- Fort with cushions
- Free drawing
- Sorting objects by shape or color
6 to 8 years old
Explorers
- Short board games
- Crafts with recycled materials
- Scavenger hunt in the yard
- Puzzles
- Cooking a simple recipe together
9 to 12 years old
Older Children
- Reading a young adult novel
- "Build something" project (fort, model)
- Sports or cycling
- Journal or comic book drawing
- A weekly challenge to tackle
The extra tip: let him choose.MDC Alliance · Raising Standards
Frequently Asked Questions
We Answer
Screen-free activities for 3 to 5 year olds?
Playdough, drawing, cushion fort, color hunt, object sorting.
How to keep a child occupied without screens?
Prepare activities in advance and let them choose which one to do.
Screen-free activities for 9 to 12 year olds?
Reading, building project, sports, drawing comic books, weekly challenge.
How to reduce screen time?
Offer something better: an attractive alternative ready when it's time to turn off the screen.
Sources
References
What if they chose for themselves?
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