Miss Kristy's Tutoring

If you want to know how your child's day went at school, don't settle for the obligatory “How was school today?” Students will be excited to share their experiences with you if asked specific questions. Here's a few to try:

What part of the day did you look forward to the most?
Who did you sit with at lunch?
What was the coolest or most interesting thing your teacher said?
What would you change about your day if you could?
What are you looking forward to tomorrow?

I was substituting for a first grade class where the teacher had left plans for the students to use iPads after completing their assignments. Once the first student had finished her work, she asked if she could read a book instead. When I said yes, students all over the room began raising their hands, pleading with me to let them read books rather than use the iPads. This experience highlights how the educational system is relying too heavily on screen time and digital activities. Children crave opportunities for traditional reading from physical books. It suggests a need to reevaluate the balance between technology and printed materials in education.

Children aged 6-11 need an average of 9-11 hours of sleep per night and teens need 8-10 hours of sleep. Getting enough sleep is vital for students to be healthy and reach their academic potential! Reducing screen time, encouraging healthy eating and exercise, and making a regular sleeping routine will help to make getting enough sleep a priority.

What a student eats before going to school and doing their homework will drastically effect their results. Consider providing meals and snacks with some of these ingredients for best brain performance: Berries, nuts, citrus fruits, dark chocolate, avocado, eggs, fish, and red, green or orange vegetables.

Sleep is crucial for children in school. Excessive screen time can lead to symptoms of insomnia, difficulty staying asleep, and lack of focus the next day. Set limits on having screens near sleeping areas and communicate with students about the importance of sleep.

Excessive screen time amplifies social comparison, peer pressure, and the fear of missing out. It damages kids' self-esteem about their lives, their bodies, and their relationships. It's time to cut back on screen time!