Adaptability and resilience are just two of the many strengths the FIS students have shown during this challenging time. Transitioning to remote learning may have brought some of its challenges, but through their strengths, and support from parents and the FIS staff, our students continue to move forward.
As we continue with remote learning, questions may arise about limits for screen time, managing feelings, and wellbeing in general. We would like to take this time to focus a bit more on these topics.
Limiting Screen Time
KidsHealth recommends for children to spend no more than 2 hours a day on screen time, not counting computer use related to school and educational activities. Children and parents may keep track of the screen time through a digital clock, sand-timer, and other easy-to-use child friendly devices that will notify children and parents when the time is up.
Brain Break Activities
Brain Breaks are short activities, which help children refocus and prepare to learn again. Brain Break activities can be really simple; here are some examples:
- Stand up and stretch
- Walk to the kitchen for a glass of water (Physical movement combined with an oral sensory activity may be helpful to get the student to refocus after sitting for a long period)
- Yoga for kids
- Movement with an exercise ball
- Jumping Jacks
- Shake break or dance breaks
Benefits of Being Active
- Strong muscles and bones
- Better sleep
- Positive mindset
- Positive mood
- Improved focus/concentration
Know Your Feelings
Naming feelings and understanding why they are present may be challenging. KidsHealth lists three guiding steps that may help children with communicating their feelings.
- Think of the name for how you feel. (Name the emotion)
- Think of why you feel that way. (Let’s say you are nervous because you have a spelling test)
- Put them together into words. (Say to yourself, “I feel nervous about my spelling test“)
If you don’t know why you feel a certain way, you can still talk about it. You can say, “I feel upset, but I don’t know why.”
Jasmina Dzafic
ES Counselor
