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Educating Your Kids Without Screens

There's no doubt that tablets can be a lifesaver on busy days with your kids. But when you're brainstorming potential gifts, you may be on the lookout for fun, educational activities that don't involve any screen time. Unstructured playtime without screens is beneficial for cognitive development in young children and may help them more easily remember the things they learn, according to the Mayo Clinic.

To help you find games that don’t require staring at a screen, minimalist phone shares the following ideas.

Holding, shuffling, and dealing cards can train your child’s fine motor skills. Playing simple games that kids can understand will help their memory and may practice their mathematical skills.

Play Card Games

Family game nights are a great way to spend time together, and they can be given an educational spin if you play some games with a normal deck of cards. Holding, shuffling, and dealing cards can train your child’s fine motor skills. Playing simple games that kids can understand will help their memory and may practice their mathematical skills. Cards are small, easy to pack, and can be played just about anywhere. Plus, they easily fit in a stocking.

There are plenty of card games too. For younger children, games like the Smartypants Preschool Card Set are a great way to get your little ones learning about logic, math, and vocabulary. Slightly older children might enjoy the Skillmatics Brain Games, which will test their concentration and problem-solving skills.

 

Stargazing can be a fun and educational way to learn about the galaxy. Image via Pexels.

Learn About the Stars

Whether or not the kids dream about being astronauts, there's no doubt that learning about astronomy can be incredibly fun. Although gifts like telescopes are often expensive when purchasedfirst-hand, this doesn't mean you need to rule them out. Websites like eBay or Craigslist offer great second-hand items at affordable prices, which means you can provide some fantastic gifts without breaking the bank.

Sciencing.com notes that you might also consider 3D solar system models, which kids can build themselves and then use as decoration. A planetarium projector can turn any room into your own personal planetarium, offering a great way to teach your children about outer space while creating a unique, magical atmosphere in your home.

Science Kits

Science experiments don't need to stay at school. Most kits that are designed for at-home use are generally priced below $40, making them an affordable and fun way to teach your kids about science. Some of these kits are so interesting and simple to use that even adults want to try them. They come in many themes and can be a great way to introduce science to kids who otherwise aren’t interested.

Kids usually love sweets, and there are STEM candy-making kits to learn from. These kits teach your child about the chemistry behind making sweets, allowing them to learn about how sugar crystallizes, how chocolates are molded, and why heat impacts certain foods differently. Plus, at the end of it all, they have homemade candy to share with the family.

There are kits specifically aimed at budding chemists to encourage their at-home learning. A STEM Magic Chemistry Set by National Geographic is a fun way for kids to learn about science and perform a magic chemistry act for an audience. This may encourage them to continue following their scientific (or magical) interests.

 

Children can learn many skills by gardening. Image via Pexels.
A balanced, healthy environment will get the creative juices flowing and encourage inspiration. Help them turn their room or playroom into a comfortable spot where they can enjoy whatever hobby or activity strikes their fancy.

Impart Some Skills

Most of us learned some practical skills from our parents, and we should try to impart some useful skills to our children while they’re young. We can start with talking to our kids about tasks we do daily like cooking, watering plants, sewing torn clothes or stuffed toys, and taking care of our car. We can show them some culinary, gardening, fashion, and car care websites. Or we can just discuss these skills while we use them. Then, we can discuss different projects and see if they’re interested. You can cook food, plant vegetables, sew clothes, or even build toy cars or bikes together. A balanced, healthy environment will get the creative juices flowing and encourage inspiration. Help them turn their room or playroom into a comfortable spot where they can enjoy whatever hobby or activity strikes their fancy.

Educational apps are a great way to learn, but it's always a good idea to supplement screen time with real, tangible toys, activities, and games. Plus, letting them experience different things will make sure that they become well-rounded individuals ready for whatever life has instore for them.

If you’re looking for screen time minimalism in your life, consider the minimalist phone app for your Android device. Our app enables you to reduce screen time and improve productivity, helping break your phone addiction.

About author

Amy Bizwell

Creator of Biz Well, a website that helps professionals and entrepreneurs build and strengthen their personal brand.
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