Using Screen Time in Your Homeschool

 I am an 80s kid, so I learned more from watching Sesame Street, Animaniacs, Carmen San Diego, and Bill Nye the Science Guy than I ever did from school.  In today's homeschool world, however, screen time is a controversial topic. While some homeschoolers feel that it's important to limit screen time, others believe that there are times when the use of screens can be very helpful in learning. I think it’s important to remember that what we are trying to accomplish with homeschooling is not necessarily the same goal as elementary school. The homeschooling environment should be more focused on exploration and discovery of new ideas, whereas elementary school focuses on preparation for standardized testing. I think there's a middle ground where educational videos can help kids learn certain things faster without excessive distraction or limiting their ability to do hands-on activities. While homeschooling parents don't want screen time replacing direct instruction in subjects like math or science that need lots of practice at solving problems using pencil and paper, watching video lessons does have its advantages in increasing retention of certain information.

I once read a study that said you have to read about a new concept seventeen times before it is embedded into long term memory, but you only have to see it on TV five times for it to have that same effect. That being said, I use screens often in my homeschool. I incorporate DVD, YouTube videos, all kinds of apps, computer programs, and websites into every subject for all 3 of my kids. Now, as soon as I say that, I feel like people get this grossly inaccurate image in their heads of my kids sitting in from of the TV or staring at a tablet like little zombies while I'm sitting on the couch scrolling on my phone. That’s not the case. I use screen time to supplement lessons. For instance, I’ll put on a learning video, pause it, ask questions, we talk about it and we usually follow up with some written work for my older daughter or a on hands on activity for the younger kids. 

What They Watch

There are countless homeschooling videos on YouTube. We use them for every subject from phonics to science to algebra to current events.  For example: my kids love watching Homeschool Pop, Scratch Garden, and Hopscotch, and I personally enjoy the mind puzzles on Brightside. Plus, I’m always finding new channels that offer fantastic videos on cooking, music or art tutorials, in addition to homeschool curriculum ideas!

Sydney is currently in the fourth grade and she loves learning new math facts with Numberock. It explains advanced mathematical concepts with catchy songs and engaging animations. Owen, who is four now, has been reading fluently since age two after watching the Preschool Prep phonics series, (we own the entire box set). Keira absolutely loves learning anything set to music. The Singing Walrus and Kids Learning Tube videos are her favorites for kindergarten concepts like the names of the planets and the systems of the body. These programs are cute, appealing and get straight to the point. They are no hero/villian relationships or subplots to distract the kids from learning.

What They DON'T watch

I don't like standard children's programing like some of the shows on Nick Jr. or Disney Jr. because their shows have social subplots involving hero/villian relationships that can adversely influence smaller children. The content is more for entertainment than education. I definitely steer clear of emotionally educational shows like Daniel Tiger and Caillou because I don't always agree with how those shows handle things like frustration and self regulation.  I also try to avoid shows that reinforce gender stereotypes, like the idea that mommy is supposed to stay home while daddy works, etc.

Remember:

- stay away from bad role models (subplots) in educational TV/videos

- teach your kids about emotions like frustration in age appropriate ways instead of reinforcing negative stereotypes like girls are frustrated and boys don't cry etc...

- include men and women equally in homeschooling activities so children learn healthy social norms early on, such as how both genders should receive equal treatment. 

-make sure your kids don't spend more time watching screens than performing other homeschool activities

-don't let your child watch videos without asking questions, having a discussion or presenting them with a related follow up activity 

-do your research before you let your children watch certain videos because there is a lot of outdated and misleading information about there. For example, I love Bill Nye the Science Guy, but there has been new scientific research that contradicts some of his older videos. 

Constructive screen time can be a very useful tool in home education, but I do still believe in the evils of excessive screen time. I limit non-educational screen time to about two hours a day for Owen and Keira, and four hours of combined (television/cell phone/video games) screen time a day for Sydney. It's not always easy when you homeschool with videos because there is a lot of rubbish out there, but it can be done!

How do you feel about screen time in your homeschool?

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