American Academy of Pediatrics has Changed Their Stance on Screen Time for Children

How much screen time is the right amount of screen time? This question has been plaguing parents and child care professionals for years. Now, the American Academy of Pediatrics has shifted their original stance from a 2 hour limit to screen time to something more nuanced. 

Jordan Shapiro, contributing editor for Forbes Magazine, recently wrote an article outlining the AAP's new stance on screen time for children.  Click here for the article

“In a world where ‘screen time’ is becoming simply ‘time,’” they (AAP) write, “our policies must evolve or become obsolete. The public needs to know that the Academy’s advice is science-driven, not based merely on the precautionary principle.” Of course, that’s exactly what most experts in children and digital media previously thought, that the AAP guidelines seemed like they were the result of familiar technophobic paranoia that always accompanies new technologies.

Digital Citizenship - How Do You Treat Others Online?

So many kids are engaged in playing online games with other kids these days. Yet, often this type of social media has it's downside. When kids are in situations where they are interacting with each other, the chances are increased that the interactions will be negative. As with any type of play, unless kids understand the consequences of their words and actions, hurt feelings will prevail.

As with face-to-face play, online games still have the same rules; treat others as you want to be treated.

This digital citizenship video from Common Sense Media is a good reminder of how a child should behave when online.

Check out Common Sense Media for more videos, blog posts and articles for parents and teachers about how to help children navigate the online community and use digital tools in a safe and effective way.

Summer Learning Ideas and Resources

For children, summer is a time for relaxing and exploring, playing with friends, meeting new ones, spending time with your family, traveling or staying at home.  The unstructured time of summer can be a good time to inquire and learn new things as well as sharpen skills and knowledge gained this past year.

Here are some resources and ideas for parents to engage in with their children to keep their acquired skills and knowledge sharp as well as to allow for some new learning.

1. Common Sense Media has a Summer Learning Guide which has ideas for digital learning such as coding, language, science, tinkering and more. Click here for the link.

2. Ms Mairi, PYP Librarian, put together some ideas for supporting language learning over the summer. These are separated by grade levels and include a list of resource links. See below.

Summer Language Learning

EY to Grade Two

Language Activities for the Summer Vacation

 Reading

• -  Beginner phonics books (http://www.progressivephonics.com/phonics-
  books/beginner-phonics-books)
  
• -  Starfall- Online phonics: http://www.starfall.com/
  
• -  Reading signs, symbols, everyday objects
  
• -  Sight word games: http://creatingalearningenvironment.com/20-ways-to-help-
  your-child-learn-their-sight-words/
  
• -  Visit a library
  
• -  Link to RIS Language blog with more ideas:
  http://languageris.blogspot.ae/p/reading.html
   Writing
  

• -  Make invitations for friends and family to visit
  
• -  Making a nature journal (http://www.startwithabook.org/summer-writing)
  
• -  Writing a recipe for their favourite food together
  
• -  Talk about simple instructions for everyday things, e.g. how to wash the dishes,
  make the bed. Include each step clearly and include time order (First, Next, After
  that) and what they action verb is (Wash, Dry, Make, Rinse, Mix).
  
• -  Trip reviews-write a simple recount about an activity they have taken part in.
  Focus on including who, what, when, where, why and how.
  
• -  Make a short story book, either their own idea or a retell of their favourite story.
  Create new pictures, write sentences to match the picture, write a blurb on the
  back and create a front cover.
  
• -  Writing letters or emails to friends and family e.g. pen pals
  

•   Speaking and Listening
  
  • -  Describing pictures or scenes that they can see
    
  • -  I spy
    
  • -  20 Questions
    
  • -  One sentence/One word stories: Retell a favourite story one sentence or one
    word at a time
    
•   Viewing and Presenting
  
  • -  Charades
    
  • -  Handwriting worksheets (select Print or D’Neailan):
    http://www.handwritingworksheets.com/
    

Grade Two to Five

•   Reading
  
  • -  eBooks
    
  • -  Free eBooks from https://www.gutenberg.org/
    
  • -  Signs, maps, travel brochures
    
  • -  Current events- newspapers, Online news for kids:
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/news , http://www.dogonews.com/
    
  • -  Link to RIS Language blog with more ideas:
    http://languageris.blogspot.ae/p/reading.html
    
  • -  Comprehension activities: http://reading.ecb.org/
    
  • -  Parent guide to reading comprehension:
    http://www.readingrockets.org/helping/target/comprehension ,
    http://resources.clee.utk.edu/print/SIG%20Reading%20Strategies.pdf
    
•   Writing
  
  • -  Create a how to guide for appliances around the house e.g. how to work the
    washing machine, how to make the bed
    
  • -  Be a journalist- write a newspaper article about a current event (local or global)
    
  • -  Research and write a biography about their favourite author or celebrity
    (http://people.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/authors.html)
    
  • -  Create comic strip (Comic Maker app - free)
    
  • -  Interactive writing games: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-
    resources/student-interactives/ and
    http://www.languageisavirus.com/writing-games.html#.VX53n_mqqko
    
•   Speaking and Listening
  
  • -  Interviewing a family member or friend about their life or job
    
  • -  Preparing a speech: http://www.write-out-loud.com/howtowritespeech.html
    
•   Viewing and Presenting
  

- Handwriting worksheets and activities (select D’Neailan or cursive):
http://www.handwritingworksheets.com/ , http://www.first- school.ws/theme/handwriting.htm
General Websites

•   Monthly calendar of Reading and Writing activities to do at home: http://www.rif.org/us/literacy- resources/activities/monthly-activity-calendars.htm
  
•   Summer writing activities: http://www.startwithabook.org/summer-writing
  
•   Online reading: http://www.sunshineonline.com.au/,
  http://www.scholastic.com/parents/play/stories , http://www.storylineonline.net.
  
•   Online literacy games: http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/literacy/index.htm 
  

_________________________________________________________

Summer Math Learning
3. Ms Penny, Grade 4 teacher, has put together a list of math activities, by grade level, to engage in some fun math learning over the summer. It includes online resources for more ideas as well.

EY- Grade Two
 Playing Shops

• -  Practise using coins and notes.
  
• -  Order coins and notes from lowest to highest value.
  
• -  Set up kitchen scales to weigh products.
   Cooking
  

• -  Using measuring tools such as scales, measuring jugs and spoons.
  
• -  Setting the oven timer.
  
• -  Setting the table for a certain number of guests.
  
• -  Sharing food between people in a group.
  
• -  Make playdough (http://theimaginationtree.com/2012/04/best-ever-
  no-cook-play-dough-recipe.html)
  
• -  Search for easy recipes to make together as a family (for example
  http://www.kidspot.com.au/kitchen/occasions/cooking-with-kids)
   Patterns
  

• -  Look for patterns in natural or built environments. Eg tiles, animal
  footprints.
  
• -  Make jewellery from beads, dried pasta, toys etc.
  
• -  Decorate cards and letters for family members with patterns.
  
• -  Create a rap or chant that uses repeated sounds and actions.
  

 Looking For Numbers and Counting Opportunities.

• -  How are numbers used around you? Go on a number hunt at home, at
  the mall, at the airport etc.
  
• -  Pick a ‘number of the day’. How many times do you see that number
  written down? Look in the newspaper, on car licence plates, on clocks
  etc.
  
• -  Count the number of cars of a certain colour that you pass on a
  journey.
  
• -  Sort your toys into categories and count how many are in each.
  
• -  Find a calendar and count the days until a certain event.
  

Grade Two to Five
 Sports

• -  Make a scrapbook about your favourite player or team, including
  statistics and other mathematical information.
  
• -  Keep a record of how many goals or serves (tennis) you can get in a
  row. Try to improve each day!
  
• -  Watch a game that is played in thirds, halves or quarters. Make a
  poster with key information for each section of the match.
  
• -  Time how long it takes you to run a certain distance or bounce a ball a certain number of times. Make a graph comparing your results against
  someone else.
  
• -  If you have the chance to go bowling or play mini golf, take charge of
  the scoring.
   Weather
  

- Use a thermometer to measure the temperature each day for a week
(or find weather maps online). Make an iMovie weather report as a summary at the end of the week. Include graphs and charts to help present your information.
 Cooking

• -  Find recipes online and make them. Be careful with your measuring!
  
• -  Estimate the cost of buying all the ingredients you’ll need.
  
• -  Double or halve a recipe.
  
• -  Invent your own salad, sandwich or smoothie. Write out a recipe so
  that anyone else could make your dish- you will need to make sure
  you include accurate measurements.
  
• -  Design your own pizza. Divide it into fractions and plan a different
  topping for each section.
   Shopping/Money
  

• -  Ask your parents whether you can be in charge of a cash transaction.
  Calculate how much your items will cost and what change you will
  receive.
  
• -  Create your own clothes or toys catalogue. Include ‘specials’ (50% off,
  $10 discount, 2 for the price of one etc) with the full and reduced
  price.
  
• -  Plan your dream holiday or birthday party. Include a budget and
  information about timings of activities.
  Websites
  http://nzmaths.co.nz/maths-our-house http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/parents/primary/20 1literacymathstips2011.pdf http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/maths/index.html http://www.education.com/activity/math/ http://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/for-home/maths-owl/fun-activities http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/math/activities/ 
  

Parent iPad Survey Responses

The responses from parents regarding iPads for their child’s education at RIS are very positive..

Responses were received from 75% of the parents in grades 1-4. This was not taking into account the families who may not be returning for the next school year.

Of those who responded, 84% said their child would have an iPad for educational purposes next school year and 77% of those who responded said they are willing to spend up to 200AED on apps.

This is a positive outcome as we plan for next school year.

By early June, there will be a parent information session outlining the educational technology plans for next school year.

Watch the school calendar, 6Delta, Twitter @Raha_school and RIS Facebook page for the date!

Google Can Help Parents Be Tech Geeks

....and possibly stay ahead of their kids!

I recently came across a post on the blog, Digital Literacy, created for parents at United World College in Asia. It has tips for parents, well anyone, on the importance of updating your browser regularly to how to delete cookies. It also has a series of videos explaining simple things such as changing the date on your computer, changing your wallpaper, taking screenshots and much more.

It's worth the read. Save it to your bookmarks so you can access it easily. 

Tech Purchasing Advice for Parents at RIS

Frank Peterson, Digital Tech teacher for MYP and Integration Specialist at Raha spoke at the monthly Parent Tech Talk on March 24, 2015.

To view his slide show presentation, click here

YouTube Kids app for Tablets (it's free!)

Google and YouTube have just released a new app called YouTube Kids. This free app  has parent safety features, kid friendly channels, and the ability to search for videos by topic.

Currently, YouTube Kids is only available in the iTunes US store but is sure to be globally available soon.

                              

Common Sense Media's 3 Rules for Screen Time for Kids

Common Sense Media has added a new post to their parenting section about a 'Healthy Balanced Diet of Screen Time for Kids."  As with anything, balancing screen time with non-screen time is the goal you, as parents , want to achieve.

Below are the highlights of the article. For the full article, click here 

Use media together.

• Whenever you can, watch, play, and listen with your kids. Talk about the content.
• When you can't be there, ask them about the media they've used. Help kids question and consider media messages.
• Share your own values. Let them know how you feel about solving problems with violence, stereotyping people, selling products using sex or cartoon characters, or advertising to kids in schools or movie theaters.
• Help kids connect what they learn in the media to events and other activities in which they're involved -- such as sports and art -- to broaden their understanding of the world.

Be a role model.

• When kids are around, set an example by using media the way you want them to use it. Avoid posting everything that happens in your life, ask permission before uploading photos of others, and establish some media-free family time.
• Use media as a tool. Show your kids your mapping program, your news app, or your photo-editing programs. Demonstrate how your devices are a means to an end, not an end unto themselves.
• Avoid using media as a reward or a punishment -- that gives it too much power.

Keep an eye on the clock.

• Establish time limits that work for your family's needs.
• Let kids choose their entertainment options for the day. It could be a show, a game, or a learning app -- but giving them the choice helps them regulate their usage.
• Limit distractions. Keep phones and devices away when kids need to focus on other things -- homework or chores, for example. That'll make it easier for them to stay on task and make media use easier to track.

RIS Parent Tech Survey

Dear Parents,

In the interest of meeting your needs regarding technology in education at our school, please take 5 minutes to fill out the online survey  CLICK HERE  by the end of February.

It contains 5 simple questions asking if you have attended past Parent Tech Talks with Mary Kay Polly and what sort of topics do you wish to see offered in future parent tech talks.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

With warm regards,

Mary Kay