Elementary Library

Step 1: Read Aloud & Discuss Introduce selected book and remind students of polite listening behavior and story time procedures. Use best practices while reading aloud. Use open-ended questions during story read aloud to help students notice how characters behave and feel before, during, and after screen time.

Examples: ●​ What do you see (character) doing? How does that make them feel?

●​ How does (character) feel while using their device? What makes you say that? ●​ How does (character) feel when they unplug from technology? How do you know? ●​ Have you ever felt like (character)? What did you do? With assistance, students should be able to recognize that characters feel bored or alone while on devices too long, and happy and connected to others when they unplug. When the story has ended, return to the stated learning objective.

Say: How did too much screen time make (character) feel? How did putting away technology change things for (character)? [Allow students think and share time.]

Step 2: Practice Paying Attention to Our Feelings Say: We need to pay attention to our bodies and emotions to set appropriate limits on how much we use technology. This is called mindfulness. We are going to practice noticing how we feel after a few different activities. Lead students through 30 second exercises (however much time allows) that elicit different physical and emotional responses. Remind them about respecting each other’s space. After each exercise, lead students through an emotional and physical check in. Ask: ●​ How does my heart/legs/arms/eyes/lungs feel? ●​ What emotions am I experiencing?

Possible activities:

• 30 second dance party with no screen • 30 second deep breathing with no screen • 30 second watch a documentary clip • 30 second scroll through a website with no talking • 30 second chat with friends

Bring to attention. Compliment friends who followed instructions.

Say: How we spend our time affects how we feel. I noticed when we (activity) you smiled and laughed more. I also noticed when we (activity) you seemed less happy and a little bored. That’s why it’s so important to be mindful of how much technology and screen time comes into our lives.

Review “I can” statements and ask students for thumbs up or thumbs down if they think they mastered today’s learning.

137