Springston's Message
SCREEN TIME
We live in a world where technology plays a pivotal role in communication, efficiency, and entertainment. In order to prepare our students for their future these skills are important. However, we also know that excessive use of screen time negatively impacts our children. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescents Psychiatry, children that have exposure to excessive screen time may struggle with:- Sleep Problems
- Lower Grades in School
- Reading Fewer Books
- Less Time with Family and Friends
- Not Enough Outdoor or Physical Activity
- Weight Problems
- Mood Problems
- Poor Self-Image and Body Image Issues
- Fear of Missing Out
- Less Time Learning Other Ways to Relax and Have Fun
This month I encourage you to monitor your child's screen time. Begin by quietly calculating how much time your child spends on devices (television, phone, gaming system, etc.). Recommendations state that school age children should not exceed 2hrs a day. If you discover that your child is spending more time on a device than you realized (which can easily happen), begin by setting a limit. Many devices have limits that you can set to assist in monitoring and stopping the device from being used. With your child, begin to think about new ways that he/she can use their time more productively. Initially your child may become frustrated or disappointed, but once it becomes a norm in the home, they will discover new hobbies. Encourage your child to find new creative ways to learn and grow (play outdoors, art & crafts, visit the library to discover a new series of books, sports, STEM, etc.). Finding a healthy balance is essential. If you're interested in learning more about the impacts of screen time, I encourage your to read the book, Glow Kids by Nicholas Kardaras.
Yours in partnership,
Leslie Springston
High Attendance Day
Wednesday, September 13th is High Attendance Day!
- Wednesday, September 13th is Pajama Day AND a bubble gum blowing contest. All students will get to compete against their peers for a classroom and grade level winner!
- Please be sure to review our Attendance Policy. Attendance is an important piece in student success!
Counseling Corner: What is Empathy?
Ms. Slayton's Counseling Corner
September is EMPATHY month at Simpsonville Elementary. EMPATHY is "putting yourself in someone else's shoes" in order to understand their feelings. In order to do this, we first have to notice the feelings of others. Young children will need help using the clues of facial expression and body language. Empathy helps us to be better friends and family members. When students come to my classroom for guidance lessons our topic will be empathy.
Tips for building empathy at home:
- Talk about your own feelings. Praise children who are showing you empathy. By helping children understand their own feelings, we better enable them to recognize those feelings in others.
- Name characters' feelings when reading a book. Talk about how they are feeling. For example, ask "What clues do we have from the character's body language that they are sad, mad, etc?"
- Model empathy at home child by caring for others (this can include pets). Get creative and ask family members to share ways to care for each other.
Mark Your Calendar
- Friday, September 8th - Friday, September 15th: Book Fair and Grandparents Week (Special Person's Week)
- Wednesday, September 13th: Progress Reports Sent Home
- Thursday, September 14th: Staff Work Day (No School for Students)
- Tuesday, September 19th: SBDM @ 2:45 (library)
- Thursday, September 21st: PTO CHAMPS Rollerdrome Night @ 6:00 - 8:00pm
