Granville Jr/Sr High School

This time of year is a great time to establish new afternoon and evening routines with your students.  The weather is starting to get chillier, and they may be spending more time indoors. 

Please be mindful of how much “screen time” students are having at home (television, tablets, computers). 

Excessive screen time directly links to concerns with attention, behavior, and proper sleep patterns. 

Here are a few ideas to help structure their evenings in a way that promotes that ability to gain some independence with self-care skills:

• Have a consistent place for their belongings when the enter the home

  • Hang up their jacket and backpack

  • Unpack their folder and take out any important papers

  • Put their shoes in the proper place

  • Wash their hands

  • Here is a printable afterschool routine checklist.

• Allow for physical activity and playtime as soon as they get home

  • Go outside to play, take a walk or a bike ride, draw with sidewalk chalk, blow bubbles, collect leaves

  • Play inside with preferred toys or games.  Playdough, legos, coloring and painting are excellent ways to improve their fine motor skills in a fun and engaging way.

• For those who have homework responsibilities

  • Be sure that these are done after there has been time to release their energy and have some fun time.  Ideally, an adult should sit with them to support and encourage these tasks.

  • Be sure that homework is done at a table, counter, or desk.  There should be minimal background noise or noise from electronics.

• Mealtime without devices

  • Use this time to talk as a family

  • Ask students to describe what they did at centers, recess, math, P.E., etc

  • Discuss upcoming plans or family events

  • Have your student be responsible for clearing their plates into the garbage (they all do it independently here at school).

• Create consistent bedtime routines

  • Pajamas

  • Brushing their teeth

  • Reading a story together

  • Going to bed without having a tv on, or tablet in their hand.

  • Here is a printable getting ready for bedtime checklist.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education. 

BONUS TIP: Please visit the Community School page section titled "Free Internet and Media Safety Resources" and family organizing tips too. Learn how to turn on downtime, figure out how much is too much screen time for your family and more.

Principal Taylor

Mary J. Tanner Primary School