In today’s digital age, the balance between screen time and green time is a constant topic of conversation for parents. At GreeneHouse Children’s Center in Dunlap, TN, we prioritize hands-on, experiential learning, recognizing the irreplaceable value of outdoor exploration and connection with nature for our children’s development.
While technology plays a role in our modern lives, at GreeneHouse Children’s Center, we believe in fostering growth through direct engagement with the world around us. Our curriculum focuses on hands-on activities, encouraging children to explore, discover, and learn through active participation. You’ll find us building, creating, gardening, and exploring the natural beauty of Dunlap, rather than relying on digital devices in the classroom.
We understand that screen time is a consideration for parents at home, and we want to offer some helpful guidelines. Experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Mayo Clinic provide valuable insights into managing screen time for young children.
Here’s a quick overview of their recommendations:
- Children younger than 18 months: Generally, it’s recommended to avoid screen time, except for video chatting with family.
- Children 18 to 24 months: If introducing screens, choose high-quality programs and watch them together with your child.
- Children 2 to 5 years: Limit screen time to about one hour per day of high-quality programming, and co-view with your child whenever possible.
- Children 6-12: Limit screen time to about 1-2 hours per day of high quality parent approved screen time- including video games.
We believe that prioritizing active play, creative exploration, and social interaction is crucial for young children’s development. That’s why atGreeneHouse Children’s Center, we dedicate our time to fostering these skills through hands-on activities.
The lush, natural surroundings of Dunlap, TN, provide the perfect setting for our approach. We believe children thrive when they have the opportunity to explore, discover, and engage with the natural world.
Green time offers a multitude of benefits for children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Outdoor play promotes physical activity, strengthens immune systems, and enhances motor skills. The sensory experiences of nature – the feel of grass beneath their feet, the smell of wildflowers, the sound of birds chirping – stimulate their senses and foster a sense of wonder.
Nature also provides a calming and restorative effect. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance concentration. We encourage children to explore our outdoor play areas, engage in nature walks, and participate in gardening activities. These experiences not only promote physical health but also nurture their emotional well-being.
Furthermore, green time fosters creativity and problem-solving skills. Children are naturally curious and imaginative, and the natural world provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Building forts, digging in the dirt, and observing insects encourages them to think creatively and develop their problem-solving abilities.
We encourage parents to prioritize outdoor play and limit excessive screen time at home. For more detailed guidance on screen time recommendations, we suggest checking resources like the Mayo Clinic (Screen time and children: How to guide your child – Mayo Clinic) and KidsHealth.org (Media Use Guidelines: Preschoolers (for Parents) | Nemours KidsHealth).
By fostering a healthy balance between the natural world and responsible habits at home, we are nurturing well-rounded children who are equipped to thrive. At GreeneHouse Children’s Center, we are committed to providing an environment where children can learn, grow, and discover the wonders of the natural world.mitted to providing an environment where children can learn, grow, and discover the wonders of both the digital and natural worlds.
