So, as most know, cellphones are an issue–have been and will be. They’re not going away any time soon, and it’s likely it will get worse before it gets better as educators struggle to find an answer to the dilemma. For me, discovering the best cell-phone policy has been a long journey, demanding more of my energy and time than I dare admit. Hate ‘em. Plain and simple. They are a huge distraction, and I often long for the “good old days” when things were simpler, and kids just passed notes. But those days are gone, and we have a new reality. Grudgingly, I am beginning to accept that new reality; consequently, this new-found acceptance has led to yet another cell-phone policy this year.
This year, I have tried the “brain break.” Roughly half way through the period, I give my kids a three-minute brain break, a time when they can talk, stretch, relax, and…use their phones. Really it should probably be called the “phone break,” for that is what nearly every kid does, but I feel better about calling it a brain break. In the end, it is what it is, and even if I don’t love the fact that they are on their phones, it is their time, and I let them have it, but the other 52 minutes are mine, and phones are put away; on that, I do not budge. Somewhat surprisingly, it has gone better than expected, and I have discovered that giving them a little bit of freedom has resulted in my best year in regards to dealing with cellphones. It is working. And though the old adage goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” I “fixed it” and let go a little more. I took a risk. Now, on the days when the kids are working, I have decided to let them decide when to take their brain breaks, asking them to keep it to the agreed-upon three minutes, letting them know that I trust them. I am giving them an opportunity to play with responsibility, an opportunity to rehearse in a role that will possibly have long-term implications. The results? Well, so far, so good. Of course, there are a few who need a knowing glance from me at times, but that’s part of the deal. After all, I am still the director in this drama.
Have a terrific Tuesday, all. Remember to check out the Weekly Wonder if you have not had the chance. http://www.letschangeeducation.com/?p=288
This brain break reminds me of college and the breaks we get during class. As mature adults, most know to stay off our phones during class, and when we get our break, we pull out phones. But it’s something that needs to be taught for students who have grown up with cell phones of their own for years. I like this a lot!