Navigating Technology: 3rd and 4th Grade Parent Chat

Last Tuesday, Mr. Jacoff, Ms. Johnston, and Ms. Benitez facilitated a parent workshop about Digital Wellness and navigating technology for students in the 3rd and 4th grades. The workshop focused on the pros and cons of students’ access to technology, the ways in which 3rd and 4th graders use technology, and possible approaches for guiding the use of technology at school and at home.

 

“As facilitator, I argued for a balanced approach,” explained Mr. Jacoff. “Reasonable limits on access paired with explicit conversations around our behavior and relationship with the internet. I argued that banning doesn't work: the kids will find ways to get around app blockers or device restrictions, and it also doesn't prepare them well for the inevitable time when they do have full access to devices. However, I also argued that technology, the internet, and social apps are powerful magic and that our students need help navigating them healthily.”