Ms. Zalewski’s class celebrated Screen-Free Week in New York this year! All 43 students decreased their screen time dramatically, with 21 going completely screen-free. Amazing job, everyone!
At the beginning of the week. Ms. Zalewski spoke to her students about the dangers of too much time on screens; together, they brainstormed things to do instead of watching television and playing video games. During the week, the students baked, played outside, rode bikes, helped their parents, spent time with pets, drew, practiced instruments, played board games, cleaned, built forts, made cards for people in hospitals, communicated, and connected.
At the end of the week, her students reflect on what the week meant for them. Check out their brilliant responses below:
“This week taught me that my life 
isn’t my phone.”
“I felt like the days were longer and happier.”
“This week has taught me discipline and finding my own joy with things other than a screen in my face.”
“I felt more free…sometimes videos (and other things) might make people upset, mad, or even jealous, but when you don’t see the negative things, it makes you feel good.”
“In the beginning, I didn’t think I was going to be able to avoid screens, but now, I believe you can do anything if you put your mind into it.”
“This week taught me that electronics aren’t like oxygen, you don’t need them!”
“I think you should do this with your class next year because it shows who you really are inside.”
“This week taught me that you can find out a lot of things you are capable of doing if you are not glued to a screen!”
“I did a lot more, and I found out things I didn’t know I was capable of doing.”
Ms. Zalewski’s classs obviously made the most of Screen-Free Week 2022! A huge thank you to everyone who participated, whether for the whole week or just one day. As always, if you have screen-free stories, photos, or artwork, we’d love to hear from you and share your story!