Screens and Distracted Students!

A week ago I wrote about screens interfering with your own productivity.

But let’s now chat about a sneaky culprit that might be draining your ESL students’ productivity -- screens.

From smartphones to tablets to laptops, screens are everywhere, and they can be major distractions.

But fear not!

I’ve got some simple and fun suggestions to help your students manage their screen time better.

Here’s How to Help! 📱➡️😴

Finding the Right Balance ⚖️

The key to mitigating the negative effects of screen time on productivity is finding balance.

Encourage your students to set boundaries and establish designated times for screen use.

Prioritize in-person social activities over consistently checking social media.

One of the best things they can do is to incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation, into their daily routine.

This will help improve concentration and reduce stress.

Ultimately, the goal is not to eliminate screen time but to cultivate a healthy relationship with tech that will inspire success.

1. Write a Diary 🖋️📔

Encourage your students to write a diary.

This old-school habit has amazing benefits. It helps them:

• Reflect on their day
• Improve their writing skills
• Unload their thoughts and feelings

Plus, it’s a great way to practice English!

Challenge them to write a little every day, even if it’s just a few sentences.

They might be surprised at how much they enjoy it.

2. Read a Book 📚

Reading is like a magic potion for the brain. It:

• Enhances vocabulary
• Boosts comprehension
• Stimulates imagination

Encourage your students to pick up a book.

It doesn’t have to be a heavy classic; even comics or short stories can be a great start.

The key is to find something they’re interested in.

3. Think About Their Day 🤔🕰️

Taking a few minutes to reflect on their day can be incredibly beneficial.

Ask your students to:

• Recall three things they learned
• Think about something that made them happy
• Consider what they could do differently tomorrow

This practice can help them become more mindful and aware of their actions and decisions.

4. Meditate 🧘♂️🧘♀️

Meditation isn’t just for yogis!

It’s a fantastic way to:

• Reduce stress
• Improve focus
• Enhance emotional health

Introduce your students to simple meditation exercises.

Even a few minutes of deep breathing can make a huge difference.

There are tons of free apps and videos available to guide them through the process.

5. Write Their Plans for the Next Day 🗓️✏️

Planning ahead can significantly increase productivity.

Encourage your students to:

• List out their tasks for the next day
• Set small, achievable goals
• Prioritize their to-do list

This habit not only helps them stay organized but also reduces anxiety about what lies ahead.

Screens aren’t all bad, but it’s crucial to strike a balance.

By incorporating these activities into their daily routine, your students can reclaim their time and boost their productivity.

Encourage them to try one or two of these suggestions and see how they feel.

Sometimes, the simplest changes can make the biggest difference. Happy teaching!