IN THIS LESSON, YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO INCORPORATE SCREEN BREAKS INTO YOUR LESSONS

Here are a few examples of how you can incorporate screen breaks into your lessons or discussions:

  1. Diversify reading assignments by pairing podcasts or other media with text.

  2. Enhance the brainstorming or prewriting experience, giving learners the opportunity to explore and research a topic.

  3. Have learners share their work in progress. Diversifying voices helps maintain learner engagement.

  4. Ask learners to share experiences that help them connect with the learning material more deeply.

  1. Diversifying reading assignments:

  • Provide printed copies or use applications like Hypothes.is to allow learners to physically engage with the text.

  • Use podcasts or interviews to give learners the freedom to move or do other tasks while processing information

  • Pair art with text to provide a visual break as well as a starting point for discussion.

  • Include music to provide historical context or set the atmosphere.

2. Enhance the Prewriting Experience:

  • Brainstorming is an essential part of the learning process because it helps learners reconnect with what they already know, making it a wonderful starting point.

  • To enhance the prewriting or brainstorming process, ask learners to doodle, create outlines, and share imperfect but valuable thoughts.

  • Show different styles of annotations, color-coded notes, and encourage sharing various reactions to a reading assignment.

3. Show Work in Progress:

  • Bring back “Show and Tell” by asking learners to share their work in progress. Although it may feel vulnerable, this practice fosters an environment of curiosity and collaboration.

  • It holds learners accountable for their learning process and creates a safe learning environment where unpolished work can still be celebrated.

4. Explore and Document Local Surroundings:

  • Our surroundings are rich in interesting things, and each learner resides in a completely different environment with unique experiences. Encourage learners to tap into this by engaging with their surroundings.

  • They can interview someone they know, take photographs of their neighborhood, or share scenes from their commute.

  • This type of exploration can make learners feel more at ease with themselves and each other, creating a relaxed environment that is conducive to learning.