#415 - Screens in the Classroom

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Screens in the Classroom

"I don't think screens have any place in a preschool classroom."

It's a bold statement, but in this solo episode, Amanda explains why. Drawing from her experience as a school-based occupational therapist, she shares what she's seeing firsthand in today's classrooms and why she's concerned that technology is becoming the default instead of a tool.

Amanda explores how increased screen use may be replacing the very experiences that help children build strong foundations for learning, including movement, hands-on play, handwriting, problem-solving, oculomotor development, and social interaction. She also talks about the rise of Smart Boards, Chromebooks, and digital learning, while acknowledging the important role technology can play when it's used intentionally.

This episode isn't about blaming teachers or eliminating technology from schools. It's about asking an important question: Are we giving children enough opportunities to develop the skills their brains and bodies need before asking them to learn through a screen?

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The Real Cost Of Screens In Classrooms

Technology is part of everyday life. From smartphones to SMART Boards, children are growing up in a digital world and while technology isn't going anywhere, one important question remains: Are we introducing screens too early?

As occupational therapists, we aren't against technology; in fact, it can be an incredible tool for communication, learning, and accessibility. But when it comes to young children, especially those under five years old, development should always come first.

The preschool years are filled with opportunities for children to move, explore, create, and connect with the world around them. Every time a screen replaces those experiences, children miss out on important opportunities to build the foundational skills they'll use for the rest of their lives.

Young Children Learn Best Through Real Experiences

Think about how a preschooler learns about an orange. They don't just need to see a picture of one; they learn by holding it, smelling it, peeling it, tasting it, and talking about it with someone else. 

Every one of those experiences helps build stronger connections in the brain. The same is true for almost everything children learn.

While educational videos and apps may teach colors, letters, or numbers, they can't replace real-world experiences. Children learn best when they can move their bodies, use their hands, and interact with people.

That's why activities like:

• Building with blocks

• Playing in the sand

• Painting

• Using scissors

• Climbing at the playground

• Pretend play

are so much more than fun. They're essential for healthy development.

Movement Is A Child's First Classroom

One of the biggest concerns with increased screen use is that it often replaces movement. Young children aren't designed to sit still for long periods of time. 

Their brains develop through movement. Crawling, jumping, climbing, balancing, animal walks, and running all help develop the sensory and motor systems that support attention, coordination, emotional regulation, and even learning.

Research continues to show that physical activity plays an important role in children's cognitive development, executive functioning, and academic readiness. The World Health Organization recommends that children under five spend plenty of time being physically active throughout the day while limiting sedentary screen time.

Instead of relying on a movement video every morning, consider leading movement yourself. Try:

• Animal walks

• Jumping jacks

• Wall push-ups

• Obstacle courses

• Dance parties

• Stretching together

These activities provide the same movement while encouraging social interaction and creativity.

Hands-On Play Builds Skills Screens Can't

Many educational apps promise to teach handwriting, puzzles, or problem-solving. While these apps can be entertaining, they often remove the very experiences children need to develop those skills.

Take puzzles, for example. A digital puzzle only requires a finger to slide pieces across a screen.

A real puzzle requires children to:

• Rotate pieces

• Strengthen their hands

• Coordinate both hands together

• Solve visual-spatial problems

• Practice patience and persistence

The same is true for handwriting. Writing with crayons, chalk, markers, paintbrushes, and pencils strengthens the small muscles in the hands while improving coordination and motor planning. 

Those experiences simply can't be replicated by tapping a screen. Children develop these foundational skills naturally through play, not through apps.

Screens Aren't The Enemy

It's important to remember that this isn't about eliminating technology altogether. Technology has an important place in children's lives.

For many children, especially those who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, technology is life-changing. Older students also need opportunities to learn digital skills they'll use throughout school and adulthood.

The goal isn't to avoid technology. The goal is to make sure technology supports development instead of replacing it.

Before handing over a screen, ask yourself: Could this activity be done in a hands-on way instead? Often, the answer is yes.

Teachers Aren't The Problem

It's easy to point fingers at classrooms filled with SMART Boards and tablets, but teachers aren't the problem. Today's educators are managing larger class sizes, increasing academic expectations, and limited resources. 

Technology often becomes a helpful tool because they're doing the best they can with what they have. Instead of placing blame, we can work together. 

Occupational therapists, teachers, and parents all want the same thing: children who are engaged, learning, and thriving. Sometimes small changes can make a big difference. 

Instead of a 20-minute educational video, maybe the class spends that time building with blocks, completing an obstacle course, or exploring sensory bins. Those simple adjustments create opportunities for movement, creativity, and connection without requiring an entirely new curriculum.

What About Handwriting?

School-based occupational therapists continue to see increasing referrals for handwriting support. While every child is different, it's worth asking an important question: Are children getting enough opportunities to develop handwriting skills before being asked to use technology?

Handwriting doesn't begin with holding a pencil. It begins years earlier through activities like:

• Crawling

• Climbing

• Coloring

• Cutting with scissors

• Playing with Play-Doh

• Building with blocks

• Digging in the sand

These experiences strengthen the muscles and coordination children need before they're ready to write. As children get older, technology certainly becomes important. 

But they should also receive intentional instruction in typing rather than simply expecting them to figure it out on their own. The goal isn't handwriting or technology.

Children need both, but at the right developmental stage.

Finding The Right Balance

Technology is here to stay. Children will learn how to swipe, scroll, click, and type.

What they won't automatically learn are the sensory, motor, and social skills that develop through real-life experiences. Those skills require:

• Free play

• Outdoor exploration

• Messy art projects

• Conversations with caring adults

• Problem-solving with peers

• Plenty of movement

These are the experiences that prepare children for success, not just in school, but throughout life.

Final Thoughts

We don't have to choose between technology and child development, but development should always come first. When we give young children more opportunities to move, play, explore, and create, we're supporting the very skills they'll rely on for attention, handwriting, emotional regulation, learning, and independence.

If you're a parent, teacher, or therapist, consider taking a closer look at how screens fit into your child's day. Ask yourself what hands-on experiences could replace even a small amount of screen time.

You don't have to make drastic changes overnight. Even one less screen-based activity and one more opportunity for movement or creative play can make a meaningful difference in your child's development.

BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS

While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science & art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views & opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties & what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.

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