Screen Time

When families hear the words “screen time,” it’s natural to have questions. At P.S. 10, we believe that screen time—when used thoughtfully and purposefully—can be a powerful learning tool. Technology is never used as a replacement for teaching, play, or social interaction. Instead, it supports creativity, curiosity, and meaningful learning throughout the school day.

Here’s a look at how students use screens in positive, age-appropriate ways at P.S. 10.

 

Learning Comes to Life with Technology

In classrooms across the school, Smartboards, iPads, and computers help bring lessons to life.

• Teachers use Smartboards to model reading strategies, solve math problems together, explore science concepts, and collaborate as a class.
• Students use iPads and computers to read leveled books, practice math skills, conduct research, and create projects that show what they’ve learned.

Visual tools like videos, animations, and interactive apps are especially helpful for young learners and visual thinkers. For example:

• In science, students might explore a video of how plants grow or learn about the human body.
• In math, interactive tools help students build shapes and understand area and perimeter.
• In ELA, digital story tools and anchor charts support vocabulary and comprehension.

 

iPads in Kindergarten and First Grade

In Kindergarten and 1st grade, students use iPads as part of engaging author studies with Ms. Venier.

Children explore books by favorite authors such as Dr. Seuss, Mo Willems, John Burningham, and Pete the Cat, learning to notice:

• Repeated words and phrases
• Rhyming and sound words (like bang or splash)
• Stories that end the way they begin
• When animals or objects act like people (personification)

Each author study includes a fun digital activity in Wixie, along with movement or music
breaks that connect to the story. As a special reward, students earn a monthly STEAM choice
time, where they can build with hands-on materials or use DOE-approved educational apps.

 

Building Digital Skills with Mr. Waisome

Through computer class, students learn essential skills they’ll use throughout school and beyond.

They work with:

• Google Docs to practice typing, formatting, and saving their work
• Google Slides to create presentations and learn design skills
• Google Forms to create simple surveys and quizzes

Students are also introduced to coding and programming using platforms like Code.org, Scratch, and Tynker. During Computer Science Education Week, students build games, solve puzzles, and learn how to think logically and creatively.

Other highlights include:

• Typing practice each class to build speed and confidence for computer-based testing
• Digital art and design, including posters, books, and photo editing
• Minecraft Education, where students collaborate on classroom building challenges

 

Learning to Be Safe and Smart Online

Digital safety is a priority at P.S. 10. As required by the DOE, students learn about:

• Online safety and cyberbullying
• Digital citizenship and responsible behavior
• How to protect personal information

Students use Interland, a child-friendly program that teaches how to stay safe online, recognize unsafe situations, and make smart digital choices. Older students are also introduced to understanding AI-generated images and information so they can learn to tell the difference between what’s real and what’s created by technology.

 

Second Grade and Kid Pix

Second graders use Kid Pix software to build foundational computer skills, including:

• Keyboard and mouse use
• Logging in and out
• Saving, opening, and printing work
• Using digital cameras and creating slideshows

 

Screen Time in the Library

During library time, students in Grades 3–5 learn how to use digital research tools with Ms. Cloud.

Students explore:

• Sora for e-books and audiobooks
• Encyclopedia Britannica for kid-friendly research
• Adobe Express to create posters, slides, and other projects
• The library catalog to find books available in our school library

These tools help students build research and media literacy skills in a supportive way.

 

Screen Time During Indoor Recess or Schedule Changes

On days when students can’t go outside or when schedules change, screens are used intentionally to keep learning and movement going.

Students may:

• Watch short educational videos
• Participate in movement or yoga activities
• Explore virtual museum tours or nature cameras
• Practice mindfulness and calming activities

 

Supporting Teachers and Staff

Technology also supports our teachers through professional learning, collaboration, and planning. This helps ensure that instruction stays engaging, effective, and up to date.

 

A Thoughtful Approach to Screen Time

At P.S. 10, screen time is intentional, supervised, and always connected to learning goals. By using technology as a tool—not a distraction—we help students build academic skills, creativity, and responsible digital habits that will serve them well now and in the future.

If you ever have questions about how technology is used in your child’s classroom, we encourage you to reach out—we’re always happy to share more!