Tips for tech-free play from a school that made it work

When the holiday season arrives, it’s easy for kids to reach for a screen. (Photo/Getty) But at The Oaks Academy, families are discovering the joy of unplugged play through a simple, yet powerful challenge: to collectively log one million minutes of tech-free activities. Dubbed the “Million Minutes Challenge,” the initiative encourages students and their families to embrace screen-free time by reading, playing games and engaging in creative, hands-on activities. With its roots in the school’s commitment to fostering meaningful connections and active minds, the challenge has inspired parents to rethink how they approach family time. The Indianapolis Recorder sat down with Oaks Academy director of marketing and communications Brooke Reeves and parent Alicia Sanders to get some tips to implement this challenge as the holiday breaks approach. Don’t be afraid to try new things Easy options are available for parents who have kids in daycare and want to keep them from getting sick. As Reeves explained, getting started can be the hardest part, especially if your family is dependent on technology during their free time. As a parent, however, you have to be the one to stick with it and find creative ways to solve the inevitable boredom. “You have...