Millbrae Taylor PTA

Winter Break

School starts again on Monday, January 6.

Nurse’s Note

Happy Holidays! It’s that time when students will be home for the 2-week winter break.

Monitoring your children’s screen time and activities can be challenging during an extended break, particularly when you may not have the time off of work that they have off of school.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen time for children based on their age:

• Under 2 years old: No screen time, except for video chatting with family or friends

• 18–24 months old: Some screen time with a parent or caregiver, such as educational programming

• 2–5 years old: Up to one hour per day of high-quality programming, co-viewed with a parent or sibling

• 5–17 years old: Generally no more than two hours per day, except for homework

• Teens and adults: Two hours per day 

The AAP recommends considering the quality of interactions with digital media, not just the quantity. 

Other recommendations include: 

• Creating screen-free bedrooms 

• Turning off screens 30–60 minutes before bedtime 

• Avoiding using screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to stop tantrums 

It's great to encourage kids to take breaks from screens!

Ideas for Kids

Creative & Imaginative

• Arts and Crafts: Drawing, painting, coloring, sculpting with playdough or clay, making collages, origami, jewelry making, etc.

• Building: Constructing with LEGOs, blocks, magnetic tiles, or even building a fort with blankets and furniture.

• Creative Writing: Writing stories, poems, comics, or starting a journal.

• Dramatic Play: Putting on a play or puppet show, dressing up in costumes, or playing pretend with toys.

Active & Outdoors

• Outdoor Play: Playing in the backyard, going to a park, riding bikes, skateboarding, playing tag, jumping rope, having a picnic.

• Sports & Games: Playing basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis, or other sports.

• Nature Exploration: Going for a nature walk, collecting leaves or rocks, birdwatching, gardening.

Learning & Educational

• Reading: Reading books, magazines, or comics.

• Puzzles & Games: Doing jigsaw puzzles, playing board games, card games, or logic puzzles.

• Science Experiments: Conducting simple science experiments at home.

• Learning a New Skill: Learning to play a musical instrument, knitting, coding, or a new language.

Other Activities

• Cooking & Baking: Helping with meal preparation or baking cookies.

• Listening to Music or Audiobooks: Enjoying music or listening to stories.

• Spending Time with Family & Friends: Playing games, talking, or doing activities together.

• Helping with Chores: Assisting with age-appropriate household tasks.

Tips for Encouraging Screen-Free Time:

• Set Clear Limits: Establish clear rules about screen time and stick to them.

• Provide Alternatives: Offer a variety of engaging activities to choose from.

• Make it Fun: Frame screen-free time as an opportunity for fun and creativity.

• Be a Role Model: Limit your own screen time and engage in screen-free activities with your children.

• Create a Designated Space: Have a designated area for screen-free activities, such as a reading nook or a craft corner.

By providing a variety of options and creating a supportive environment, you can help school-age children enjoy their time away from screens and develop valuable skills and interests.

Ideas for Teenagers

Creative Pursuits

• Music: Playing a musical instrument, joining a band or choir, writing songs, or simply listening to music (on a non-screen device if possible!).

• Art & Design: Drawing, painting, sculpting, photography, graphic design (using traditional methods or software on a limited basis), fashion design, or jewelry making.

• Writing: Creative writing (short stories, poetry, novels), journaling, blogging, or even writing scripts for plays or movies.

• DIY & Crafts: Knitting, crocheting, sewing, woodworking, building models, or upcycling old items.

Active & Outdoors

• Sports & Fitness: Playing team sports (basketball, soccer, baseball, etc.), individual sports (running, swimming, tennis, etc.), going to the gym, doing yoga or Pilates, or trying martial arts.

• Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, camping, biking, kayaking, rock climbing, or exploring nature.

• Dance: Taking dance classes (ballet, hip hop, jazz, etc.) or just dancing at home to music.

Social & Engaging

• Spending Time with Friends & Family: Hanging out, going to movies or concerts, playing board games or card games, having bonfires, or just talking.

• Volunteering: Giving back to the community by volunteering at a local charity, animal shelter, or hospital.

• Joining Clubs & Groups: Participating in school clubs (debate, drama, student government), community groups (scouts, youth groups), or interest-based clubs (book clubs, gaming clubs).

• Learning a New Language or Skill: Taking classes or using online resources (with time limits) to learn a new language, coding, cooking, or any other skill that interests them.

Relaxing & Mindful

• Reading: Reading books, magazines, or graphic novels.

• Listening to Podcasts or Audiobooks: Enjoying stories or learning new things.

• Meditation or Mindfulness Practices: Practicing deep breathing, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.

Cooking or Baking

• Trying new recipes or baking treats for themselves and others.

Wishing you a wonderful time with your family friends and we look forward to seeing your students back in January.

In good health,
Claudette, Jimmy and Julie

Taylor Links

• Report absence

• Breakfast and lunch menu

• Clubs

• Bell schedule

• Taylor map and website

• Calendar

• Spirit Wear

• After school sports for Winter

• Parent-Student Handbook

• Taylor Garden

• Music, band, and orchestra

• Journalism Class’ Bulldog News, 15th Edition

District Links

• ParentVUE, StudentVUE, and ParentSquare

• Calendar

• District website

• Mental health support and calming room

• COVID-19 Safety Plan