Every year over the past decade, this day has taken place on the first Saturday of March, kicking off at sundown the night before. It is a 24 hour period – running from sundown to sundown which starts on March 7.
We are increasingly connected to the world around us. Smartphones, tablets, WiFi access and the Internet have enabled us to be connected to the entire world 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every single day of the year. That is why we need a day like this to make us reflect upon what that means. We need to take this day to carve out precious time to unplug, relax, reflect, be active, visit the outdoors, and connect with loved ones.
When I first did a display in our library, mainly to show parents how much time we spend on devices and what the alternatives might be, it was the students who borrowed books and came to tell me the 'person in this book is like my mum or dad', always on the phone! This week, the display UNPLUG LOG OFF GO OUTSIDE had a different effect. The students borrowed books that featured devices and technology and the parents borrowed books about being outside.
When I walk with friends, we are always amazed to see parents pushing prams where the child is on an iPad or a phone and the scenery be it lake, beach, park, anywhere outside has much to offer in the way of observation. We need to encourage everyone to take in their natural environment and to be mindful.
There are so many books you could display, but I'd start with these:
Unplug
• Blackout by John Rocco
A young boy in this book also discovers the simple joys of spending time with loved ones when the city goes dark and there’s no TV.
When a large television takes over family fun time, Chloe must convince her parents and ten brothers and sisters what everybody knows: the packaging—bubble wrap and cardboard box—is much more fun that the gift: the TV!
Meet Blip. Blip loves being plugged into her computer. When a blackout occurs, Blip trips over her wire and tumbles outside. Suddenly, Blip’s gray world is filled with color and excitement. She plays with her new friends and has adventures all day long. When Blip finally returns home, she realises that the world can be even brighter once you unplug.
• Couch Potato by Jory John
Feeling fried? Peel yourself on the couch and meet your new pal-tato! The Couch Potato has everything within reach and doesn’t have to move from the sunken couch cushion. But when the electricity goes out, Couch Potato is forced to peel away from the comforts of the living room and venture outside. Could fresh air and sunshine possibly be better than the views on screen?
Log Off
Lydia says hello to everyone, but her family members are absorbed in their gadgets. Feeling restless, she ventures outside where there are so many things to say hello to—rocks, leaves, flowers and more.
In this wordless picture book, a little girl collects wildflowers while her father who is distracted by his phone pays her little attention. Each flower becomes a gift, and whether the gift is noticed or ignored, both giver and recipient are transformed by their encounter.
• Mum For Sale by Zanni Louise
Errol’s mum won’t get off the phone. So there’s only one thing for Errol to do ... Find out what happens when cheeky Errol puts his mum up for sale!My students love this book.
Go Outside
The great outdoors are waiting, ready to be filled with excitement and imagination. Explore the fun that can be had outdoors in all weathers and count how many children have gone outside to play in this joyful celebration of imaginative play and the simple pleasure of spending time outside everyday.
• On a Magical Do-Nothing Day by Beatrice Alemanga
All I want to do on a rainy day like today is play my game. My mom says it’s a waste of time, but without my game, nothing is fun! On the other hand, maybe I’m wrong about that...
• Today by Gabby Snyder
Today may seem long before leaving for a summer vacation or short during the time away. The moments that make up the day are filled with surprises, joy, fun, and memories. This book guides young readers to keep their eyes and ears open so the day doesn’t slip by.
For more titles and ideas look here.
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