In this fast-paced age of technology, the need to unplug, slow down and recharge is more important than ever. Our society is becoming more and more reliant on and addicted to our devices. As adults we can understand the need for balance in our lives but children don't always have that perspective and are much more susceptible to becoming addicted, especially under the age of 10. Most parents remember a time when they didn't have their nose constantly buried in a glowing screen, when things were not instant and you had to create your own fun. Whether it was building a fort, inventing a game, reading or making a "real" book, personalizing your bike or skateboard or cracking open a brand new big box of Crayola crayons (the one with the sharpener) and using every single color, we were problem-solving and creating something.

As a tool for creativity and learning, technology can be extraordinary but even then discretion needs to be used with students to not skip crucial steps of cognitive and social development. Children now use tablets and computers all day long at school, where test scores are the goal but art and music are not valued for their own sake. Surprisingly, Steve Jobs was a low-tech parent and many other tech CEO's adamantly limit their children's screen time based on their age. All agreed though, regardless of age, to absolutely no screens in the bedroom (Bilton)

An important part of learning and growing comes from struggling with a new task or material, focusing and problem solving, being inspired by others and finally gaining confidence by achieving and creating something new. Summer is a great time to take a technology break and PrairieArt Studio offers many opportunities, with camps and classes, for students of all ages to develop their creative side.

Source(s): Bilton, Nick. "Steve Jobs Was a Low-Tech Parent." nytimes.com. The New York Times. September 10, 2014. Web. May 22, 2015. <http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/11/fashion/steve-jobs-apple-was-a-low-tech-parent.html?_r=0>