Unplugged Learning by Alana Winnick

Silent Discussion

awinnick4 — 2026-02-27 18:02:39 UTC

Check out John Spencer’s idea of a silent discussion, a powerful strategy that slows thinking down while increasing participation and depth. Instead of the loudest voices dominating, students respond and build on ideas in writing, making thinking visible and inclusive. It’s a great way to support quieter students, English learners, and anyone who benefits from more processing time.

2026-03-03 03:14:28 UTC

Since you’re working with the PTA to extend unplugging into the weekend, have students brainstorm together (in small groups) unplugged activities they can/will do over the weekend and then have each student write down their plan on paper.

2026-03-03 03:16:02 UTC

Anything outside is always a plus. It might be harder if you’re in an urban environment. As long as it is structured well with enough adults then go outside!

2026-03-03 03:17:27 UTC

I used to do an activity where students wrote a letter to someone that had made a difference in their life. They told them details of how they had made the difference. Then they put the handwritten letter in an envelope they address. I taught them some simple calligraphy to address the envelope. This was based on a Chicken Soup for the Soul story by Helice Bridges called “ who I am makes a difference.” We even invited them to school and gave each of them a blue ribbon that said a Who I am makes a difference. Then as their teacher I thanked the people that were invited in for the positive difference they are making in the students’ lives. It was a powerful event! I did it for years!

2026-03-03 03:18:32 UTC

I love this idea Alana. When I had my own self-contained classroom every Friday afternoon, we did a postcard home. The student wrote their name and could address the postcard to anybody. They wanted a parent a relative even a neighbor and the prompts were the same every week. The student wrote their name then we asked what was the best part of their week. Next, they’re asked what they might’ve struggled with during the week. And finally, they were given a prompt to ask who was receiving the postcard to ask them about a particular thing that happened at school they would write about. The students and families loved this for all the years we did this because it prompted positive in person conversations every weekend. I’ve shared this throughout the years and many people have adapted to their individual classroom needs. Good luck.

2026-03-03 03:19:03 UTC

Debate :)

2026-03-03 03:19:50 UTC

It’s interesting. I’ve been teaching for 20 years, and the more I did “unplugged” days or screen free weeks, the more I saw positive results across the board. I’ve gotten to a point where, although I used to be so excited about new technology and even ran sessions on how to use different platforms and tools, I’ve found myself going back to the way I started my career, quite analog.

The focus, attention, behaviors, joy, learning, eye contact, conversations… are so much stronger. Parents and students seem to love it.

My teaching shift really started when I became a parent and saw how these tools impact children. I lived the results.

I love promoting unplugged days. We need to reinforce skills before screens and learning how to learn! 👏🏼