The world of apps is always changing. It can be difficult to keep up with the ones that can improve your own
productivity, not to mention knowing the ones that your children like to use. Smartphones and iPad devices have become fixtures in student’s social and academic lives, and it is important to know how your student is using them.

As an Apple Distinguished School, Shorecrest Preparatory School integrates many different apps into the curriculum through student iPads. Of course, students will download their own apps, as well. Over the last few school years, faculty and administrators have noticed that some apps are used more often and sometimes inappropriately.

It may not surprise parents and teachers that social media use among middle schoolers and teens is growing. Yet, many of us struggle to make sense of what our kids are doing online. We don’t understand what the fuss is about, and can’t seem to keep up with all the new apps and tools that are popping up. Often teens are more savvy than we might give them credit for. Common Sense Media, a website offering expert, parent and child reviews of technological entertainment, reports that 72% of teens believe that companies manipulate users into spending more time on their devices. 

If you have a Middle School-aged student, you’ve probably seen him or her attempting to flip a half-full plastic bottle and land it upright on a table. You may also have asked him or her to STOP flipping said bottle - it can be distracting and potentially messy if the cap isn’t on tight!

Cooking and baking with children are wonderful ways to learn math concepts. Though, admittedly it can be trying to talk through the lessons of cooking with small children when you’re in a rush to get dinner on the table.

Today’s students live in an interconnected digital world. As digital citizens, they need to understand how to be safe, responsible and ethical in their day to day interactions online. Schools like Shorecrest strive to partner with families to help build strong digital citizenship skills in children, and also to educate parents on the changing technological landscape. The presentation that follows was part of a digital citizenship workshop for Lower School (K-4th Grade) parents at Shorecrest, a private school in St. Petersburg, FL.