Lifestyle

Schools Are Competing With Cell Phones. Here’s How They Think They Can Win

Published

6 months ago

August 26, 2024

IAM

Isabella Pires first noticed what she calls a “gradual pandemic of apathy” in eighth grade. Only a handful of her classmates signed up for the charity projects she helped organize at her Massachusetts school. Even fewer actually showed up.

When Isabella entered highschool last fall, she noticed that the issue was much more serious: a low-activity Spirit Week and classes during which students rarely spoke up.

In some ways, it’s as if students “just care less and less about what people think, but somehow more,” said Isabella, 14. Some teens, she said, not care about being seen as disengaged, while others are so afraid of ridicule that they keep to themselves. She blames social media and the prolonged isolation of the post-COVID era.

Teachers say their tried-and-true lesson plans are not any longer enough to maintain students engaged in an era of mental health struggles, shortened attention spans, decreased attendance and declining academic performance. At the guts of those challenges? Cellphone addiction. Now, adults are attempting recent strategies to reverse the malaise.

Cellphone bans are gaining popularity, but many say they’re not enough. They argue for an alternate type of stimulation: getting students outside or into extracurricular activities to fill time they may otherwise spend alone online. And students need an outlet, they are saying, to speak about taboo subjects without fear of being “shunned” on social media.

“To engage students now, you have to be very, very creative,” said Wilbur Higgins, English major at Dartmouth High School, where Isabella might be a sophomore this fall.

Lock them up

Mobile phone pockets, cabinets and baskets have gotten increasingly popular and can assist implement mobile device bans.

John Nguyen, a chemistry teacher in California, invented the pocket system because he was so annoyed by the bullying and phone fights during classes, often without adult intervention. Many teachers are afraid to confront students who use their phones during class, Nguyen said, and others have given up attempting to stop it.

At Nguyen’s school, students lock their phones in neoprene bags during classes and even throughout the day. A teacher or school principal opens the baggage with a magnetic key.

It doesn’t matter how intense the lesson is, said Nguyen, who teaches at Marina Valley High School and now sells the baggage to other schools. “There’s nothing that can compete with a cell phone.”

Do something (different)

Some schools are also locking up smartwatches and wireless headphones. But the baggage don’t work once the ultimate bell rings.

That’s why in Spokane, Washington, schools are increasing after-school programs to compete with after-hours phone calls.

The Engage IRL — In Real Life initiative, which launches this month, goals to offer every student something to look ahead to after a tough day at college, whether it’s sports, performing arts or clubs.

“Hours of daily isolation at home after school, using a personal device, has become the norm,” said Inspector Adam Swinyard.

Students can form clubs around interests like board games and knitting, or take part in local basketball leagues. Teachers will help students develop a plan for involvement during back-to-school conferences, the district says.

“From 3 to 5:30, you’re in a club, playing sports, taking part in activities,” as a substitute of in your phone, Swinyard said. (The district has a brand new ban on phones during class but will allow them after school.)

In a time of high absenteeism, he also hopes the classes might be the additional push some students have to attend school. In a Gallup poll last November, only 48% of middle and highschool students said they felt motivated to go to high school, and only 52% felt they did something interesting on daily basis. The survey was funded by the Walton Family Foundation, which also supports environmental journalism on the AP.

Vivian Mead, a senior from Spokane, said more extracurricular activities help, but they won’t work for everybody. “There are definitely people who just want to be by themselves, listen to their music, do their own thing, or be on their phone, for example,” said Vivian, 17.

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Her 15-year-old sister, Alexandra, said the morning counseling sessions have improved participation within the drama club the sisters are involved in. “It forces everyone, even if they don’t want to get involved, to try something, and maybe it will work,” she said.

Go outside

Thirteen Maine high schools took an analogous approach, inviting students to outdoor classes for 35,000 hours during a particular week in May.

It’s empowering for college kids to attach in nature, away from screens, said Tim Pearson, a physical education and health teacher whose students at Dedham School participated within the statewide “Life Happens Outside” challenge.

Teachers adapted their lessons to happen outside, and students bonded outdoors during lunch and recess. That evening, about half of Dedham’s students camped out, encouraged by the pizza party. Several students told Pearson they camped out again after the challenge.

“Whether they had their phones on them or not, they were building fires, they were pitching tents,” Pearson said. “They were doing things outside that are clearly not on social media or texting.”

An appeal to oldsters

Parents also need to alter the culture of cellphone use of their families, some teachers say. At home, Ohio teacher Aaron Taylor forbids cellphone use when his children have friends over.

And when children are at college, parents mustn’t distract them throughout the day by sending them text messages asking to examine on them, he added.

“Students are so attached to their families,” said Taylor, who teaches at Westerville North High School, near Columbus. “There’s a sense of anxiety about not being able to connect with them, rather than appreciating the freedom of being alone for eight hours or with friends.”

Fight the fear of “cancellation”

Some say other forces behind teen disengagement are only amplified by cell phones. The divisive political climate often makes students reluctant to participate at school when anything they are saying can spread around the college on messaging apps.

Taylor High School English students tell him they don’t talk at school because they don’t need to be “invalidated” — a term used for public figures who’re silenced or ostracized after expressing offensive opinions or speech.

“I said, ‘Well, who’s rejecting you? And why would you be rejected? We’re talking about ‘The Great Gatsby,’ not some controversial political topic,” he said.

Students “become very, very quiet” when themes like sexuality, gender or politics come up in novels, said Higgins, an English teacher in Massachusetts. “Eight years ago, there were shooting hands everywhere. Nobody wants to be labeled a certain way or ridiculed or criticized for politics anymore.”

That’s why Higgins uses web sites like Parlay, which permit students to anonymously have online discussions. These services are expensive, but Higgins believes the commitment to classes is price it.

“I can see who they are when they answer questions and stuff, but other students can’t,” Higgins said. “That can be very, very powerful.”

Concerned concerning the lack of engagement from her peers, Higgins student Isabella wrote an article in the college newspaper.

“It is up to us to ensure that future generations do not find themselves in the same downward cycle,” she wrote.

A comment under the post highlighted the challenge and the stakes involved.

“Generally speaking,” the commenter wrote, “why should we care?”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

Related Topics:@AP Mobile phones Schools Students

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Lifestyle

Tunde Oyeneyin Peloton about what to do when you don’t feel like moving

Published

12 hours ago

March 3, 2025

IAM

“I wanted to run this morning, but I didn’t do it because my body said you didn’t need it,” explained a 39-year-old fitness star, adding that she did some mobility as a substitute on her foam roller.

“I worked. I felt my heart rate was growing. I felt a little sweat, but I poured love for my body, not burden my body just because the plan said that I should run this morning – she continued. “Listening to your body sometimes means deviating from the plan and you provide you with a brand new plan.”

Listening to your body just isn’t just about how you feel physically. Among the social, political and economic climate, finding motivation to move the body might be difficult.

“I am the same as a person,” said Oyeneyin. “When I feel hard outside, I feel it in myself, in my heart, in my body. Sometimes the heaviness of the world shows in my body. “

When the world becomes overwhelming, the teacher said that he gives himself a grace.

“I do know that sometimes when the world feels heavy and feels dark, movement just isn’t what I need to do and permit myself. I devote just a few days I would like, after which I’m within the space where I can finally see and keep in mind that movement can be what leads me through a storm. Movement can be what gives me grace to see the sunshine on the opposite side – she noted.

Oyeneyin, who has been in Peloton for six years, is a strength on the earth of fitness. Powerhouse instructor and creator have experience as a star makeup, and once fought for doubt before she got here up with the movement. Her book “Speak: Find your voice, trust the intestines and go from the place where you are, where you want to be” Chronicle of her journey to confidence.

“When I move, whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour, I feel something in my body that I have never done before. There is lightness. The weight is metaphorically raised – she said.

On days when she is attached to the time or little motivation, she noticed that she would force herself to move for 10 minutes and suggests that others would try.

“99,99999% of time, I exceed 10 minutes” – added the creator. “The mind and body began to connect.”

Apart from that, Peloton applicationShe said, she is filled with motivation to move.

“I don’t think there is something in the application that you will not take motivation,” said Oyeneyin, adding: “Are you a skier and you want to build strength, we have it in the application. If you are a golfer and want to strengthen the golf game, we have it in the application. If the world feels heavy and you need to reset and you need 10 or 20 minutes of mindfulness meditation, we have it in the application. “

For her, she said that mediation is coming running.

“Running is a spot where I find peace and consolation on the earth. There I can concentrate on my breath and training – she explained.

She continued: “And for many people whom I am lucky to follow me on the platform, they find their relief on a bike. So everyone is something for themselves, no matter who you are. “

Movement and exercise can cost a small cost for some: their glam. Some allow the fear of sweating hair to stop them from harder during training.

“Although I don’t want to sweat, I also want my carved arms,” said Oyeneyin.

“I’m in front of the camera. I work in front of a life camera. So I understand – continued the athlete Nike. “I try, I might like to look cute, but at the tip of the day, if you force me to select one between the opposite, I need to be strong. I can sweat and be sexy. “

Have you already abandoned your fitness goals in the new year? Peloton's instructor Adrian Williams has some tips

(Tagstotransate) lifestyle

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com

Lifestyle

Brigette Romanek debuts the “glamous” collection in Crate & Barrel

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2025

IAM

The well-known interior designer Brigette Romanek introduces her first collection with Crate & Barrel-54-part line that mixes glamor and ease, bringing a classy, but relaxed touch of a beloved house seller.

After presenting your knowledge about interior design with stars clients, similar to Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Kelly Rowland, Crate & Barrel, Romanek tapped to create a collection that embodies her characteristic funny aesthetics inspired by California.

“We are all so busy in our daily lives that thanks to my approach to design, I want people to stop and breathe when entering any room,” Romanek he said . “Working, Crate & Barrel and I both shared a true passion to encourage beautiful moments through the design, and everything, from furniture to decorations in this collection, are aimed at supporting this calming lifestyle.”

Celebrated for easily combining aesthetics with functionality, the CRATE & Barrel Romanek collection is rooted in a timeless design with visually nice surprises and thoroughly created to make sure peace and flexibility in any space. Her knowledge about mixing various materials shines in wealthy layers of travertine, historic brass and bleached forests.

“The process of cooperation with Brigette was so inspiring and we had the honor to bring her a unique vision, bold creativity and artistically selected style for our clients,” said Sebastian Brauer, senior vp of CRATE & Barrel. “This collection seems effective and relaxed, combining modern, clean lines with natural and luxurious materials.”

Chest and barrel expressed His emotions during the announcement of the collection on Instagram on February 20.

“Confession: We have been keeping it secret for a year, and today! 🎉 @brigetteromaniac X @Crateandbarrel The collection is here! “The seller signed his position.

“This is not your average cooperation. Think brave and vibey – just like the amazing designer star herself. We love how it is about abandoning the rules of designing and creating a house that seems to be super personal: “Returning home should feel like a breath. Like entering your individual sanctuary. “

From plush chocolate velvet sofas at a price from 2499 to USD 2,899 to Oak Wood Credenzas (1999 USD) and chest of drawers (2,699 USD), Brigette Romanek for the CRATE & Barrel collection adds luxury to each space. Store Collection in Crate & Barrel, while the supplies are last.

(Tagstotransate) Brigette Romanek

This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.com

Lifestyle

“Rhop” stars react to the judgment of Karen Huger, because the series announces that it plans to continue without a star

Published

3 days ago

March 1, 2025

IAM

“The Real Housewives of Potomac” will last without “Great Dame”, Karen Huger. After Huger was sentenced to a yr in prison for the fourth conviction of Dui, the sources reported People magazine That Bravo plans to go forward with the production of the tenth season of the series in the absence of the star. Bravo didn’t confirm or deny the reports.

“This is very terrifying, but I accept full responsibility for everything that happened with my car accident,” apparently Huger said after the sentences. “No, I’m not an alcoholic, let’s be clear.”

Just as fans reacted to social media messages, some of the solid members publicly spoke publicly about their reactions at the end of Huger’s legal saga.

“My jaw has fallen,” said Wendy Osefo People magazine. “I couldn’t believe it. At the end of the day we can have our differences, but I always wish it well and I just keep her in prayer, 100%. “

Similarly, Ashley Darby recalls crying “like a child” when she discovered before her Exposing yourself at the Tamron Hall show.

“I really encourage everyone to keep Karen in your prayers,” said Hall. “I really care.”

For Gizelle Bryant, who began her profession Real Housewives in Huger in 2016, the legal “Grand Dame” fights caused a lot of emotions. After breaking away from the video from Huger during the Rhop congress, Bryant shared her response to the most legal verdict of the star during her “Gizelle 21 questions live” on Wednesday.

“It happened today. I do not have her wig. I’m nervous – she joked US weekly. “I’m shocked … I’m seriously nervous about her safety. Karen shouldn’t be cut into prison, she added. “I pray that she is fine and that the Lord is with her.”

Although Bravo has not confirmed or denied whether or not they would filmate Rhop without Huger, each Omefo and Bryant seem open to the possibility of continuing her absence.

“In this group we found a way to move with her presence and without her presence,” said Osefo. “Looking at the congress, I think that we maneuver in a positive way as an individual as an individual. I wish her all the best, but I think that the Potomac brand is still strong. “