Making Real Life More Interesting Than a Screen

In 2025, New York State took a bold step to address the effect of screentime on students by passing a law that bans cell phones in school. And already, teachers have noticed powerful results.

With phones switched off and tucked away, students are more social, more focused, and more engaged. Educators say there’s been an increase in social interaction, learning, and overall happiness.

So how can we build on this success after the last bell rings? By making students’ lives at home more interesting that what’s on their screens. Our favorite way to do this is by getting outside!

The Group has been teaching environmental education programs in schools across the East End for more than 40 years. We’ve seen first-hand that nothing compares to discovering wildlife or other curiosities in nature to get children excited, engaged, and learning. The hands-on, real world experiences of being outdoors have inspired art, writing, creative thinking, and problem solving.

Here are some tips to get you started…

Set an example
You don’t have to know the name of every plant and animal or be able to hike the longest trails to inspire a sense of curiosity for nature in your children. As adults, we often don’t embrace the excitement around us, but your own enthusiasm can be the spark for your child’s own interest in nature.

Start in your own backyard
Get outside in your backyard or visit a neighborhood park with a magnifying glass or pocket microscope. Gain a new perspective on the natural world by focusing on the small things. Maybe it’s an anthill, dew on the grass, or insects on flowers — each discovery is an opportunity to slow down and appreciate nature.

Go on a scavenger hunt
Make a list with your children of things you might be able to find outdoors. It could include different shaped mushrooms, types of insects, or colorful leaves. For older children, check out some field guides from the local library to get additional ideas of things to search for and learn more about what they discover.

Get messy
After the rain, play in the mud! Encourage younger children to get creative by finding grasses, acorns, and flowers to mix into a “cake” or “soup.” You’ll be surprised at how quickly this outdoor kitchen becomes a favorite pastime. Another messy idea for kids of all ages is to imagine themselves as a bird, building a nest with these same natural materials.

Head to the beach year-round
Beach season doesn’t end when summer does! Fall and winter are great seasons for beachcombing. Bring a bucket and walk along the wrack line where seaweed and shells wash up to collect a few treasures. Encourage your children to sketch them, ask questions, and perhaps do some research when you get home.

Embrace the darkness
The sun is setting earlier, making it easier the spend more time under the moon and stars. Plan a family moon walk through the neighborhood or in your backyard — anywhere with trees. Look and listen for different animals, and note how it feels to explore nature at night.

Make friends with a tree
That’s right — find a tree near your home, give it a name, and observe it. Sketch it, notice how the leaves change with the seasons, if there are seeds or buds, and what animals and insects are nearby. Check on your tree every week and see what new things you might learn.

Spending time in nature with these fun and simple ideas can create lasting memories for your family. We encourage you to observe together, let your curiosity grow, and find a deeper understanding of the environment. With this stronger connection to nature, who will need a screen, anyway?

PS — interested in having the Group teach environmental programs in your child’s East End school? Learn more and get in touch here!