November Newsletter

Passive vs. Interactive Screen Time: What’s the Difference?

Not all screen time affects the brain the same way. Research shows that the type of screen engagement matters more than the minutes alone.

Passive Screen Time

This includes:

Watching TV or videos alone

Scrolling

Background screens always playing

Passive screen time offers little opportunity for language practice. Children become spectators instead of communicators, which may contribute to delayed speech or reduced vocabulary.

Interactive Screen Time

This includes:

Watching and talking with a caregiver

Using learning apps that require responses, labeling, or problem-solving

Video chatting with family

Interactive screen time supports language because it involves:

turn-taking

conversation

naming

problem-solving

emotional connection

Screens aren’t harmful — isolation is.

How Much Screen Time Is Okay?

Guidelines vary, but most speech-language and developmental experts suggest:

Under age 2: Avoid passive screen time; video calls are encouraged.

Ages 2–5: About 1 hour per day, focusing on high-quality and interactive content.

Ages 6+: Balance screen time with movement, play, and social interaction.

During travel and holidays, flexibility is realistic — consistency matters more than perfection.

Tips for Healthy Screen Use During the Holidays

Try these simple adjustments to make screen time developmentally friendly:

1. Make Screen Time Shared Time

Sit with your child and talk about what they’re watching:

“Who is that?”

“What’s happening?”

“What do you think will happen next?”

“Can you find the dog on the screen?”

Even 2–3 minutes of engagement boosts learning.

2. Use the “Watch, Pause, Talk” Method

Watch → pause → comment → ask a question.

This encourages comprehension and expressive language.

3. Connect Screen Themes to Real Life

If they watch an episode about baking, follow it with:

Pretend play

Real cooking

Drawing or storytelling

This turns screens into learning bridges, not replacements for experience.

Holiday Alternatives to Screen Time

Screens can be part of the season — just not the whole season.

Here are engaging, language-boosting alternatives:

Puzzles

Read-aloud time

Road-trip “I spy” games

Coloring and crafts

Building blocks or Legos

Holiday scavenger hunt

Pretend play with dolls, trucks, or animals

Music, dancing, and movement games

These activities build vocabulary, speech sounds, turn-taking, problem-solving, and imagination.

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November Reading List for your Little One!

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November Craft: Turkey Time!