GOALS FOR OUR SCHOOL

• Reach 1.5 million minutes of tech-free time in November
• Raise funds to expand hands-on learning experiences that inspire creativity and strengthen physical well-being

GOALS FOR YOUR FAMILY

• Find four supporters (one per week) 
• Commit to 30 minutes a day of tech-free family time
• Watch the impact grow as progress is tracked on each campus

KEY DATES

• Beginning October 4: Students ask friends and family to support their tech-free goals
• November 3-30: Log tech-free time on weekly tracking sheets in Red Folders and Planners

OCTOBER

• Students set their tech-free minutes goal (aim for at least 30 minutes a day).
• Students ask friends and family to support their minutes goal by making a gift in their honor. Gifts will go directly towards expanding hands-on learning experiences that inspire creativity and strengthen physical well-being.

NOVEMBER

• The challenge kicks off on Monday, November 3rd. 
• Students and their families track their tech-free minutes over four weeks.
• Teachers add their class’s minutes on Mondays towards our overall goal.
• The challenge ends on November 30th. 

1. SET your GOAL.

With your child, plan how many minutes they will set aside for daily tech-free play in November. Read through our list of tech-free ideas and create your family’s own list to easily reach for inspiration when the challenge begins.

2. Now tell folks about the challenge

Think about people who will be excited about your child’s tech-free time goal, including friends, extended family, neighbors, church family, and coworkers. Use the supporter card to let them know that your child has joined The Million Minute Challenge to help enhance hands-on learning experiences that inspire creativity and strengthen physical well-being.

If your child can’t tell them in person, send a message like this:

“Hi! Oaks students are aiming for 1.5 million minutes of tech-free time to raise funds for expanding hands-on learning experiences, and I’ve joined the challenge! I’m setting a goal of ___ minutes of tech-free time every day in November. Will you help me? You can see how at TheOaksAcademy.org/challenge.”

You can also share a digital version of the info cards to include in your message!

3. IT’S Never TOO LATE.

On November 3rd, your child will start tracking their tech-free minutes and it’s not too late to ask for support! They can let people know they’re working hard on their goal and need help to raise money.

4. SHARE ABOUT THEir goals!

Every week, we’ll share our students’ progress towards the 1.5 million minutes goal. Sharing about the challenge is inspiring as our students are working hard to develop healthier habits and stronger relationships.

Tech-free time is any activity that does not involve screens or digital devices. This includes sports practice and games, play dates, game nights, reading, arts and crafts, family walks, and more!

1. Create your own family recipe book by cooking and writing down favorite dishes.
2. Host a talent show where everyone can sing, dance, or showcase a skill.
3. Make leaf rubbings with paper and crayons to create autumn artwork.
4. Invent a secret family handshake.
5. Write a poem together and illustrate it.
6. Play “restaurant” and let kids design the menu and serve the meal.
7. Build a blanket fort and read stories inside.
8. Organize a relay race in your backyard or at a nearby park.
9. Collect rocks and paint them with cheerful designs.
10. Hold a “book tasting” by sampling the first chapter of several books.
11. Put on a puppet show with homemade puppets.
12. Create a gratitude jar and fill it with notes each day.
13. Practice yoga stretches as a family.
14. Build a Lego city and name each building or street.
15. Write a letter of encouragement to a teacher or friend.
16. Try a new outdoor sport together, such as frisbee golf or kickball.
17. Create your own family holiday with traditions and activities.
18. Draw a map of your neighborhood from memory.
19. Play charades using favorite books and characters.
20. Design bookmarks for your current reads.
21. Do a random act of kindness for a neighbor.
22. Host a costume night using only items from your closets.
23. Make paper airplanes and measure whose flies the farthest.
24. Learn to juggle using beanbags or socks.
25. End the month with a family “celebration night” to share favorite challenge moments.

1. HOW CAN FAMILIES PARTICIPATE?

In October, parents can encourage their children to ask friends or family members to support their tech-free time by donating in their honor. Starting November 3rd, families can enjoy at least 30 minutes of tech-free time every day over four weeks, logging their minutes on a special tracking sheet in their Red Folder or Planner

2. HOW ARE CHILDREN TRACKING THEIR MINUTES?

Students will track their minutes of tech-free time from November 4th to November 30th by using a special tracking sheet. Teachers will collect and report minutes weekly, and progress thermometers at each campus will be updated for the entire school to follow the progress.

3. WHAT COUNTS AS ‘TECH-FREE Time’?

Any activity that does not involve screens or digital devices qualifies as tech-free time. This includes sports practice and participation, game nights, reading, arts and crafts, family walks, and more! (See our list of ideas!)

4. WHAT ARE THE FUNDS BEING RAISED FOR?

Funds will be used to enhance hands-on learning experiences that unlock our students’ potential, especially their creativity and physical well-being.

5. HOW CAN MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY SUPPORT MY CHILD?

Every student will be encouraged to share their upcoming tech-free time with family, friends, and neighbors, and ask them to donate to the challenge in their honor. 

Supporters can use the QR code on the info cards or visit www.TheOaksAcademy.org/challenge. Using the challenge giving page will ensure they can donate in honor of your child. 

They can also make checks payable to “The Oaks Academy”, noting your child’s name in the memo line, and mail to:

The Oaks Academy
c/o Million Minutes
1301 East 16th St
Indianapolis, IN 46202