GOALS FOR OUR SCHOOL:

• Reach 1 million minutes of tech-free time over four weeks in November
• Unlock a match to support playground renovations and a new athletic and multipurpose facility

GOALS FOR YOUR FAMILY:

• Secure at least four supporters who will have their gifts matched when students reach 1 million minutes
• Encourage at least 30 minutes of tech-free play every day in November

KEY DATES:

• Beginning October 7: Students ask friends and family to support their tech-free goal
• November 4 - December 1: 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 goal by making a gift in their honor. Gifts will go towards playground renovations and a new athletic and multipurpose facility.

NOVEMBER

• The challenge kicks off on Monday, November 4th.
• Students track their daily tech-free minutes in Red Folders and Planners over four weeks.
• Teachers collect their class’s minutes on Mondays for weekly school-wide progress updates.

DECEMBER

• The challenge ends on December 1st.
• If Oaks students collectively reach 1 million minutes, all donations to the challenge will be matched.
   

1. SET A 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 who will be excited about your child’s tech-free play goal, including friends, extended family, neighbors, church family, and coworkers. Use the info card to tell them your child joined the 1 Million Minute Challenge to help build a playground and new facility.

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

“Hi! My school is aiming for 1 million minutes of tech-free play to raise funds for playgrounds & a gym! I’m looking for sponsors to join the challenge with me. Will you donate to support me at TheOaksAcademy.org/challenge.”

You can also share digital versions of the info cards. Download an image of the Playground version or Facility version to include in your message!

3. IT’S NOT TOO LATE.

On November 4th, 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 THE MATCH.

Every week, we’ll share our students’ progress towards the 1 million minutes goal. Sharing about the challenge is inspiring as all donations to the challenge will be matched when we reach 1 million minutes, meaning supporters’ gifts will have twice the impact!
 

1. Create an art box with materials from around your house and set up an art gallery with your family’s creations.
2. Plan a picnic for a weekend meal.
3. Plant bulbs for next spring.
4. Create a new board game.
5. Read through a new book series.
6. Walk your neighborhood or discover a new trail.
7. Set up a scavenger hunt.
8. Find a pen pal to exchange handwritten letters (mail to your favorite family member or deliver to a neighbor’s mailbox).
9. Practice storytelling and discover who can tell the tallest tale.
10. Plan a backward meal day (dessert first!).
11. Track how many card games you can learn in November using regular playing cards.
12. Borrow joke books from the library.
13. Put on a play for family and neighbors.
14. Accomplish the amazing feat of solving the Rubik cube.
15. Design a family coloring book featuring your favorite people and places.
16. Write and illustrate a comic book.
17. Enjoy A-Z nature walks, spotting animals and natural objects using every letter of the alphabet.
18. Play the slow-motion game by completing daily tasks at half the speed.
19. Only speak in Pig Latin during an entire evening.
20. Write a short story.
21. Interview your grandparents.
22. Create a grateful collage using pictures and words from magazines.
23. Build an obstacle course.
24. Play the Memory Tray game to see who has the best recollection.
25. Start a puzzle and game swap with other families.

We want to know what our students would love to have on their future playground, and may even get inspiration when we are updating the playgrounds!

Fill out their name and grade on the sheet, provide coloring materials, and encourage them to design the best playground they can imagine. Send the completed drawing back in their red folder. And don’t forget to log the minutes designing the playground to the weekly tracking sheet!

Download another copy of the Dream Playground Sheet here

1. HOW CAN FAMILIES PARTICIPATE?

In October, parents can encourage their children to ask friends or family members to support their tech-free play by making a donation in their honor. Starting November 4, 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 play starting November 4 and ending December 1 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 PLAY’?

Any activity that does not involve screens or digital devices qualifies as tech-free play. This includes sports practice and games, reading, arts and crafts, game nights, family walks, and more! 

4. WHAT ARE THE FUNDS BEING RAISED FOR?

Funds will be used to renovate the playgrounds at both lower schools and build a new athletic and multipurpose facility at our Martindale-Brightwood campus. These improvements are part of Rooted & Rising: A Campaign for The Oaks Academy to create an improved, lasting Oaks experience.

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

Each student will be encouraged to tell family, friends, and neighbors about their upcoming tech-free play and ask them to donate to the challenge in their honor. Supporters can visit TheOaksAcademy.org/challenge. 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