Forge Valley School in Sheffield has recently implemented a ban on the use of smart devices such as phones, watches, and headphones within its premises. Students are required to surrender these gadgets if found using them, and they are returned after 24 hours. Head teacher Dale Barrowclough expressed concerns about students being excessively attached to their mobile phones, leading to a “zombie-like” behavior.
The decision to prohibit smart devices has been met with mixed reactions from students. Some have found it beneficial as they are now engaging more with their peers instead of being constantly distracted by their phones. One student mentioned that the ban has encouraged more face-to-face interactions, which they view as a positive change in their daily routine.
The school’s initiative aims to create a more focused and interactive learning environment by minimizing distractions caused by smart devices. By limiting the use of phones and watches, students are encouraged to be more present and engaged during classes and school activities. This move aligns with the school’s goal of promoting effective communication and social interaction among students.
In a video report by Amy Garcia and Jacob Tomlinson, the impact of the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School is highlighted. Students share their experiences and perspectives on the new policy, shedding light on the benefits of reduced screen time and increased personal interactions. The school’s efforts to address the issue of excessive phone usage among students have sparked discussions on the importance of balancing technology use with real-world connections.
As schools continue to navigate the challenges of integrating technology into education, initiatives like the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School serve as a reminder of the importance of mindful technology use. By fostering a school environment that encourages face-to-face communication and active participation, students can develop essential social skills and focus on their academic growth. The ongoing dialogue around technology use in educational settings underscores the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both digital literacy and interpersonal connections.
Original news source: School calls time on pupils’ smart devices (BBC)
🎧 Listen:
Slow
Normal
Fast
📖 Vocabulary:
| 1 | implemented | Put into effect or action |
| 2 | premises | The buildings and land that a school or business occupies |
| 3 | surrender | To give up or hand over |
| 4 | excessively | To a greater degree than is necessary or normal |
| 5 | prohibit | To formally forbid or prevent |
| 6 | beneficial | Producing good or helpful results |
| 7 | initiative | A plan or action intended to solve a problem |
| 8 | minimizing | Reducing to the smallest possible amount |
| 9 | perspectives | A particular attitude or way of viewing something |
| 10 | sparked | Caused or initiated |
| 11 | integrating | Combining or incorporating into a larger whole |
| 12 | fostering | Encouraging the development of something |
| 13 | ongoing | Continuing or in progress |
| 14 | dialogue | A conversation or exchange of ideas |
| 15 | interpersonal | Relating to relationships or communication between people |
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– Headline Creation
Instructions: Ask students to come up with a catchy headline that summarizes the article about Forge Valley School’s ban on smart devices. Encourage them to be creative and concise in capturing the main idea of the news.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups. One group will discuss the advantages of the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School, while the other group will focus on the disadvantages. After a few minutes of discussion, each group will present their points to the class, promoting critical thinking and debate skills.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article on separate pieces of paper. Have students choose a word and draw it on the board without using any letters or numbers. Their classmates must guess the word based on the drawing, helping reinforce vocabulary retention in a fun and engaging way.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: In pairs or small groups, have students discuss and make predictions about the potential long-term effects of the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School. Encourage them to consider how this policy might impact students’ behavior, academic performance, and social interactions in the future.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: After reading the article, ask students to think individually about their opinions on the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School. Then, pair them up to share their thoughts with a partner. Finally, open up the discussion to the whole class, allowing students to express their views and engage in a group conversation about the topic.
🤔 Comprehension Questions:
1. What are the smart devices that Forge Valley School has banned on its premises?
2. How do students at Forge Valley School feel about the ban on smart devices?
3. What was one positive change mentioned by a student regarding the ban on smart devices?
4. What is the main goal of the school’s initiative to prohibit smart devices?
5. How has the ban on smart devices impacted the learning environment at Forge Valley School?
6. According to the article, what are some benefits of reducing screen time and increasing personal interactions among students?
7. How do the efforts of Forge Valley School to address excessive phone usage among students contribute to the ongoing discussion about technology in education?
8. In what way does the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School highlight the importance of balancing technology use and real-world connections in educational settings?
Go to answers ⇩
🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Forge Valley School in Sheffield has recently implemented a ban on the use of smart devices such as (1)______, (2)______, and headphones within its premises. Students are (3)______ to surrender these gadgets if found using them, and they are returned after 24 hours. Head teacher Dale Barrowclough expressed concerns about students being excessively attached to their mobile phones, leading to a “zombie-like” behavior.
The decision to prohibit smart devices has been met with mixed (4)______ from students. Some have found it beneficial as they are now engaging more with their peers instead of being constantly distracted by their phones. One student mentioned that the ban has encouraged more face-to-face interactions, which they view as a positive change in their daily (5)______.
The school’s initiative aims to create a more (6)______ and interactive learning environment by minimizing distractions caused by smart devices. By limiting the use of phones and watches, students are encouraged to be more (7)______ and (8)______ during classes and school activities. This move aligns with the school’s goal of promoting effective communication and social interaction among students.
In a video report by Amy Garcia and Jacob Tomlinson, the impact of the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School is highlighted. Students share their experiences and perspectives on the new policy, shedding light on the (9)______ of reduced screen time and increased personal interactions. The school’s efforts to address the issue of excessive phone usage among students have sparked (10)______ on the importance of balancing technology use with real-world (11)______.
As (12)______ continue to navigate the challenges of (13)______ technology into education, initiatives like the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School serve as a reminder of the importance of mindful technology use. By fostering a school (14)______ that encourages face-to-face communication and active participation, students can develop essential social skills and focus on their academic (15)______. The ongoing dialogue around technology use in educational settings underscores the need for a (16)______ approach that prioritizes both digital literacy and interpersonal connections.
Go to answers ⇩
💬 Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. How do you think excessive phone usage affects students’ ability to engage with their peers?
2. Do you believe that banning smart devices in schools is an effective way to promote face-to-face interactions? Why or why not?
3. How important do you think it is for students to develop strong social skills through personal interactions rather than relying on technology?
4. Do you think the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School will have a long-lasting impact on students’ behavior and communication skills? Why or why not?
5. How do you personally feel about the idea of surrendering your phone and other smart devices during school hours?
6. In your opinion, what are the potential drawbacks of completely banning smart devices in schools?
7. How do you think the use of technology in education can be balanced with the need for real-world connections and face-to-face interactions?
8. Do you think schools should implement similar bans on smart devices to encourage students to engage more with their surroundings? Why or why not?
9. How do you think the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School could influence students’ academic performance and focus in class?
10. What are some alternative strategies schools could use to reduce students’ dependence on smart devices without implementing a ban?
11. How do you think the use of smart devices affects students’ ability to concentrate and retain information during lessons?
12. Do you believe that the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School will improve students’ overall well-being and mental health? Why or why not?
13. How would you personally feel if your school implemented a similar ban on smart devices?
14. What do you think are the benefits of students engaging more in face-to-face interactions rather than through technology?
15. Do you think the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School will have a positive impact on students’ communication skills outside of the school environment? Why or why not?
Individual Activities
📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. implemented
2. premises
3. surrender
4. excessively
5. prohibit
6. beneficial
7. initiative
8. minimizing
9. perspectives
10. sparked
11. integrating
12. fostering
13. ongoing
14. dialogue
15. interpersonal
Meanings:
(A) To give up or hand over
(B) Combining or incorporating into a larger whole
(C) To formally forbid or prevent
(D) Continuing or in progress
(E) Put into effect or action
(F) Producing good or helpful results
(G) Caused or initiated
(H) A plan or action intended to solve a problem
(I) A conversation or exchange of ideas
(J) The buildings and land that a school or business occupies
(K) Relating to relationships or communication between people
(L) A particular attitude or way of viewing something
(M) Encouraging the development of something
(N) To a greater degree than is necessary or normal
(O) Reducing to the smallest possible amount
Go to answers ⇩
🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What type of devices are banned at Forge Valley School?
(a) Laptops
(b) Smart devices
(c) Calculators
(d) E-readers
2. Who expressed concerns about students’ excessive attachment to mobile phones at Forge Valley School?
(a) A student council member
(b) The school janitor
(c) Head teacher Dale Barrowclough
(d) The school nurse
3. How long are students required to surrender their gadgets if found using them at Forge Valley School?
(a) 24 hours
(b) 12 hours
(c) 48 hours
(d) 6 hours
4. What positive change have some students noticed since the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School?
(a) More time for gaming
(b) More time for social media
(c) More face-to-face interactions
(d) More time for texting
5. What is the main goal of the school’s initiative to ban smart devices?
(a) To increase screen time for students
(b) To encourage students to use more devices
(c) To discourage face-to-face communication
(d) To create a more focused and interactive learning environment
6. What do students at Forge Valley School share in the video report by Amy Garcia and Jacob Tomlinson?
(a) Their experiences and perspectives on the new policy
(b) Their favorite mobile apps
(c) Their plans for the weekend
(d) Their opinions on global warming
7. What is highlighted as a benefit of the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School?
(a) Increased screen time and decreased personal interactions
(b) More time spent on social media
(c) More time spent on gaming
(d) Reduced screen time and increased personal interactions
8. What is emphasized as important in the ongoing dialogue around technology use in educational settings?
(a) Completely eliminating technology use
(b) Balancing technology use with real-world connections
(c) Prioritizing digital literacy over interpersonal connections
(d) Using technology at all times
Go to answers ⇩
🕵️ True or False Questions:
1. Some students have found the ban detrimental as they are now disengaging more with their peers instead of being constantly focused by their phones.
2. Head teacher Dale Barrowclough praised students for being moderately attached to their mobile phones, leading to a healthy behavior.
3. Forge Valley School in Sheffield has recently implemented a policy allowing unlimited use of smart devices such as phones, watches, and headphones within its premises.
4. A video report by Amy Garcia and Jacob Tomlinson highlights the impact of the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School, with students sharing their experiences and perspectives.
5. Students are encouraged to use their smart devices at all times, and they are rewarded for doing so.
6. The decision to prohibit smart devices at Forge Valley School has been met with mixed reactions from students.
7. The ongoing dialogue around technology use in educational settings underscores the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both digital literacy and interpersonal connections.
8. The school’s initiative aims to create a more focused and interactive learning environment by minimizing distractions caused by smart devices.
Go to answers ⇩
📝 Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. How has the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School impacted student interactions and behavior according to the article?
2. What are the reasons behind the head teacher’s decision to implement the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School?
3. How have students reacted to the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School, and what are some of the benefits they have experienced?
4. How does the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School contribute to creating a more focused and interactive learning environment, as mentioned in the article?
5. In what ways does the article suggest that the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School align with the school’s goal of promoting effective communication and social interaction among students?
✅ Answers
🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What are the smart devices that Forge Valley School has banned on its premises?
Phones, watches, and headphones.
2. How do students at Forge Valley School feel about the ban on smart devices?
Mixed reactions – some find it beneficial as they are engaging more with their peers, while others may not be in favor of the ban.
3. What was one positive change mentioned by a student regarding the ban on smart devices?
The ban has encouraged more face-to-face interactions among students.
4. What is the main goal of the school’s initiative to prohibit smart devices?
To create a more focused and interactive learning environment by minimizing distractions caused by smart devices.
5. How has the ban on smart devices impacted the learning environment at Forge Valley School?
It has encouraged students to be more present and engaged during classes and school activities.
6. According to the article, what are some benefits of reducing screen time and increasing personal interactions among students?
Benefits include improved social skills, increased focus on academic growth, and a more balanced approach to technology use.
7. How do the efforts of Forge Valley School to address excessive phone usage among students contribute to the ongoing discussion about technology in education?
They spark discussions on the importance of balancing technology use with real-world connections and highlight the need for a mindful approach to technology use in educational settings.
8. In what way does the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School highlight the importance of balancing technology use and real-world connections in educational settings?
It emphasizes the significance of fostering face-to-face communication, active participation, and developing essential social skills alongside digital literacy.
Go back to questions ⇧
🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) phones
(2) watches
(3) required
(4) reactions
(5) routine
(6) focused
(7) present
(8) engaged
(9) benefits
(10) discussions
(11) connections
(12) schools
(13) integrating
(14) environment
(15) growth
(16) balanced
Go back to questions ⇧
📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. implemented
Answer: (E) Put into effect or action
2. premises
Answer: (J) The buildings and land that a school or business occupies
3. surrender
Answer: (A) To give up or hand over
4. excessively
Answer: (N) To a greater degree than is necessary or normal
5. prohibit
Answer: (C) To formally forbid or prevent
6. beneficial
Answer: (F) Producing good or helpful results
7. initiative
Answer: (H) A plan or action intended to solve a problem
8. minimizing
Answer: (O) Reducing to the smallest possible amount
9. perspectives
Answer: (L) A particular attitude or way of viewing something
10. sparked
Answer: (G) Caused or initiated
11. integrating
Answer: (B) Combining or incorporating into a larger whole
12. fostering
Answer: (M) Encouraging the development of something
13. ongoing
Answer: (D) Continuing or in progress
14. dialogue
Answer: (I) A conversation or exchange of ideas
15. interpersonal
Answer: (K) Relating to relationships or communication between people
Go back to questions ⇧
🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What type of devices are banned at Forge Valley School?
Answer: (b) Smart devices
2. Who expressed concerns about students’ excessive attachment to mobile phones at Forge Valley School?
Answer: (c) Head teacher Dale Barrowclough
3. How long are students required to surrender their gadgets if found using them at Forge Valley School?
Answer: (a) 24 hours
4. What positive change have some students noticed since the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School?
Answer: (c) More face-to-face interactions
5. What is the main goal of the school’s initiative to ban smart devices?
Answer: (d) To create a more focused and interactive learning environment
6. What do students at Forge Valley School share in the video report by Amy Garcia and Jacob Tomlinson?
Answer: (a) Their experiences and perspectives on the new policy
7. What is highlighted as a benefit of the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School?
Answer: (d) Reduced screen time and increased personal interactions
8. What is emphasized as important in the ongoing dialogue around technology use in educational settings?
Answer: (b) Balancing technology use with real-world connections
Go back to questions ⇧
🕵️✅ True or False Answers:
1. Some students have found the ban detrimental as they are now disengaging more with their peers instead of being constantly focused by their phones. (Answer: False)
2. Head teacher Dale Barrowclough praised students for being moderately attached to their mobile phones, leading to a healthy behavior. (Answer: False)
3. Forge Valley School in Sheffield has recently implemented a policy allowing unlimited use of smart devices such as phones, watches, and headphones within its premises. (Answer: False)
4. A video report by Amy Garcia and Jacob Tomlinson highlights the impact of the ban on smart devices at Forge Valley School, with students sharing their experiences and perspectives. (Answer: True)
5. Students are encouraged to use their smart devices at all times, and they are rewarded for doing so. (Answer: False)
6. The decision to prohibit smart devices at Forge Valley School has been met with mixed reactions from students. (Answer: True)
7. The ongoing dialogue around technology use in educational settings underscores the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes both digital literacy and interpersonal connections. (Answer: True)
8. The school’s initiative aims to create a more focused and interactive learning environment by minimizing distractions caused by smart devices. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧
