7 audio activities to replace screens in the evening

Screen-free evenings: 7 audio ideas worth trying (ages 8–15)

When eye strain is at its peak, audio soothes the mind and stimulates curiosity. With Compagnon, a smart speaker powered by generative AI, children can choose age-appropriate activities without screens, in complete safety—and you can set time slots to establish an evening ritual. The blue light emitted by screens has a direct impact on our production of melatonin, the essential hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. Studies unanimously show that exposure to this blue light before bed can lead to difficulty falling asleep and interrupted sleep. Indeed, our brain receives signals telling it that it is still time to be active, which delays the moment we drift into restful sleep. This situation is even more critical for children.

Here are some ideas to implement with your children for an enjoyable, fun, or relaxing end to the day—in short, screen-free! All these activities align with one or more educational goals that promote each child's development. Compagnon's generative AI was specifically developed to allow your 8 to 15-year-olds to learn progressively. 

1. Short story (10–12 min)

A narrative that guides the child through history and literary culture. → imagination & vocabulary.

2. "3 Questions" science quiz (5–7 min)

A series of 3 questions focused on life and earth sciences. → curiosity & learning through play.

3. Foreign language mini-session "one day = one word" (5 min)

Greetings, asking for directions, expressing a feeling, etc. → step-by-step learning & vocabulary.

4. Guided relaxation (8 min)

Your child discovers the benefits of relaxation through a downtime session based on breathing. → more peaceful sleep. 

5. "Country of the day" report (8–10 min)

In less than 80 days, they travel around the world thanks to cultural and geographical anecdotes. → open-mindedness & curiosity.

6. My weather report of the day (10 min)

“Tell me about your day in 5 sentences." Or, "What were your favorite moments today?"→ vocabulary & self-confidence.

7. Family audio games (10–15 min)

Alone or with others, let yourself be swept away by a session of cultural riddles, quizzes, or charades. → bonding & laughter. 

Now, it's up to you to choose one of these activities to reduce or avoid screen exposure at the end of the day. This page can help you find activities suited to your children: Learning through voice: the (often underestimated) superpower of 8–15 year olds.

If you have set up other rituals with your children, let's share them together!