In the bustling hallways of Copper Island Academy in Michigan, students can be seen laughing and playing freely during their frequent outdoor breaks. The school’s approach to incorporating unstructured play into the daily routine is reminiscent of the Finnish model, where breaks are an integral part of the school day.
For American teacher Timothy Walker, the importance of recess became glaringly apparent during his time teaching in Finland. Initially resistant to the idea of frequent breaks, Walker soon realized the positive impact they had on his students. The Finnish system, which includes a 15-minute break for every hour of instruction, allowed students to recharge and return to the classroom more engaged and focused.
In the United States, the benefits of recess are becoming increasingly recognized. Several states have mandated daily recess, with California recently joining the trend by requiring at least 30 minutes of outdoor play for K-8 students. However, the focus on providing multiple breaks throughout the day is still lacking in many schools.
Research has shown that increasing the frequency of recess can have a significant impact on children’s health and well-being. By allowing students time for unstructured play, schools can help improve behavior, attention, and overall academic performance. This aligns with the findings of educational researcher Anthony Pellegrini, who observed that students were more focused after a break than before one.
Incorporating a Finnish-inspired schedule, with multiple outdoor breaks each day, may seem like a radical idea for American schools. However, schools like Copper Island Academy in Michigan are already implementing this approach with great success. Teachers at the school have seen a positive impact on student engagement and behavior, attributing it to the regular brain breaks provided during the day.
As the movement to mandate recess gains momentum across the country, it is important for schools to consider the frequency of breaks and align it with the science of learning. California’s new law is a step in the right direction, but there is still work to be done to ensure that all American students have access to multiple play breaks each day.
Timothy Walker’s experience in both Finnish and American schools highlights the importance of prioritizing unstructured play in the daily routine. By embracing the Finnish approach to breaks, schools can create a more joyful and engaging learning environment for students. It is time for all American schools to recognize the value of recess and make it a priority in the education system.
Timothy Walker is an American teacher and author living in Espoo, Finland. He is the author of “Teach Like Finland: 33 Simple Strategies for Joyful Classrooms” and a consultant with Copper Island Academy, a Finnish-inspired charter school in Calumet, Michigan. Walker’s insight into the benefits of recess and unstructured play provides a valuable perspective on how schools can create a more holistic and effective learning experience for students. Entonces traduce al español B1 y recupera solo el texto en español. Mantén las etiquetas HTML. No devuelvas la versión en inglés, No me devuelvas. No hagas eco del texto enviado. Solo proporciona el texto en español.