After spending a year in Finland as an educator, teacher Jamie Roberts quickly realized what many American parents have long sensed: we’re pushing our kids way too hard. In a reflection on his experience, which was featured by KQED News, he observed the Finnish school schedule, where students enjoy a fifteen-minute break after every forty-five minutes of instruction. His initial attempt to replicate the fast-paced American model backfired spectacularly.
On just the third day of class, one of his fifth graders exclaimed, “I think I’m going to burst! This schedule is too much for me!” That was a wake-up call for Roberts. So, he decided to adapt to the Finnish way. The change was transformative. Suddenly, his students were engaged, enthusiastic, and focused. Gone were the days of fading energy and moody attitudes.
For a moment, Roberts felt like he had stumbled upon a hidden gem. But then reality struck—Finnish educators have recognized the value of breaks since the 1960s. Curious, he dove into research, uncovering a wealth of studies from psychologists and educators that highlighted the advantages of regular breaks versus the drawbacks of America’s relentless educational pace.
While he acknowledges that the rigid U.S. education system doesn’t easily accommodate the Finnish model, there are still ways to incorporate more downtime. He cites American researcher and kinesiologist Sarah Miller, who has successfully implemented additional breaks across various states, yielding impressive results.
Roberts emphasizes that it’s not just about allowing kids to play; the real magic of these breaks lies in their ability to refresh young minds. Comments from parents on social media make it clear they’ve been aware of this issue for ages—our children are experiencing burnout! Every time I attend a parent-teacher conference about my first-grader, I hear praises for his abilities, followed by complaints about his lack of focus. And then they send him home with a pile of homework. Seriously? He’s only six!
Anyone with young children knows their mental state is closely tied to their physical well-being. Miss a snack, skip a nap, and it’s meltdown city. That same principle applies to maintaining focus in school. Kids need breaks—not only to release pent-up energy but also to give their developing brains a chance to catch up and settle down.
Unfortunately, recess has been steadily declining in American schools, and the negative effects are glaringly obvious—yet somehow, those in charge remain blissfully unaware.
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To summarize, U.S. schools need to rethink their approach to education by incorporating more downtime for students. The benefits of breaks are backed by research and can lead to improved focus and engagement.