Updated: July 8, 2021
Originally Published: April 23, 2017
After spending a year teaching in Finland, educator Sarah Mitchell learned what many American parents have long suspected: our kids are being pushed too hard. In her article reflecting on her time abroad, which was shared by KQED News, she highlights the Finnish education model, where students enjoy a fifteen-minute break after every forty-five minutes of instruction.
Initially, Sarah tried to apply the traditional U.S. schedule she was accustomed to, but it quickly became clear this approach was not sustainable. One of her fifth graders exclaimed, “I feel like I’m going to burst! I’m not used to this pace…” Just three days into the school year, she realized she was overwhelming her students.
Adapting to the Finnish way, Sarah saw immediate positive changes. Students were no longer fatigued at the end of lessons; instead, they returned to class with renewed enthusiasm and focus. “For a moment, I thought I stumbled upon a hidden gem,” she noted, “but the truth is, Finns have known the value of breaks since the 1960s.”
To validate her observations, Sarah researched extensively and uncovered a wealth of studies from psychologists and educators that supported the benefits of regular breaks and shorter instructional time, contrasting this with the detrimental effects of the U.S. educational system’s rigorous pace. She acknowledged that the current framework in the U.S. doesn’t always allow teachers to implement the Finnish model fully, but she cited the work of American researcher Debbie Rhea, who has successfully integrated more breaks in several states, yielding promising results.
Sarah emphasizes that it’s not merely about playtime; the core advantage of these breaks lies in their ability to refresh students’ minds. A glance at comments on NPR’s Facebook page reveals that parents are acutely aware of the issue—our kids are feeling burnt out!
As a parent myself, I often hear teachers commend my child’s abilities while lamenting his lack of focus and constant restlessness. Then they send him home with a pile of homework. He’s only six! If I find it hard to stay still, how can we expect him to? Fellow parents resonate with this sentiment, with one commenting humorously, “Breaks? In America? Ha! No, Johnny, back to work so you can get used to the mind-numbing office lifestyle ahead.”
It’s clear that a child’s mental state is closely linked to their physical well-being. Missing meals or naps can lead to meltdowns, and the same principle applies to their ability to concentrate. Kids require breaks not just to discharge pent-up energy but also to allow their developing minds to process and settle down.
Unfortunately, recess time in American schools has been dwindling over the years, and the adverse effects are becoming increasingly evident—along with the benefits of ample downtime. Sadly, this is all too obvious to everyone except those making the decisions.
For a deeper dive into the importance of breaks in education and how to nurture your child’s needs, check out this insightful post from our site. If you’re looking for more information on home insemination, Make a Mom is a great resource. For comprehensive insights into pregnancy and home insemination, visit Progyny’s blog for a wealth of information.
In summary, American schools should reevaluate their approach to education by integrating more downtime for students. The benefits of breaks are clear, and it’s time to prioritize our children’s well-being and focus.