For years, elementary schools and even middle schools have had a part of the school day where students can socialize, relax, or even have free time to study before going back to class.
Recess, or “Flex Period,” has been a good way to give students a break from the tiring day of school every day and has shown results of good mental health because of it, but high schools don’t do it, and many high schoolers definitely struggle with the stress of piled on work every day.
A flex period should be added to everyday school life because it would be good to give students a free period to study more and freshen up on their assignments, or work on things they’re missing.
Related to getting more time with kids that need study time the most, incorporating a flex period into the schedule allows a flexible time each day where students all go somewhere different, which helps eliminate the stigma that can come with needing additional support.
Now kids don’t have to worry about their peers seeing them hold class up or need something different because all kids across the building go somewhere different each day based on their own needs, reasons, and choice.
While some students will likely spend more time in classrooms receiving interventions than others, students won’t know where another student is on a daily basis and have no way of knowing a student needs extra help like they do when it frequently happens during their regular class they share together.
With more opportunities during the school day for intervention, enrichment, and extracurriculars, it’s likely no surprise that student achievement is among the most cited—and most important—benefits of Flex Periods.
Opponents argue that Flex Periods are more trouble that they are worth.Students can end up with nowhere to go or nothing productive to do, turning it into wasted time or busywork.
Flex Periods can become unproductive “glorified study halls” and lead to scheduling chaos. They can be hard to manage, track, and ensure students are where they need to be.
However, flex periods are the perfect way for students to get the help on subjects they struggle on, or get a chance to help others who might be struggling.
It can also be a way for students to get tutors or look into colleges they might want to go to after school or in the near future.
Flex periods are genuinely a good chance for students to be helpful, or get their future ready to go after high school.
Boone should add flex periods to the school schedule.
