A reading text we have been looking at is about the need for kids to have breaks between lessons. Dr Michael Irwin says that 5 to 10 minute bursts of vigorous activity several times a day, helps boys to settle (http://www.everybody.co.nz/page-30a5811f-d5ed-469e-abb9-186e8955e956.aspx). Another study has found that regular physical activity breaks actually enhance academic performance and on-task behaviour (http://www.activelivingresearch.org/files/Active_Ed.pdf). In Room 4, we take breaks between long periods of sitting down, and the girls appreciate them as much as the boys.
Here are some of our comments about breaks:
I think breaks are a good idea because the boys need to have a run around so they can think straight. Kenny
Yes, boys do need breaks because it helps them think better and do tasks faster, and they can get better at other stuff. Dylan
After breaks children will come back feeling refreshed and ready to learn. And, if you’re thinking that if kids burn all their energy during the break, they won’t have no energy to learn, well I will counter with my theory that kids have brain energy and physical energy. The physical energy is spent playing sport while brain energy is spent learning. Jack H
I think breaks are good because you can get fresh air and you can clear your mind and have fun. Lisa
I don’t really ever take the breaks, since I prefer to work without interruption for long periods, and find stopping and doing something else distracting. However the article says otherwise. I think they should have at least added a “most” somewhere in there. However, I don’t have anything against breaks. If most people use breaks to help concentrate during the day, then I think that they are a good idea. Logan
I think we need breaks because if we don’t we get bored and don’t concentrate on our work, and a 5 or 10 minute break helps with that. Matai
Why I think breaks are important:
*They refresh our brains when we get fresh air and are outside being active
*It makes settling and starting a new task easier!
*If we’ve been listening to the teacher for a long amount of time it gives us a break
*They’re fun! We need to have fun.
*We get a break from class and class pupils J-if we need it.
*We get a break from learning!
*Breaks help us get active! Oceana
