At South Windsor High School, we had a simple, but valuable privilege: going on class walks during certain periods in the Annex. These walks gave room for a brain break and a chance for students to move their legs. Now, students are unable to do so, leaving them both upset and disappointed.
Earlier this year, students were allowed to take walks as a class around the Annex building to get some fresh air after a long day inside. Teachers would take a walkie talkie to have contact with the office in case of emergency situations, ensuring that the walks were safe.
“I like going on walks because the fresh air helps my head after looking at my Chromebook,” sophomore Hailey Olints said.
These walks helped students reset their minds after doing school work all day. Especially with everything on Chromebooks nowadays, it’s good for kids to get away from a screen and take a brain break.
Statistically, students can spend up to 8 hours a day staring at a screen, with few breaks in between. According to Health.Harvard.edu, this can cause temporary eye strains, which like with any muscle, is not good for you. The solution: having quick outdoor walks to reset students’ brains.
Additionally, students love walks because they allow time to refocus on the next part of class.
“I like having free time during class to have a walk in between the lesson,” sophomore Camryn Hunt told The Prowl.
And, let’s be honest, it gives teachers a chance to break up their lessons during the long 77 minute blocks. If teachers would rather stay inside, that’s understandable, but some teachers, and students definitely, need a brain break. In fact, in a lot of classes, students get five minute brain breaks anyway, so why not let them go outside?
Not only are walks beneficial for your brain, but they’re also good for your health. According to the National Library of Medicine, other health benefits from short daily walks include decreased anxiety, stress and fewer depressive symptoms.
Having the ability to take stress free breaks throughout the day is good for both students and teachers. Taking them away has a much greater impact than one might expect. What seems like a small change actually affects students ability to think, learn and push through the school day.
