Are you ever overwhelmed with schoolwork, homework and after school activities? A free period would allow for some time off of learning, time to do homework/study and allow for children to socialize with others. For starters, a free period is a set time during the school day when students do not have a scheduled class, allowing them to engage in other activities. At Edison Intermediate School (EIS), students could have a free 40 minute period during the day to experiment with independence and responsibility. Students would have designated free time to catch up on assignments and get a head start on homework! For that reason, students at EIS should be allowed a free period in their schedule so that they can get homework and assignments done, socialize with friends and have time to unwind.
To begin, a free period gives students time to get a head start on their homework and prepare for upcoming classes/tests. Many students experience high levels of stress trying to manage homework, sports, extracurricular activities, and studying after school and end up running on just a few hours of sleep because of that. Taylor Beckerman, an eighth grader at EIS stated, “I do after school activities and usually have to do homework after my sports, late at night. A free period would not overwhelm me, and it would benefit my sleep.”
Additionally Brynn Ferrera, an eighth grader at EIS announced, “A free period will allow me to finish work that has not been done yet, and will help reduce my stress of overworking myself after school hours.”
Furthermore, students given a free period tend to be happier, more productive, and enjoy the learning they do in school more than the students who do not. A free period would allow EIS middle school students to socialize and interact with others during the school day. Vice principal Ms. Jada Cole said, “I think everyone needs time to socialize mental health wise, friendship wise and socially. [A free period] would also eliminate stress for students, and students can utilize this period to do work.”
Moreover, Maria Montessori believes that students need free time in their heavy schedule to process and practice the lessons they learn in class. A free period can also give middle school students a break from their pressure in class. The Student Assistance Counselor, Ms. Melissa Wilson revealed, “I think it would help [students] get homework done, [a free period] would help students feel less stress, get more organized, and get a break from learning.”
Equally important, time to unwind during a six and a half hour day of learning is essential for students to perform well in their academic classes. A sixth grade student, Leonardo Kent stated, “I would try and take a nap so that I can sleep.”
On the contrary, some people say that not all students may use free periods effectively. Those with better organization skills or support systems may thrive, while other students may fall behind and get distracted in their free period. This is not necessarily true because a free period allows the students who are falling behind to get extra practice. A seventh grader at EIS, Brynn Rabadeau declared, “It would help me get extra practice, and I could finish homework earlier.”’
In sum, a free period has numerous benefits which will improve not only a students mental health but their overall academic performance. At EIS the free period would alternate every other day with students’ gym period for the three marking periods they have gym. The one quarter that students do not have gym, they will not have a free period and will have health everyday. This addition to the schedule will allow all students to have a free period at different times. A free period is not just a want, it is a need, so that all students can relax, reset and enjoy their school day, everyday.
