In a compelling observation made by educator Thomas Greene during his brief teaching stint in Finland, he uncovered a truth that many American parents have long suspected: our educational approach is overly demanding. The Finnish educational model, characterized by a more balanced schedule, has proven to be remarkably effective.
In an article reflecting on his overseas experiences, which was featured by Education Insights, Greene elaborates on the Finnish practice of providing students with regular breaks—specifically, a fifteen-minute interval for every forty-five minutes of instruction. When Greene initially attempted to apply the American model he was accustomed to, he quickly realized it was unsustainable. One of his fifth-grade students lamented, “I feel like I’m going to burst! This schedule is too much for me…”—and this was merely the third day of school.
Adapting to the Finnish style yielded immediate benefits. Students no longer appeared drained at the end of their lessons; instead, they returned to class with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Greene felt he had stumbled upon a revelation, only to remember that Finland has been implementing such breaks since the 1960s.
To validate his findings, Greene immersed himself in research, discovering a wealth of studies from psychologists and educators that highlight the advantages of frequent breaks compared to the adverse effects of the rigorous American educational pace. While he acknowledges that the current U.S. framework may not fully accommodate the Finnish model, he highlights examples like research conducted by American kinesiologist Maria Johnson, which incorporated additional breaks in various states and yielded positive outcomes.
Greene emphasizes that the benefits extend beyond mere playtime. He asserts, “The primary advantage of Finland’s break system lies in its ability to keep children focused by refreshing their minds.” Feedback from parents, echoing Greene’s sentiments, reflects a widespread awareness of children’s burnout.
During parent-teacher conferences regarding my seven-year-old, educators often commend his intelligence while simultaneously expressing concerns over his lack of concentration and restlessness. Yet, they send him home with loads of homework. It’s baffling; after all, he’s only seven! As one parent aptly commented on social media, “Breaks? In America? Not likely! Back to work, so you can get used to the drudgery of adult life ahead.”
Any parent with young children understands that their mental well-being is closely tied to their physical state. A missed meal or nap can lead to meltdowns. The same logic applies when it comes to sustaining focus in the classroom. Kids require breaks—not just to expend pent-up energy but to allow their developing brains the essential downtime to recalibrate.
Unfortunately, recess time in American schools has been declining for years, and the consequences are apparent. The benefits of increased downtime are clear, yet they continue to be ignored by decision-makers in the education system. For more information on this topic, readers can check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at ACOG.
In summary, the evidence supporting the need for more downtime in educational settings is overwhelming. Educators like Thomas Greene have observed firsthand the positive impacts of a more relaxed schedule, one that prioritizes mental refreshment. As parents, we must advocate for a system that recognizes the importance of balance in our children’s lives.
Keyphrase: Importance of Downtime in Education
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