While many students have a school day that sees them traipse from one classroom to another to study different subjects, they always start in homeroom. Homeroom is where a student is assigned to report in the morning when arriving at school and before going to the first class. This is generally assigned based on alphabetical names instead of the course of study. During this short morning period, the homeroom teacher takes attendance and conducts other administrative duties.
For younger students, recess can be among the most enjoyable parts of the day. This is a period in which children are allowed to go outside, or to a gymnasium when weather doesn't permit, and spend a period of free time enjoying themselves and playing without too much direction. This "play time" allows the children to relax with friends and take time out from studies and quiet conduct. It also gives the children an opportunity to burn off pent up energy from sitting quietly in a classroom all day. For older students, physical education classes that are more structured may replace recess.
Study hall is a period of the school day usually found in middle or high school where students do not have a class on their schedule. Instead, students can use the time to complete homework or study for tests. Some students use the time creatively or use the time to socialize with friends who share the same study-hall period. Some study-hall classes, which are usually observed by a teacher, have strict rules on what the time can be used for, while others may consider it a free period left to the discretion of the students.
Assemblies are special events coordinated by the school in which the entire student body "assembles" in a given place, such as the school gymnasium or theater. Assemblies can range in purpose widely. The event may be a pep rally for an upcoming sports event. It may also be a visit from a guest speaker concerning a drug abuse prevention program or it may be a student talent show. The possibilities are endless, but the program is generally attended in lieu of a portion of the day's usual classwork.