- Provides students with unstructured time to relax and socialize. Middle school can be a stressful time for students, and having a free period during the day can give them a chance to relax and de-stress. This can help to improve their overall well-being and mental health.
- Allows students to explore their interests. A free period can give students the opportunity to explore their interests outside of the classroom. This can help them to develop new skills and talents, and it can also help them to learn more about themselves.
- Promotes creativity and imagination. A free period can give students a chance to be creative and imaginative. They can use this time to draw, write, play music, or simply relax and let their minds wander.
- Helps students to develop social skills. A free period can give students the opportunity to interact with their peers in a relaxed setting. This can help them to develop social skills, such as cooperation, communication, and conflict resolution.
- Provides students with a break from structured learning. Middle school students are constantly bombarded with information, and a free period can give them a chance to take a break from structured learning and simply enjoy themselves. This can help to improve their focus and concentration in other classes.
Arguments against having a free period in middle school:
- Can be disruptive to the school day. A free period can be disruptive to the school day if students are not supervised properly. This can lead to students getting into trouble, or it can simply make it difficult for teachers to keep the students on track.
- Can lead to students wasting time. Some students may use their free period to waste time, such as playing video games or talking on their cell phones. This can take away from the time that they should be spending on their studies.
- Can be unfair to students who need more structured learning. A free period can be unfair to students who need more structured learning. These students may not know how to use their free time productively, and they may end up falling behind in their classes.
Overall, the decision of whether or not to have a free period in middle school is a complex one. There are both pros and cons to consider, and the best decision will vary depending on the individual school and its students.