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"I hate school." "I don't want to go to school!" Sound familiar?

Children are just that - children. They need to run, jump, play and, just like adults, relax. Unfortunately, children aren't always getting this in school. As a primary school teacher I cannot stress this issue enough.

School is not just for academic growth, but social and personal growth as well. I would not be doing my job if I ignored the importance of social interaction and creative play, the lack of which is causing children to strongly dislike school.

Creating a classroom similar to a warm, loving home environment with emphasis on both learning and playing, which is supported by the celebrated educational philosopher Johann Pestalozzi, has been my motto for years. However, this was never truer for me than when I witnessed an eight year old boy breaking down in the middle of the school day.

There he was, sitting in front of the computer, completing the school district's mandatory reading and writing program. He had to read an online article, answer multiple questions to gauge comprehension, and then writing an email to a friend about the article. He was tired and overwhelmed. He was coming off of a week of standardized testing (the NYS ELA), and was now preparing the state math test. In addition, he also had to contend with the district's math exams.

His only break during the long day came in the form of lunch, during which the students were constantly yelled at by elderly and cranky lunch room monitors. There was no recess, down time, a few moments to gab with buddies. It was all work and no play, which made him a sad boy.

When I tried to console him he managed to squeak out "I'm stressed," in between sobs. Stressed! This eight year old was stressed. I don't need to go into the negative and damaging effects that stress can have on a person, let alone a young child.

So where has the fun gone? And what is the harm in letting children chill out once in a while throughout the school day? Many teachers will tell you that there just isn't time. Increasing standards, expectations, and testing has educators scrambling for new ways to cram as much content into six hours as possible. Teachers are overworked, principals have school boards breathing down their necks, and school districts are being threatened with a decrease in state funds if test scores fall below benchmarks. The stress of it all is just being passed down to the littlest victims.

So what is the solution? It's easier than most would think, and it won't take any unnecessary time from "learning." Bring music back into the classroom. Play classical or nature sounds while children work. Allow students to be comfortable in their learning environment - let them choose where they work, whether it is on the floor, at their desk, or curled into a corner. Let them take their shoes off and relax. Encourage partner reading and working with a buddy - and don't scold if they deter from their work for a few moments to discuss last night's Hannah Montana episode. Take a break every 15 to 20 minutes - turn on dance music and lead the students in jumping jacks and silly dance moves, or simply let them run in place, jog, hop, whatever! The giggles and chatter they engage in will refresh their tired minds and make school a more enjoyable place to be.

Learn more about this author, Allison Jaworski.
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