People often argue that public schools do not offer children sufficient opportunities or an appropriate standard of education, and until recently, I would have to disagree. I grew up in a school that offered a wide variety of daily and weekly activities that encouraged creative thinking, friendly competition, and broadened my horizons, even as an elementary school student. Unfortunately, today, important recreational activities are being deleted from curriculum nationwide. While school boards see the increased emphasis on sciences as an advantage for students, they are ignoring evidence that strongly suggests otherwise.
One of the activities that are being cut from schools is recess. Recess may just sound like play time, when children go outside and swing on the swing set or kick balls at each other, but in reality it is much more than that. Child development psychologists have found that a mere ten minutes of recess dramatically improves a child’s learning efficiency, as well as the teacher’s capacity to teach for the remaining fifty minutes of the hour. Furthermore, recess is an important time for children to develop the necessary social skills required to be a productive member of society, as well as to supplement physical activity and exercise, since physical education classes are also being cut from school programs in many districts. Recess was always a part of the curriculum when I was a child, and to this day I find that I work better if I am able to take a short break from working to take a quick walk or to read a chapter from which ever novel I am pursuing.
Sadly, many arts and music programs are being cut from school curricula as well. Arts have a very important impact in schools, not the least of which is the development of acceptance of other cultures. Learning about and even trying one’s hand at another cultures style of art generates an important feeling of understanding and acceptance that helps make schools a safe and nurturing environment for all. Art and music programs give some students a feeling of belonging. Certain children are not as academically proficient as others may be, and rather than “othering” those children, or setting them aside as less important and denying their skills as valuable, it is vital that their talent be cultivated and encouraged. Similarly, music programs allow students to try their hand at another set of skills. Music programs have been proven to enhance math and reading skills, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skill in children. It was as a result of music classes in elementary school that I became inspired to take piano lessons and my mother is always eager to report that my grades went up rapidly as a direct result. Additionally, music programs give children an outlet through which they can express themselves, discover who they are and begin developing a sense of identity.
The loss of programs that are not specifically science based is tragic and will do nothing good for our country’s youth. I earnestly believe that my proficiency as a student came from the skills that I learned as a child through additional programs offered through my school. I developed not only academic skill but also knowledge of other cultures and how to respect our differences, how to take care of myself through exercise, and even how to maintain a productive working or studying mindset.
