The Importance of Summer Break in School

There has been a lot of controversy over the length of the school year. Some people argue for an all-year school schedule, while others think that we should stay with the schedule that has been in place for many years. As you will soon see, however, a longer school calendar is not a good idea because a long summer break refreshes and prepares students for a new year of learning, gives them time for independent study, and gives children a chance to further enjoy this special period of their life.

First off, a long summer break refreshes and prepares students for a new year of learning. Studies have found that after a long vacation people (& students) have boosted productivity (Thompson). Students are refreshed and motivated after the long summer vacation. Some people may argue that students forget too much of what they learned over summer break. However, evidence that all-year school schedules provide academic benefits over the traditional school calendar is inconclusive (Niche). A long summer break also helps teachers prepare for the next school year (Shreeve). They can spend more time refining lessons and assignments to provide the best learning experience for students. They may also design new class activities.

Next, the education gap between low-income and high-income families is not due to summer break (Weller). The problem is that whenever children from low-income families are out of school, their environments are not as equal to middle/ upper-class children. Because both all-year school schedules and the traditional schedule spend the same amount of time out of school by the end of the year, switching would not make a difference. As stated by Paul von Hippel, an expert on educational inequality at the University of Texas, “A three-week break might be shorter than a three-month break, but compared to how long kids are in school before the break, the setbacks add up equally” (Weller). Additionally, summer break gives students time for independent study. Students can find out what interests them without pressure from homework or teachers. This can help high-school students pick classes that they will find the most satisfaction in and learn the most from.

Secondly, students gain valuable life experience through summer camps and jobs (Niche). Students can find jobs that interest them and start building their carrier and learn to write a resume. Students learn how to manage customers, how to communicate professionally and with efficiency, and how to work as a team (Charbonneau). Summer jobs give students the opportunity to find what professions interest them. It also allows them to find and build their skill set. Additionally, summer jobs teach students about finances and how to manage money. It also provides an excellent opportunity for high school students to support their families, as well as save for college.

Finally, summer break gives children a chance to further enjoy this special period of their life. Children should have time to enjoy being free of the stresses of adult life while they still can. Summer break allows them to become free of the stress of studying and due dates for a short amount of time. It also allows children to discover new interests and skills (Alphonso). Some of these interests and skills may prove to be useful and stick with them as they grow up. Additionally, summer break allows children to get outside and exercise. As stated on The Guardian, “when kids stop going out into the natural world to play, it can affect not just their development as individuals, but society as a whole” (Henley). Getting outside and exercising has numerous benefits including increased physical and mental health. It also helps alleviate anger and depression and improves mood (Barton & Pretty). As you can see, a longer school calendar is not a good idea because a long summer break refreshes and prepares students for a new year of learning, gives them time for independent study, and gives children a chance to further enjoy this special period of their life.