Academic enrichment is a staple in every FHS student’s schedule, but a brain break might be more efficient. A dedicated time like academic enrichment gives students time to visit teachers if they need more help and do work from class. However, studies have shown that a break throughout a student’s day can improve their focus. Expert educators agree that brain breaks are beneficial to students to help them maintain focus.
Freshman Abbie Rodgers supports the educational-focused academic enrichment, saying, “I really like academic enrichment, I think it gives us time to study if we have a test.” However, not all students support this view. Junior Addie Gorg thinks that brain breaks might be more helpful than just regular academic enrichment, saying, “Brain breaks most definitely help students be more productive, teenagers aren’t meant for sitting for seven hours. Our minds are still somewhat young and need to be utilized.”
Having time for your brain to relax can be beneficial for students to improve their focus and productivity throughout the day. “Your brain cannot be on all the time, it has to have a break and recharge. Just like we have to have sleep to recharge our bodies, we need to rest our brains and turn it off,” said nursing assistant program teacher Mrs. Sandra Shipe. Sophomore Angel Barahona Laguna agreed, saying, “Brain breaks give us a chance to recharge.”
While brain breaks can benefit students, they can also benefit teachers. They allow teachers to have a break and get their class plans together. “I know for me personally I do better with a brain break,” Shipe said. Brain breaks have the potential to be beneficial in a student’s schedule to help them focus better throughout the day, though for now, it appears that AE is here to stay.
