Serena Ahmad (9) | STAFF REPORTER
The winter break has come to an end as students now begin to resume the remaining month of semester 1. The short break has allowed students to receive a rest from school and catch up on homework and studies. Unfortunately, this short period of time ends annoyingly fast for many, leaving students with less time to rest and be with their families. However this issue can simply be resolved by extending the break’s duration, allowing students and even teachers to enjoy their holidays for longer.
A common struggle for teens is their mental health, and oftentimes school/homework worsens it. Rest would help alleviate this struggle by allowing students to unwind and catch a break from the constant work. This can further prevent stress and burnout. Additionally, a lack of sleep, which is mostly caused by school, is another factor to bad mental health. Teens will be able to sleep for longer hours if an extended break is provided, knowing they don’t have school or an assignment due the following day.
Exams occur after the break, meaning that the break is the only time to study for exams without having to consider assignments and quizzes/tests. However, two weeks isn’t an adequate amount of time to revise all the information taught prior to the break. On top of that, CPT’s can frequently be assigned to complete before school reopens. Overall, exam revision and CPT’s will result in the majority of the break spent doing work. This entails a need for a longer break.
Similar to students, teachers spend lots of time during the break doing school-related tasks such as lesson plans, grading, creating upcoming quizzes/tests and much more. Teachers are also deserving of a longer break so they can rest.
While it can be perceived that a longer break promotes laziness and unproductivity, it also promotes healthy habits. This includes a necessary amount of sleep and a work-to-rest balance.
