To avoid fights on the playground. To keep kids from getting picked on or left out. But some experts say that unrelenting focus is counterproductive, because time to relax and be creative is essential to learning.
Professors point to studies that suggest a direct link between breaks and higher scores.
Some children with short breaks say they have just enough time to start a game before they have to go back to work. And other children are taken out to the playground by teachers who walk them around the building or lead them in skill-building activities. Sounds fun, huh. Educators say there just isn't a lot of free time anymore. With pressure to cover the curriculum in time for state tests, many teachers and administrators feel like there's no time for games.