Figure 1.--Many boys during rest period use the time to read books. These boys use the time to just day dream a bit. At most schools the children do a little reading, especially the older children. |
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Most schools have a rest period after lunch for about a half hour. Here regulations vary from school to school. Most schools insist that this be quiet time. Some schools are very strict. The approach is different at day and boarding schools. Day schools often have the children quietly read in various groupings. The general pattern approach at boarding schools is that the children must be in their dormitories laying down on their beds. This is not a universal approach, but it is by far the most common. Some children take a nap or more commonly day dream a bit. Many children use the time to read books, but this is not required. It is left up to each boy or girl. Even so, mist of te children volunarily read during the rest period. At some schools the children can use the time more flexibly such as practice their musical instruments. Some children find the imposed quiet time difficult, but it becomes an accepted part of the daily routine. Other rather enjoy or at least are used to a little quiet time before the afternoon activities.
The rest period is an established tradition after lunch a prep schools, especially the boarding schools. Virtually all boarding schools have rest periods after lunch. I'm not sure that the having the children rest after their meal has medically based bebefits, but this may well be the case. Of course it provides the teachers a welcome short break as well. Most schools have a rest period after lunch for about a half hour. This time period is the accepted period at most schools.Here regulations vary from school to school. Most schools insist that this be quiet time meaning no talking. Many schools are very strict on this. Other or more flexible as to how the children behave, allowing the children to talk softly or even play board games.
The approach is different at day and boarding schools. Day schools have more varied approaches. Day schools often have the children quietly read in various groupings. At some day schools the children are given free time after lunch. This is especially common at day schools there are not stand-alone prep schools, but colleges or academies offering full term programs for both primary and secondary students. The general pattern approach at boarding schools is that the children must be in their dormitories laying down on their beds. This is not a universal approach, but it is by far the most common. Some schools are not to bothered as long as the children are quiet, but most find it is easier just to insist the chilkdren stay in their beds for the rest period.
The idea behind the rest period is that the children may take a little nap, but this is a bit optimistic. Some children take a nap or more commonly day dream a bit like the boys here. Many children use the time to read books, but this is not required. It is left up to each boy or girl. Even so, most of the children volunarily read during the rest period. Except for the youngest children, most do use the rest period to do a little reading. Some might write a letter, but this is more common for the girls than the boys. At some schools the children can use the time more flexibly. One exception to the quiet rule is that some children are allowed to practice their musical instruments. One aspect of the rest period is that the teachers are able to relax as well. They normally retire to the teacher's lounge for a cup of coffee and a chance to chat with their colleagues.
Some children find the imposed quiet time difficult.. It is a little new for the younger children. For the most part it quickly becomes an accepted part of the daily routine. Other rather enjoy or at least are used to a little quiet time before the afternoon activities. Other children get absorbed in books that they are reading. Many of the children were a bit bored with the rest period and thus delighted when we showed up to photograph them and chat a bit about the school. Here the schools rules were relaxed a bit because at most schools the children werevnot suposed to talk during the rest period. The children were not particularly bothered by the rest period. A few told us that they were bored, but not very many. Most of the children were looking forward to the afternoon program which often involved games or other outside activuties. Oythers enjoyed telling us all about their schools. Here te assessments varied widely. Along with assembled complaints was a general positive assessment.
