Figure 1.-- This boy is using some of his free time in the evening to catch up on the daiily news. The schools make newspapers available in the libraries and common rooms. Some boys are more interested than others. |
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Opportunities for free time occurred at various times during the day which affected the activities involved. Short periods before lunch and dinner might be used for short games of ping pong or pool, depending on school rules. For te most part free time during weekdays was mostly in the evening after dinner. This mean that free time for the younger children was very limiited because of their early bed times. The older boys if prep was not required could persue a range of activities. Often some boys gravitated toward the available computers which were becoming more available. Some schools had gyms which were made available. This was affected by a number of variables including age and gender. Some children enjoyed board games. Chess was popula, but most schools had a variety of games available. Some even had a games room. Others might read the newspapers or work on a research assignment. Several schools had model rooms where the children could work on various projects. During the summer boys might work in the cricket nets or enjoy a variety of outdoor games.
This was an activity that was determined by the school grounds. A few schools had small ponds where the children could do a little fishing.
Quite a few schools had gyms and many made them available to the children in the evening. This allowed for active play even during the winter term. The children could play a variety of games including rounders, tennis ball cricket, and many more active games.
The children enjoyed a variety of games. Many children at prep school ages enjoyed board games. And boarding meant that there were always friends around of the same age and interests to play the games. This was one of the advantages of a boarding school. Getting tgogether to play games was a little more complicated for children living at home. The schools had all kinds of games for the boys to play. Here favoritws varied over time ahd by age level. There was also a matter of the time available. Boys and girls also had differentv favorites, although there was some overlap here. Short games were often the best given the short time periods available, at least during week days. Chess was popular, but most schools had a variety of games available. There were also card games. There were different places to play the games. Here the schools had different approaches. The games might be played in the form rooms or even the dorm rooms. Many schools even had a game room where the games were kept or other items like legos. The schools tended to incourage the children to play outside when the weather cwas good, but in Britain there are plenty of rainy days as well as the winter term when outdoor play was not possible.
Younger boys enjoyed working with legos.
Some boys used free time to work on a research assignment in the library. Libraries were, however, generally quite limited.
Modeling is a very popular activity with boys. Several schools had model rooms where the children could work on various projects
Free time was a good time for the children to practice their musical instruments. But for many their free time was to precious to be used for this activity.
All schools subscribe to newspapers and leave them in the library or others rooms for interested children to read. Older boys might read the newspapers and magazines. The older boys were just the age that the children can beficually begin to read newpapers. Here just like adults, different children find various sectiins of interest.
Boys during the summer term with longer days might play a variety of outdoor games. This varied widely. We notice rollar scating at several schools. Skate boards were very popular, but not all schools allowed them. Some children played croquet.
During the summer term some sports activities were possible. As cricket was a summer sport, this often meant cricket. , sports-minded boys might work in the cricket btting nets.
Schools with pools might offer a free recreational swim in the afternoon. This was normally a summer activity, but a few schools had heated pools.