Students cheer in anticipation of the start of the long school holidays as the bell rings, signaling the end of their schoolwork routine. Meanwhile, teachers breathe a sigh of relief as they enjoy a much-needed break from the stress and monotony of their jobs. Long vacations have advantages and disadvantages.
Long vacations are a welcome opportunity for teachers to recharge their batteries and attend courses to improve their skills and knowledge. Their job can be stressful because they are responsible for a class of up to forty students, many of whom are hyperactive or misbehaving. The monotony of their daily routine can be exhausting as well. Long vacations give them time to rest and rejuvenate.
Similarly, for students, the break from schoolwork and structured activities allows them to engage in other leisure activities and spend quality time with family and friends. They can take family vacations or educational trips to foreign countries to gain new experiences and insights. These experiences are not only enriching, but they can also aid in the development of character.
However, the advantages of long vacations are not universal. Out-of-school activities can be prohibitively expensive for some families, and children may be left unsupervised while their parents are at work. This is especially dangerous for small children. Furthermore, some students rely on school as their primary source of academic learning, and being absent from school for an extended period of time can cause them to regress in their academic skills.
Furthermore, during long vacations, some students may be drawn to anti-social activities such as theft, gangsterism, gambling, and drugs. These behaviors can have long-term consequences and lead to a life of crime and delinquency.
In conclusion, long school holidays have both advantages and disadvantages. While teachers and students can benefit from the break, it may not be feasible or safe for all students to engage in out-of-school activities. To mitigate the negative effects of long holidays, schools can provide services or activities for less privileged children to keep them occupied in a safe and useful way. This could include offering after-school programs, access to academic resources, or providing free or subsidized activities for students who may not have the financial means to participate in costly programs.
Schools, in my opinion, should have some leeway in their holiday schedules to allow for some time off for students and teachers. However, the length of the holidays should be reasonable and take into account all students’ needs and safety. Schools should also take steps to ensure that all students, regardless of financial circumstances, have access to educational and recreational activities during the break. This will help ensure that all students benefit from the break while minimizing negative consequences.
