Recess: a way to relax in school

"All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" is a well known adage. In school, students work hard, their head bent over their books, and the one hour all look forward to is recess. The bell for recess makes many a child who has been dull spring to activity suddenly. It provides a welcome respite from studies. Students find much to do at this time.

Recess is primarily the time for lunch, and students troop out of their classrooms with lunch boxes in their hands Some make a bee- line to the canteen to buy snacks. Most children finish their food fast so that they can play. This is the noisiest time in the school.

The school grounds are filled with students racing around, laughing and playing. The only responsible children at this time are the monitors of each class whose duty is to keep a watch on the room.

Also can be seen are those who have a test after recess and conscientiously sit down to revise the lesson. They look wistfully at the others playing and wish they did not have to study during recess. Some are too playful to bother about the test and tease their classmates who are studying.

When the bell rings signalling the end of the recess, students run to the nearest water tap to have a last drink before going to the class. Then they rush to the room hoping to be in before the teacher comes.

Soon the grounds and corridors are empty of students and silence prevails; only the pit-pat of the teachers footsteps can be heard as that walks briskly to the class-room.

Thus, recess is a time for rest, relaxation and play which helps students free themselves from the tensions of the classroom. It also prepares them for another two hours of study.

T. SWATHY, X A

ST. JOHN'S ENGLISH SCHOOL AND JUNIOR COLLEGE, Besant Nagar, Chennai

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