What's Happening Here vs. What's Happening There?

What's Happening here?

Schools across the US have different first day of school dates. In the article "'Back to School' Means Anytime from Late July to After Labor Day, Depending on Where in the U.S. You Live", the different dates school start are displayed in graphs and data is discussed.

The first day of school for students can range from July all the way to after Labor Day in September. The main reason schools go back at different times is based on region and weather in certain areas. For example, New England goes back to school later than states such as Mississippi and Tennessee because of the heat.

"In the U.S., First Day of School Varies by Region"

The most popular week for going back to school is August 12-16. Going back to school this early is most likely a result of ending the school year earlier but I think this is too soon.

Summer is a break from school and a time to relax. Today, teenagers are spending more time working or doing extra school work than leisure time during their summers (Desilver). Summer is also a time for traveling and lots of families including mine travel or go on vacation during August. Almost every year during the first week of August, my family goes on a mini vacation.

August is a heavy tourist and family traveling month and some families may miss out because the kids are going back to school so early (Desilver). There is also evidence from Pew Research Center about students going back to school earlier than they used to. I prefer starting in August so I can enjoy time with my family.

What's Happening There?

In the article "Schools in England Introduce a New Subject: Mindfulness", Iliana Magra writes about how 370 schools in England have added a new concept to their teaching. These schools have begun teaching mindfulness to their students which will help them throughout their lifetime. There are different relaxation and breathing techniques being taught to help students with their mental health and stress caused by school. 

Morris

This being taught in school draws more attention to mental health. Students are learning about mental health and ways to stay healthy. These techniques will help kids throughout their lifetime in stressful situations. I think that other countries such as the U.S. should follow England and start teaching mindfulness in schools. This will help students understand mental health and how to handle it.

Incorporating breathing exercises and relaxation techniques throughout the day can help calm students, increase focus, and help students be more productive. 

Works Cited

Desilver, Drew. "'Back to school' means anytime from late July to after Labor Day, depending on where in the U.S. you live ." Pew Research Center, 14 Aug. 2019, www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/08/14/back-to-school-dates-u-s/. Accessed 3 Dec. 2019.

"In the U.S., First Day of School Varies by Region." Aug. 2019. Pew Research Center, 14 Aug. 2019, www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/08/14/back-to-school-dates-u-s/. Accessed 5 Dec. 2019.

Magra, Iliana. "Schools in England Introduce a New Subject: Mindfulness." The New York Times, 4 Feb. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/02/04/world/europe/uk-mindfulness-children-school.html. Accessed 3 Dec. 2019.

Morris, Lindsay. Mindfulness Exercises Are Already Taught in Many Schools Worldwide, including This One in New York. Schools in England Are Joining a Study to Determine Which Techniques Work Best. Feb. 2019. The New York Times, 4 Feb. 2019, www.nytimes.com/2019/02/04/world/europe/uk-mindfulness-children-school.html. Accessed 5 Dec. 2019.