School begins at 8am, four minutes between classes, eight periods a day, time dashing to change for PE class, athletics after school, club meetings, and of course, there’s homework. When do our students have time to stop – breathe – and relax? What could that leisure time, or scholé as the Greeks say, look like?
Scholé is not an absence of work but rather looking at work in a fresh light. Scholé seeks to provide time for students to reflect, celebrate, and have conversations with others. It doesn’t have to be a long time, but a break from the routine.
At Summit Christian Academy’s Upper School, scholé is visible and tangible in many ways. In the café area there are comfy chairs to sit down and catch up with friends, puzzles on a table to collaborate with others in finding that “right” piece, or origami paper and instructions for those that relax by creating with their minds and hands. Students can enjoy these respites before school, during the morning break, during lunch, or after school before sports practices begin.
What’s the result of these simple yet engaging activities? Significantly less cell phone use, more conversations with peers, and increased interactions with teachers outside of the classroom. Then there’s that sweet moment of smiling and laughing with other students or teachers and not shouldering the stress of the day. That, coupled with the refreshing and re-energized attitude from a few moments of scholé, provides pleasant endorphins ready for the challenges that the rest of the day may bring.
Dana S Tumminello is the Director of Admissions & Marketing at Summit Christian Academy. She has served at Summit in various capacities for 15 years.
At Summit Christian Academy’s Upper School, scholé is visible and tangible in many ways. In the café area there are comfy chairs to sit down and catch up with friends, puzzles on a table to collaborate with others in finding that “right” piece, or origami paper and instructions for those that relax by creating with their minds and hands. Students can enjoy these respites before school, during the morning break, during lunch, or after school before sports practices begin.
What’s the result of these simple yet engaging activities? Significantly less cell phone use, more conversations with peers, and increased interactions with teachers outside of the classroom. Then there’s that sweet moment of smiling and laughing with other students or teachers and not shouldering the stress of the day. That, coupled with the refreshing and re-energized attitude from a few moments of scholé, provides pleasant endorphins ready for the challenges that the rest of the day may bring.
Dana S Tumminello is the Director of Admissions & Marketing at Summit Christian Academy. She has served at Summit in various capacities for 15 years.
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