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Some schools have a policy stating that students must wear uniforms to class. Normally associated with private schools, uniforms have become more common in public schools, too. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, uniforms are required at about…

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A student's opinion on school uniforms varies depending on factors like age, gender, and socio-economic status. While many kids instantly dismiss the idea of school uniforms because they want to be able to choose their own clothes, others point to more compelling reasons, such as gang involvement and school pride, for why they should or shouldn't wear specific clothing.

Disadvantages of School Uniforms

The vast majority of kids don't want to wear school uniforms. According to one districtwide survey in Volusia County, Florida, nearly 70 percent of students said they were against a uniform policy. The reasons why kids don't want to wear school uniforms are diverse, from not wanting to wear ugly school uniforms to wanting more self-expression. Kids' opinions on school uniforms include the following.

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School Uniforms Are Ugly

Uniforms don't follow any of the current fashion trends and often they have been the same for generations. Kids feel that uniform colors and styles are too old-fashioned. Young Post, part of an English newspaper in Hong Kong written for and sometimes by kids, offered students a chance to share what they'd change about their school uniforms in 2016 and many said the ugly school uniform style was most in need of help. Savannah, age 13, says "Our uniforms are scratchy, boring, and ugly... I want them to be as nice looking as our casual, everyday clothes."

"I think they SHOULDN'T have to wear uniforms because it makes them insecure" -- Reader comment from Markeya

School Uniforms Restrict Individuality

Kids love to experiment with their clothing and accessories; a student's apparel is an extension of her personality. People say you only get one chance to make a first impression, and for kids, clothing is an important part of that first impression. Kids often feel constricted by the rules and regulations of the classrooms and school uniforms only further emphasize that restricted feeling. As Maryam, age nine points out on Discovery Girls "Sometimes clothes can show your emotions and expression... and you should be happy you're different." Ashley, age thirteen, adds "People should have choices." According to The Comet, many kids feel uniforms limit self-expression. Sophomore student Deandre Jones says: "...everyone should be able to wear what they want."

School Uniforms Are Expensive

One idea advocates for school uniforms push is uniforms save families money. However, kids are quick to point out that they still want to buy stylish clothing to wear outside of school or more unique accessories to wear with their uniforms. This means that students essentially have two wardrobes. If they didn't have uniforms, they could wear a lot of their same clothes to school. On one classroom blog, third-grader Kaitlyn shares how expensive it can be for parents to buy items of clothing that cost around $30-$40 each especially because "kids are sometimes careless with their clothes" and "if they get them stained or dirty, then their parents have to spend more money." Kaitlyn adds "there are never sales" on this type of clothing.

"(Y)eah you can only wear school uniforms in school and nowhere else!" -- Reader comment from ali

Uniforms Aren't Flattering

Uniform requirements often require tucked in shirts for boys and girls and skirts for girls. Some kids feel these styles aren't flattering to certain body types, and they increase students' feelings of insecurity. In a 2016 article for Howler News from Westside High School in Houston, Texas, students share opinions about fashion and school uniforms, including concerns over fit. Miguel comments "When students have to wear the same outfits, rather than being allowed to select clothes that suit their body types, they can suffer embarrassment at school."

Advantages of School Uniforms

There are some students who support the idea of uniforms although they may feel like a minority for their positive opinion on school uniform dress codes. Their reasons for agreeing with the implementation of uniforms include the following.

Uniforms Eliminate Clothing Competition

Kids who wear uniforms don't feel the need to compete with each other on buying the latest, and sometimes most expensive, clothing brands. Irish media outlet TRTE polled viewers on their opinions about school uniforms in 2017 and got a variety of results including several comments about eliminating bullying based on clothing brands. Amelia says, "I think uniforms... help prevent bullying. You are less likely to be teased about the cost or style of your clothes."

Uniforms Eliminate Choices

Some kids love the idea of not having to decide what to wear each day. Instead of spending time putting together outfits, a student simply puts on his uniform. Chant'e Haskins shared her opinion after going from a school with no uniforms to one with uniforms. She says after wearing the uniform for a whole school year she "was so used to wearing the uniform it did not even bother me anymore." Chant'e adds she saved time in the morning by not having to pick out an outfit and was able to customize her look with accessories to keep some individuality.

"Uniforms equalize everyone. There are no hierarchies in the uniform world. That needs to be realized. It makes dressing up more fun after school, too!" -- Reader comment from aja

Uniforms Create Equality

Kids who are proponents of uniforms also point to the fact that everyone looks virtually the same, cutting down on socio-economic cliques throughout the school and helping identify everyone as part of the same student body. Callum from the TRTE poll suggests "... it makes all children equally the same." In the same article, students from Ms. Gill's class add uniforms "... show that everybody goes to the same school, all are included and are a part of the school."

Uniforms Promote Positive Behavior

Proponents suggest kids who wear school uniforms feel more connected to their school, encounter less bullying, and have a more professional attitude. All of these factors contribute to more positive behavior in the school. In one school's online survey, about 25 percent of student respondents said they believe school uniforms would promote positive behavior.

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What Do Kids Think About School Uniforms? | LoveToKnow

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A student's opinion on school uniforms varies depending on factors like age, gender, and socio-economic status. While many kids instantly dismiss the idea ...

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Parents naturally want the best for their children, and as a result, do everything they can to ensure they receive the best education possible. While searching for the right school for your son or daughter, you'll notice that some schools, like Concord Lake STEAM Academy, a public charter school in Kannapolis, require students to wear uniforms - but is this a good thing, or is it a means of stifling children's individuality? In today's post, we're going to discuss the importance of school uniforms and how they promote equality and better learning. Keep reading to learn more.

Many parents like the idea of school uniforms because it makes getting ready for school easier. While this is certainly true, there are many other benefits of having a school uniform. Here are just a few.

Promotes a Safe Environment

When parents are asked what is most important to them when looking for a school for their child, one of the top answers usually has something to do with safety. School has traditionally been a place where children go to learn and not have to worry about violence. However, if you've watched the news or tracked current school issues, you've surely heard about the increase in bullying.

Bullying isn't just harmless teasing, this repeated and hurtful act may include name-calling, hurtful pranks, inflicting physical pain, exclusion, and public humiliation. The fear and anxiety caused by it can be long-lasting, making it difficult to focus at school and causing victims to have fear, low self-esteem, depression, and even thoughts of suicide.

One of the best ways to promote equality and reduce bullying is through the use of school uniforms. Many children are often bullied because they dress differently or can't afford to wear name-brand clothes. School uniforms help to level the playing field. When everyone wears the same color and style of clothes, it's one less thing that children have to worry about and the number of bullying incidents decrease.

Promotes School Spirit and a Sense of Belonging

School spirit is the sense of pride and cohesive identity felt by members of a particular school, and it's important because it helps to bring people together in a positive way. School spirit is felt when you hear people cheering at a football game. It boosts morale and encourages students to do their best for the good of their school.

School uniforms can also be used to promote a sense of school unity and school spirit. Like members of a sports team, students who wear uniforms feel like they are part of one group and therefore tend to perform better and care more about their school.

Saves Time and Money

While there is a cost for school uniforms, it's usually much less than having to pay for new school wardrobes - especially when children often feel the pressure to buy expensive designer clothes in order to fit in. Having a clearly-defined school uniform makes it easy for parents to know exactly what has to be purchased, saving time and money and preventing the guilt trip that comes from children trying to persuade them to buy what they want.

Back-to-school shopping is not only made easier by having uniforms, but it reduces the time and stress involved in getting ready in the morning. Children don't have to worry about what their friends will be wearing or keeping up with fashion trends. Removing this common stress factor allows them to have more time to focus on other more important things.

Reduces Segregation

Walk into any public school where uniforms are not part of the policy and you'll likely see children in small groups, clearly separated from the others. Look closer and you'll probably see a common style of dress within each group. The way you dress often dictates the type of group you belong to. Having one, undifferentiated outfit, on the other hand, helps to reduce social segregation and stereotypical labeling.

Puts the Focus On School

Children have a lot to think about - how to perform well in school, who to be friends with, how to act, what kind of career they want, and so forth. Many children spend an unhealthy amount of time worrying about things that they shouldn't, like how to be popular or how to get someone to like them. Having a school uniform can reduce the amount of time and energy spent on non-essential things, like what they are wearing, so they have more time to focus on academics.

Concord Lake STEAM Academy

If you're looking for a public charter school in the Kannapolis area, we encourage you to take a look at Concord Lake STEAM academy. We're a K through 8 school dedicated to providing a well-rounded education through rigorous, innovative, and inquiry-based instruction. We also believe in the value of wearing school uniforms. If you'd like to learn more about our school including what makes a STEAM school different from a traditional public school, contact us today. Together, with your help, we can ensure our children are prepared for a lifetime of success.

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Parents naturally want the best for their children, and as a result, do everything they can to ensure they receive the best education possible. While ...

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There are many exciting ways to help students engage and learn at school-from incorporating games, hands-on projects, student collaboration, or field trips-you name it! By doing these things, teachers can make learning fun and help students rediscover their love for learning.

A common debate that's been gaining popularity is whether to allow pets in school. And there are profound advocates for both sides. Some say that bringing pets to school teaches students responsibility and compassion. They also suggest they can help kids handle stress. In contrast, others are highly against it because the pets' well-being is not considered. There will also be risks of health hazards.

So how do we know for sure if students should be allowed to bring their pets to school?

Let's dive deep into the pros and cons of bringing pets to school and look closely at the key arguments to help you decide for yourself.

There is a poll at the end where you can vote and comment on this important debate question.

Pros Of Bringing Pets To School

Reduces Stress

Interacting with animals is well-known to reduce cortisol levels or the stress hormone, providing a sense of calm and peace. In addition, studies found that patting a pet can ease anxiety and boost your mood. They also help lower people's blood pressure and heart rates.

So if pets are allowed in school, they will help make the students feel calmer and more relaxed knowing their pet friend is nearby.

Teaches Responsibility and Compassion

Having pets in school helps students learn responsibility and compassion, as they will be entirely responsible for their pet's well-being.

Students must ensure their pets are properly cared for and safe because they are also living things that need constant love and care. There is little room for error because their pet's life is at stake.

Having pets at school will also help develop compassion because as the students take care of their pets, they must learn to be empathetic to their pets' basic needs.

Enriches Classroom Experiences

Students will have something exciting to look forward to with pets in school. They will be excited to go to school or class daily and interact with their pets.

Teachers can also incorporate lessons or projects involving their pets. For example, students can track eating habits or measure their pets' food using a graph or scale. They can also learn about food webs, life cycles, adaptations, or any biology lessons, depending on the type of pet.

Cons Of Bringing Pets To School

Unnatural Environment

Schools or classrooms tend to be noisy and busy places, which can be extremely stressful or stimulating environments for pets, as they are constantly exposed to loud noises. And having this kind of condition can be unnatural and potentially inhumane because pets deserve a quiet and peaceful place.

At school, pets are often disturbed by bright lights, laughter, the school bell, and other sounds. Moreover, pets at school spend most of their time in a confined environment, as they cannot roam freely. Most are placed in cages and kept in a confined area all day which can be unhealthy. Also, it would be stressful for pets to be frequently handled or mishandled by kids.

Can Become Neglected

Pets are also likely to experience neglect, especially when a lot is happening at school, like projects, exams, and events. They will not be constantly monitored, which means a good chance of missed meals or check-ups for any diseases. This could lead to tragic situations, such as illnesses or death.

They are also more likely to be neglected or even abandoned during breaks, weekends, or holidays, especially when there's no one to take care of them.

Moreover, pets are also at risk of being abused at school. There are even reports received by PETA about neglect and cruelty to pets kept in schools, including overfeeding, strangling, depriving of food and water, and many more.

Health Risks

Having pets at school promotes health risks because the probability of disease and other contagions is much higher with numerous animals kept at school.

Many kids also have allergies like asthma, which can be aggravated by specific animals brought by their classmates.

Pets also carry certain diseases or dangerous bacteria like salmonella, which can be transmitted to students from direct contact or feces. Examples of pets that carry salmonella include ducks, chickens, turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and other small mammals like hedgehogs. So, having a pet in school is risky, concerning students' health.

So should pets be allowed in school?

What are your thoughts on this? Please vote below and give the reason or any thoughts in the comments.

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There are many exciting ways to help students engage and learn at school-from incorporating games, hands-on projects, student collaboration, or field trips-you name it! By doing these things, teachers can make learning fun and help students rediscover their love for learning. A common debate that's been gaining popularity is whether to allow pets in school.

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YES PETS: Pets should be allowed in classrooms

Imagine being sad in a shown that having an animal next to classroom and a dog comes to comfort you. This could happen if pets were allowed in schools. Having a pet in classrooms could help with building self-esteem and learning.

"It can promote responsibility, teach children about being nurturing, and help improve self-esteem," school counselor Mrs. Turner said. "Pets can become your friends. They can help with emotional support. If you are feeling sad, you can talk to your pet."

Pets can be wonderful companions to make someone feel better. They can sit alongside the students to help them feel calm.

"Pets can help kids calm down when they are sad," fifth grade student Amy said. "Recent studies have shown that having an animal next to you will calm you down and make you feel better. Pets can cheer you up."

Pets can also get you excited to learn. This will make it easier to teach students because they will be more interested in learning.

"I think it would help me learn scientific facts about them," third grade student Sean said.

According to the 2019 Pets in the Classroom Survey, teachers saw 78% academic improvement when having a pet in the classroom. Pets help students learn responsibility and learn about animals.

With the benefits of improving self-esteem and learning, pets should be allowed in the classroom.

NO PETS: Pets should not be allowed in classrooms

Imagine walking into class and seeing frogs jumping on desks! Pets should not be allowed in school because it's unfair to animals, distracting, and a health risk to people who are allergic.

According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, pets are often neglected and not cared for properly. There are many times when they are left alone or forgotten. This is unfair to them and could happen at school during breaks.

"There are many drawbacks," fourth grade teacher Mrs. Lucas said. "The number one drawback is concerning who will take care of the pet on the weekends and days off from school."

Classroom pets can also be distracting when students are trying to take a test or do their school work. The pet could make noise or need food while students are trying to learn.

"In my second grade class, we did have a pet fish," third grade student Raelyn said. "Everyone was obsessed with it and always wanted to be near it. It was a bit distracting."

Taking care of an animal is a huge responsibility. Some individuals might not know how to provide for the animal.

"The kids would need to take care of it," third grade student Sean said. "The kids might give the animal too much food."

Having animals in the classroom can cause health risks to students that are allergic. According to Sandra Hong, MD, "Allergy and asthma triggers not only create physical discomfort for children, but can even affect their schoolwork."

Pets cause distractions, are a health risk, and need to be taken care of constantly. Classroom pets are not a good idea and should not be allowed in classrooms.

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Dual Opinion: Should pets be allowed in classrooms?

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YES PETS: Pets should be allowed in classrooms BY CHRISTINE, JABEEN, KAI, SALOME, AND VANESSA Imagine being sad in a shown that having an animal next to classroom and a dog comes to comfort you. This could happen if pets were allowed in schools. Having a pet in classrooms could help with building self-esteem and...

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Littering in Schools Statistics - Paul’s Rubbish

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Discover shocking statistics on littering in schools. Learn about the environmental impact and find effective strategies to tackle this issue.

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Looking outside around Urbana High School, it seems to be full of litter. So much garbage piled up on our school grounds.

Staff member Joan Jach and her students are doing something to change that.

Jach has her students help pick up trash around the school during her class periods when they finish their work early.

"I think that it teaches them a few things. It teaches them 'Oh this is actually happening around here' and also teaches students 'Hey we can make a difference in how our school looks' and they can give some pride in how their school looks," said Jach.

Having school pride is what high school students value during their four years. When the atmosphere of our school is lacking from all of the litter thrown around, that can be hard.

"It makes me sad [when people litter] because it makes me think that people don't respect their surroundings and that they're being consumers of whatever it is, soda, fast food, that consumerism is having an effect on the environment," stated Jach.

Principal of UHS Jesse Guzman agrees. [When there is litter around] "It makes it look like we don't care about our building. It looks like we can just litter and it's somebody else's responsibility, and that really gives a perception of 'It's somebody else that can pick up after me;' 'It's somebody else's responsibility' when it's not, It's really our responsibility."

Not only is littering killing the environment, but it also sets a negative image for UHS.

"Just the image that it [littering] gives, it also gives the feel of the culture and climate of not respecting our space. It is something that to me is foundational to making us look good, when people come in they want to see a clean building," said Guzman.

While all of this can be unfortunate, there are things that can be changed to help encourage the amount of litter to change.

"I would love to see regular student participation in picking up litter on a regular basis. I would also love to see those garbage cans that sort recycling and trash, and I would also love to see at least one more trash can in the parking lot," stated Jach.

Guzman agrees. "We can invest in some trash cans out there, [and] make some better signage."

Hopefully, these upcoming changes will create an inspiring impact on the community of UHS because creating a positive environment and atmosphere at the place where we spend 7+ hours a day is fundamental.

Whether it's consumerism or just high school students being high school students, the amount of litter is killing the environment. Let's make a change!

About The Author

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Littering on school grounds: why it has to stop

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Looking outside around Urbana High School, it seems to be full of litter. So much garbage piled up on our school grounds. Staff member Joan Jach and her students are doing something to change that. Jach has her students help pick up trash around the school during her class periods when they finish their work early.

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That's right, I said it, your art class time should be cut! Before you click away, hear me out!

This issue is perhaps one of the most anger-inducing issues art teachers are facing right now. As people try and squeeze out the arts in favor of more math and reading time, we're left defending what we do in our classrooms. Often, the "middle ground" is that art isn't eliminated outright, but precious minutes are shaved off of each class.

If this is your situation, I want to help you see some light at the end of the tunnel.

I want to show you how to make the most of your changing schedule, and maybe, even see how you can benefit from it.

My Personal Experience

Three years ago, each of my art classes was cut by 15 minutes.

As someone who was always working hard up until the very last minute, this seemed to be a truly devastating decision being thrust upon the teachers in my district. Looking back, I'll admit that perhaps having my art time slashed was the single most important thing to impact the way I teach.

When our art time was cut, we were told it wasn't about how much time you have with students; it was about what you do during that time. In other words, it was all about how you maximize the time.

To be honest, at first, I thought that was ridiculous. I laughed. I was angry. I was confused. Now, I believe that message. Here's why.

Now, I appreciate every single second I have with my students. I don't fluff up lessons or allow students to free draw for 50 minutes because they rushed through the lesson. Before, when you walked into my art room, kids were all over the map. Today, they're much more focused.

My current lessons are planned to the minute. If we have ten extra minutes, I squeeze in a new concept or introduce the next lesson. Before, I would just hold off introducing new things until the next class. It sent the message that it was ok just to hang out. My room felt more like indoor recess than a visual arts studio.

My students now have a different perspective on what it means to come to the art room. They don't dare waste their art time, and I promise them I won't waste theirs. Instruction is brief, so they can get right to work. They take art more seriously now, which helps a lot with management issues.

Finally, I can be more consistent with my curriculum. I know exactly how much time I have to teach concepts, and I stay on track because we can't afford to lose any time.

So, do I want my time back? OF COURSE, ARE YOU KIDDING?

Once you lose time, it's very difficult to get it back. But now, if I got back that precious extra time with students, I would use it much differently. My curriculum and day-to-day teaching would both be more focused. I would be sure to use every minute to present a balanced, spiraling curriculum (rather than spend two months on Monet just because I like him.) I could use the time to find more quality, creative ways to advocate for my program.

I truly hope your art time is never cut. But, I hope I've helped you see that you should never take the time with your students for granted! Your time with students should be filled with quality art projects, critiques, assessments and conversations surrounding art. At the very least, I want you to know there is hope, and you can get through this. You are not alone!
Tell me about the time your students spend in art. How have you coped with cuts?
Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

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New evidence of the benefits of arts education | Brookings

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New findings provide strong evidence that arts educational experiences can produce significant positive impacts on academic and social development for students.

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Arts Integration In School: 10 Reasons Why It's Important - Seneca Academy

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At Seneca Academy, arts integration has always been part of our curriculum, whether fine arts, music, drama, or movement.

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The decision-making power of students in choosing their own classes has been a subject of ongoing debate in educational circles.

On one hand, it offers the potential for students to tailor their academic experience to their individual interests and career goals, promoting a sense of ownership and agency in their education.

However, this autonomy also brings forth certain challenges and considerations that necessitate careful evaluation.

By exploring the various dimensions of this issue, we can gain a deeper understanding of how the practice of students selecting their own classes impacts not only their academic journey but also their overall growth and development.

Key Takeaways

Students choosing their own classes allows for a personalized learning experience tailored to their needs and interests.

It helps develop important time management skills, enabling students to prioritize tasks and balance their academic and extracurricular commitments effectively.

It promotes enhanced personal responsibility, as students are held accountable for their academic choices and learn to prioritize their goals and needs.

However, there may be potential challenges such as academic overload, increased stress levels, and difficulty in managing the course load effectively, which can impact overall academic and personal success.

Flexibility in Course Selection

When considering the flexibility in course selection, students are presented with the opportunity to tailor their academic experience to their individual needs and interests. This freedom allows for a more personalized learning journey, enabling students to delve deeper into subjects they are passionate about and align their studies with their career goals.

However, it also requires careful planning to ensure a well-rounded education and may lead to overlooking important foundational courses.

Alignment With Academic Interests

As students explore the flexibility in course selection, they also encounter the critical factor of alignment with their academic interests, a pivotal consideration in shaping a well-rounded and personally enriching educational experience.

Students are more motivated and engaged when studying subjects that align with their academic interests. Alignment with academic interests can lead to better academic performance and deeper understanding of the subject matter.

It allows students to explore and specialize in areas that genuinely interest them. Choosing courses aligned with academic interests can lead to greater career satisfaction and success.

Development of Time Management Skills

The process of choosing one's own classes provides an opportunity for the development of essential time management skills, which are integral to academic success and personal growth.

By allowing students to make decisions about their schedules, they learn to prioritize tasks, allocate time efficiently, and balance academic commitments with extracurricular activities.

This fosters a sense of responsibility and prepares students for the demands of higher education and the professional world.

Enhanced Personal Responsibility

The freedom to select their own classes results in an increased sense of personal responsibility among students as they take ownership of their academic decisions and outcomes. This enhanced personal responsibility can benefit students in various ways:

1. Students become accountable for their academic choices.

2. They learn to prioritize their academic goals and needs.

3. It fosters a sense of independence and self-reliance.

4. Students develop a deeper understanding of the consequences of their decisions.

Potential for Academic Overload

Amidst the freedom to choose their own classes, students may face the potential for academic overload, leading to challenges in managing their course load effectively. This can result in increased stress, decreased academic performance, and hindered personal well-being.

Limited Access to Core Curriculum

Limited access to core curriculum can hinder students' ability to gain a well-rounded education, as it may limit exposure to essential subjects. This restriction may also raise concerns about the flexibility of the curriculum and the ability to tailor education to individual needs.

Additionally, when students cannot access core curriculum, there is a risk of misalignment with the intended learning objectives, potentially impacting their overall academic development.

Core Curriculum Restrictions

Access to essential core curriculum courses may be restricted, posing challenges for students in designing their academic paths. This can lead to several drawbacks, including limited availability of foundational courses and difficulty in completing prerequisite requirements. Additionally, potential delays in graduation due to course unavailability and the inability to explore diverse academic disciplines within the core curriculum can further hinder students' ability to acquire a well-rounded education and pursue their academic and career goals effectively.

Curriculum Flexibility Concerns

The challenges of core curriculum restrictions underscore the significance of examining the concerns surrounding curriculum flexibility, particularly the limited access to essential courses.

Reduced Options

Students may have limited choices due to scheduling conflicts or scarce course offerings.

Delayed Graduation

Inability to access core courses may prolong students' time to degree completion.

Skill Deficiency

Lack of access to essential courses may result in knowledge and skill gaps.

Academic Equity

Limited access may disproportionately affect certain student populations.

Learning Objective Misalignment

Concerns arise when the learning objectives of students are not aligned with the core curriculum due to constraints on course availability and scheduling conflicts. This misalignment can lead to several issues:

1. Incomplete mastery of essential concepts.

2. Difficulty in meeting graduation requirements.

3. Limited access to specialized or advanced courses.

4. Inability to develop a well-rounded educational foundation.

It's essential to address these challenges to ensure students receive a comprehensive and cohesive education.

Impact on Peer Interaction

When students have the freedom to choose their own classes, it can significantly impact their peer interaction. The social dynamics in the classroom can change as students may find themselves in classes with different peers, leading to new connections and interactions.

Additionally, the diversity of perspectives brought by students' varied choices can enrich discussions and foster collaboration among classmates.

Social Dynamics in Classroom

Interacting with peers in the classroom setting can significantly influence the overall learning experience and social development of students. The social dynamics in a classroom can impact peer interaction in various ways:

1. Collaboration: Students can work together, sharing ideas and knowledge.

2. Peer learning: Interacting with peers can enhance understanding of concepts through discussions.

3. Social skills: Classroom interactions contribute to the development of important social skills.

4. Diversity: Students can learn from peers with different backgrounds and perspectives.

Diversity of Perspectives

The varied backgrounds and perspectives of students in a classroom setting not only foster collaboration and peer learning, as discussed previously, but also significantly influence the dynamics of peer interaction through the diversity of perspectives.

This diversity encourages students to consider alternative viewpoints, promoting critical thinking and expanding their understanding of different cultures and ideas.

It can also lead to more nuanced discussions and a richer learning experience for all students involved.

Potential for Collaboration

The potential for collaboration among peers in a classroom setting significantly impacts the depth and richness of peer interaction, enhancing the overall learning experience for all students involved.

1. Encourages diverse perspectives and ideas.

2. Fosters teamwork and communication skills.

3. Promotes a sense of community and support.

4. Allows for the sharing of expertise and knowledge.

Influence on Career Preparedness

When selecting their own classes, students have the opportunity to tailor their educational experience to align with their desired career path, enhancing their overall preparedness for the workforce. This level of customization allows students to focus on relevant skills and knowledge that directly apply to their chosen profession. Here's a table showcasing the potential impact of students choosing their own classes on career preparedness:

Relevant coursework

Lack of guidance from advisors

Specialized skill development

Risk of overlooking essential subjects

Increased motivation and engagement

Difficulty in meeting graduation requirements

Enhanced job readiness

Potential for unbalanced education

Challenge of Balancing Workload

When it comes to selecting your own classes, the challenge of balancing workload is a crucial aspect to consider.

Student time management, academic advisor support, and course availability options are all vital factors that play into this delicate balance.

Finding the right combination of courses and support systems can help students navigate their workload effectively.

Student Time Management

Successfully balancing a challenging workload is a critical aspect of effective student time management. To achieve this, students can implement the following strategies:

1. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.

2. Break down large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks.

3. Use a planner or digital calendar to schedule study sessions and deadlines.

4. Set realistic goals and allocate specific time slots for studying, relaxation, and extracurricular activities.

Academic Advisor Support

One of the key factors in successfully balancing a challenging workload as a student is seeking support and guidance from academic advisors. These professionals can provide valuable insight into course selection, ensuring that students maintain a manageable workload.

Academic advisors can also help students navigate the complexities of different academic programs, ensuring that their course selections align with their long-term academic and career goals. This support is crucial in managing the challenges of a self-selected class schedule.

Course Availability Options

Navigating the challenge of balancing your workload when choosing your own classes often involves considering the availability options for courses. To make informed decisions, it's essential to take into account the following factors:

1. Course scheduling: Evaluate the timing of classes to ensure they fit into your daily schedule.

2. Class capacity: Check the availability of seats in each course to secure a spot.

3. Alternative options: Explore backup courses in case your first choices are full.

4. Online offerings: Consider the availability of online classes for added flexibility.

Effect on Graduation Timelines

When students have the freedom to choose their own classes, it can impact their graduation timelines in various ways, potentially leading to earlier or delayed completion of their degree requirements.

The ability to select courses that align with their interests and career goals may allow students to fulfill their degree requirements more efficiently. However, it's essential for students to carefully plan their course selections to ensure timely progression towards graduation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision for students to choose their own classes has both positive and negative implications.

While it allows for flexibility and alignment with academic interests, it also requires enhanced time management and personal responsibility.

However, the potential for academic overload and impact on peer interaction should not be overlooked.

Ultimately, finding a balance between freedom and structure in course selection is crucial for students to thrive in their academic journey.

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Pros and Cons of Students Choosing Their Own Classes - EducationalWave

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The decision-making power of students in choosing their own classes has been a subject of ongoing debate in educational circles.

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Being a high school student isn't always easy. High school students have many assignments, sometimes all due on the same day as three major tests, all while managing extra curriculars. Now, how much easier would it be if high school students could choose their own

classes? Here are some reasons why high schools should let their students choose which classes they take:

Students would have more motivation to learn and come to school if they were able to choose their own classes, rather than being required to take certain classes in order to graduate. Should a student who hopes to major in biochemistry be required to take three years of Spanish and four years of English? Or should a student who hopes to major in journalism be forced to take classes like geometry, chemistry, and calculus in order to graduate?

2. Students are failing classes they don't even need

Many students fail classes they won't even need for the career they end up pursuing. Not only does failing classes lower self-esteem, but it also lowers the students overall GPA, which may prevent them from getting into the college they want to go to in order to specialize in their profession. Instead, they may be forced to settle for a college they never wanted to go to in the first place.

3. They would be more attentive in their classes

Every student at some point in their life has spaced out during class. However, many students not only space out but ignore the lesson altogether. An uninterested student can completely ignore a lesson simply because they aren't interested in the subject. They may be uninterested, but these classes may not be necessary at all for their future. If students would be able to choose their own classes, they would be more focused on their classes, which would result in better grades and a higher GPA.

4. It teaches them things about themselves

When students choose their own classes, it encourages students to choose a class based on their interests, future goals, and future career path. As a result, they become more in tune with their interests and learn more about themselves. In the classes these students choose, they will learn more since they are more engaged in the class. Now students will have the opportunity to study the subjects that interest them and set themselves up for the future.

KNIGHT, SHANNON. "GUEST COLUMN: Why students should choose their own classes." The Sun Chronicle, 3 January 2016, https://www.thesunchronicle.com/opinion/columns/guest-column-why-students-should-choose-their-own-classes/article_9b794965-5d99-55c0-9890-fa66d23ce407.html. Accessed 28 March 2022.

High School Students Should be Allowed to Choose Their Own Classes: Academics

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High School Students Should be Allowed to Choose Their Own Classes | HAFTR Tattler

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Being a high school student isn't always easy. High school students have many assignments, sometimes all due on the same day as three major tests, all while managing extra curriculars. Now, how much easier would it be if high school students could choose their own classes?

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11 Reasons Why Pizza Is the Best Food EVER! | Dogtown Pizza

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Is there any food in the world that’s better than pizza? No. But if you need more convincing read on for our eleven reasons WHY it’s the best!

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While it would be pretentious to award pizza as America's number one comfort food without an appropriate census count, pizza being on the shortlist of America's favorite foods should not be a shocking discovery. And we can all agree that pizza can, in fact, be classified as comfort food. It's warm, cheesy, and we usually have the privilege of picking our own toppings when it comes to pizza, where sometimes other dishes are less customizable.

Let's not forget that pizza is often the most suitable choice at almost every occasion, from winning a sports game to a broken heart. With all this in mind, it's actually hard to think of a reason why pizza isn't the best comfort food. It very well could be.

What Are Comfort Foods

The phrase "comfort food" was added to the Oxford English dictionary in 1977 to describe foods that bring solace. Originally, the meaning was related back to home cooking and childhood favorites. Yet, your favorite lady from your afternoon soap opera doesn't churn the ice cream she eats after a bad breakup. She brings it from the supermarket and hides it in the freezer until the opportunity arises.

In reality, there are a variety of foods that bring us comfort, whether they are bought at a store or made in our kitchens. The real benefit of comfort food is emotional. We eat comfort foods based on trustworthy associations we have with the act.

For one, eating comfort foods typically triggers the happy chemicals in our brain. When we eat comfort foods, we feel like we are being rewarded, and our minds act accordingly. Tasty foods have been found to activate the same regions of the brain that are switched on in drug addiction cases. Sometimes the anticipation of eating the food alone is enough to get our brains whirling in an exciting frenzy.

People also use comfort foods to self medicate. We know it feels good, so if we're ever in a high-stress or painful situation, it's great to know that a simple indulgence can put our minds at ease. Emotional eating as a coping mechanism can have both positive and negative outcomes. Those with negative feelings tend to indulge in less nutritious foods. Those with positive feelings are inclined to do the opposite. In either situation, moderation is key to responsible indulging.

Comfort foods offer familial associations as well. One study demonstrated that people with strong healthy relationships were able to rank comfort foods higher on a taste scale than those who didn't. In other words, people who did not have secure attachment styles did not feel the same enjoyment in so-called comfort foods as others. Comfort foods are largely defined by the people who partake in them. Cultural foods remind us of a family get together and pizza and candy can remind us of a cherished childhood party.

What Makes Pizza So Comforting?

The stats on favorite foods in America are sliced up pretty sparsely. Still, most Americans list pizza as their favorite at 15 percent, which is twice as many likes as any other food choice listed. Ice cream and chocolate tied for second, each garnering 7 percent, followed by macaroni and cheese and then chips, which earned 5 percent and 4 percent respectively.

Pizza topped the majority of the poll's (conducted by Harris) demographic categories (gender, location, and age) save for one. Only adults aged 70 or older did not choose pizza as their favorite comfort food, instead ice cream took the top spot.

Ingredient Combo

Though some people are opposed to the idea of pineapple on pizza, the very fact that we're at liberty to have that option in the first place makes it obvious why pizza is a universal love. We have no option but to thoroughly appreciate a dish that allows for the mixture of sweet and salty. Even your basic pizza can easily utilize all the major food groups. Vegetables include toppings like mushrooms and olives. Tomato is considered a fruit now, and that's a given on most pizzas. Cheese fulfills our dairy needs. The dough itself serves as a base grain. Pepperoni, sausage, or even a vegetarian substitute can be classified as meat. Oils, which have an important position with the rest of the food groups, are clearly visible on any fresh slice.

Complementary Textures

Besides the tastes that combine effortlessly to make a delicious pizza, the texture of the pie complements its flavor. A crisp crust laid rigidly under a layer of lackadaisical gooey and chewy cheese is very demanding to the tongue and teeth, but in a good way. The sauce placating our palates with a wet ingredient, but not so lacking in thickness to be off putting, is the cherry on top,

Color Palette

The shallow bits of our personalities only want to eat something that looks as good as it tastes and pizza fits the bill. A classic pizza is eternally designed with an orange-cream crust brazen with olive oil. This small sector of triangle (or pie) is accompanied by a rustic red aura credited to a saucy marinara foundation. Of course this is topped with a white, bronze-like coat of cheese.

Addictive Quality

Pizza is quite literally linked with symptoms of addiction. As scary as that sounds, if we had the option to choose an outlet for our addictive behaviours, pizza is probably a good choice.

The psychological response to pizza's ingredient combinations is partially explained by the fact that highly processed foods like pizza, with added amounts of fat, refined carbohydrates, and salt, are most associated with behavioral indications of addiction such as loss of control over consumption, cravings, and continued consumption.

A clinical psychologist noted that its addictive quality could be allied with its reward potential. Seeing as the combination of ingredients found in pizza does not occur organically in nature, our reward system increases its effectiveness for satiety.

A Matter of Preference

The nice thing about pizza is that it can be optimized for your personal preferences. Some people like thin crust. Some people like thick crust. Most people don't like anchovies but some do. Go halfies. There's also a wide range of pizza styles. A slice in New York City is nothing like a Chicago-style deep dish. And both of those are nothing like a New Jersey tomato pie or a Detroit style pie. So don't fret, you have a lot of options.

Sharing Is Caring

Buying pizza is not like any other selfish food indulgence. When you buy a pie with friends you are opting for a shared experience. Ordering pizza with family or friends requires social compromise and an understanding of friendship. And once you finally get to enjoy a pie together everyone is brought a little closer.

The Pizza Experience

When you think of pizza you think of gathering with friends and family enjoying a delicious meal, celebrating a special event or watching a football game. It is a "community coming together" type of food and you would be hard pressed to think of any other food that replicates that experience. Pizza is a fun food. It is portable and you don't have to sit down and be formal. Pizza is a party.

Can Pizza Be Good For You?

For some reason many people look to pizza as a comfort food or guilty pleasure. This is likely because we associate indulgence with negative perceptions about our bodies and assumptions about health. If we were knowledgeable, however, we'd realize this is not the case. Let's not villainize the things we like.

Contrary to popular belief, pizza can play a healthy role in a balanced diet. Tomatoes, for example, contain lycopene. Lycopene can be found in other vivid red fruits like raspberries and strawberries. This antioxidant lowers both cholesterol and blood pressure. Cooked tomatoes, as opposed to fresh tomatoes, let the body absorb more lycopene. One tablespoon of pizza sauce has the equivalent amount of lycopene as half a cup of cherry tomatoes (2000 micrograms).

Pizza is loaded with dairy because pizzerias know we love cheese. Dairy items like cheese are excellent sources of calcium, which is vital for your bones.

Plus, vegetables are go-to toppings for most pizza lovers. Each vegetable contains an abundance of micronutrients including vitamins and minerals that contribute to your immune system, energy levels, and blood clotting. The more vegetables you consume, the more micronutrients you'll gobble up as well.

Special occasions always call for some divergence from your normal diet. Diets are best maintained when they're flexible and optimized for you. Restricting yourself from a slice of pizza because it has a couple too many carbs may only stress you out in the end and lead to a worse indulgence later. Your health is determined by the average of your food and fitness choices. Having a slice (or 2) here and there won't stop you from living a healthy lifestyle.

Pizza can also be good for you in an emotional sense. Because it's meant to be shared, pizza encourages social interaction which can boost your confidence and self esteem. There's nothing quite like gathering some of your closest friends around some pizza pies after a long day.

Is Comfort Food Just For Bad Days?

You shouldn't just reserve comfort food for bad days. We already know that comfort food has a positive effect on our general well being. Then why deny ourselves? Waiting around for something tragic to happen before we seek out the things that bring us comfort seems like a horrible way to practice self-care and self-love everyday.

In lieu of a bad day and the specificities of an unfortunate event, as humans we're still prone to negative emotions. Food has a profound effect on our happiness. Our mood has a direct response to the consumption of fatty acids. Fatty acids like fats and oils are common attributes of comfort foods, like pizza and macaroni and cheese.

A clinical study revealed that besides taste or emotional attachment, comfort foods' impact is deeply physiological. Our stomach communicates with our brains when we eat comfort food and compels us to be more content and less sad.

Areas of the brain related to mood were positively activated by fatty acids. The exact biological process of this phenomenon is unknown. But it is clear that a chemical reaction occurs post digestion. Evolution has provided us with a means to counteract anxious and depressive feelings with a mere indulgence of our favorite foods.

Visit TJ's Take and Bake Pizza

We've established many reasons why pizza is the best comfort food without the need for a census collector. Pizza is a shoulder to cry on during the bad times and a party hat for the good times. We're addicted to the stuff....and for a good reason. There's nothing quite like it. Mother Nature's cooking doesn't have the same kick and nothing else is worthy of competition.

With an amalgamation of flavors, textures that go together like puzzle pieces, an enticing color scheme, a sense of insatiability....pizza makes the most uncomfortable situations comfortable. If you're anything like the majority of Americans who love pizza, then you're craving a slice right now and we are ready to serve you. Grab a pie of your favorite comfort food and load it up with your favorite comfort toppings!

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Pizza being on the shortlist of America's favorite foods should not be a shocking discovery, it really is the food for every occasion!

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Listen to this article

SAN FRANCISCO - In California, a high school teacher complains that students watch Netflix on their phones during class. In Maryland, a chemistry teacher says students use gambling apps to place bets during the school day.

Around the country, educators say students routinely send Snapchat messages in class, listen to music and shop online, among countless other examples of how smartphones distract from teaching and learning.

The hold that phones have on adolescents in America today is well-documented, but teachers say parents are often not aware to what extent students use them inside the classroom. And increasingly, educators and experts are speaking with one voice on the question of how to handle it: Ban phones during classes.

"Students used to have an understanding that you aren't supposed to be on your phone in class. Those days are gone," said James Granger, who requires students in his science classes at a Los Angeles-area high school to place their phones in "a cellphone cubby" with numbered slots. "The only solution that works is to physically remove the cellphone from the student."

Most schools already have rules regulating student phone use, but they are enforced sporadically. A growing number of leaders at the state and federal levels have begun endorsing school cellphone bans and suggesting new ways to curb access to the devices.

The latest state intervention came in Utah, where Gov. Spencer Cox, a Republican, last month urged all school districts and the state Board of Education to remove cellphones from classrooms. He cited studies that show learning improves, distractions are decreased and students are more likely to talk to each other if phones are taken away.

"We just need a space for six or seven hours a day where kids are not tethered to these devices," Cox told reporters this month. He said his initiative, which is not binding, is part of a legislative push to protect kids in Utah from the harms of social media.

Last year, Florida became the first state to crack down on phones in school. A law that took effect in July requires all Florida public schools to ban student cellphone use during class time and block access to social media on district Wi-Fi. Some districts, including Orange County Public Schools, went further and banned phones the entire school day.

Oklahoma, Vermont and Kansas have also recently introduced what is becoming known as "phone-free schools" legislation.

And two U.S. senators - Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, and Tim Kaine, a Virginia Democrat - introduced legislation in December that would require a federal study on the effects of cellphone use in schools on students' mental health and academic performance. Theirs is one of several bipartisan alliances calling for stiffer rules for social media companies and greater online safety for kids.

Nationally, 77% of U.S. schools say they prohibit cellphones at school for non-academic use, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

But that number is misleading. It does not mean students are following those bans or all those schools are enforcing them.

Just ask teachers.

"Cellphone use is out of control. By that, I mean that I cannot control it, even in my own classroom," said Patrick Truman, who teaches at a Maryland high school that forbids student use of cellphones during class. It is up to each teacher to enforce the policy, so Truman bought a 36-slot caddy for storing student phones. Still, every day, students hide phones in their laps or under books as they play video games and check social media.

Tired of being the phone police, he has come to a reluctant conclusion: "Students who are on their phones are at least quiet. They are not a behavior issue."

A study last year from Common Sense Media found that 97% of kids use their phones during school hours, and that kids say school cellphone policies vary - often from one classroom to another - and aren't always enforced.

For a school cellphone ban to work, educators and experts say the school administration must be the one to enforce it and not leave that task to teachers. The Phone-Free Schools Movement, an advocacy group formed last year by concerned mothers, says policies that allow students to keep phones in their backpacks, as many schools do, are ineffective.

"If the bookbag is on the floor next to them, it's buzzing and distracting, and they have the temptation to want to check it," said Kim Whitman, a co-founder of the group, which advises schools to require phones be turned off and locked away all day.

Some students say such policies take away their autonomy and cut off their main mode of communication with family and friends. Pushback also has come from parents who fear being cut off from their kids if there is a school emergency. Whitman advises schools to make exceptions for students with special educational and medical needs, and to inform parents on expert guidance that phones can be a dangerous distraction for students during an emergency.

Jaden Willoughey, 14, shares the concern about being out of contact with his parents if there's a crisis. But he also sees the upsides of turning in his phone at school.

At Delta High School in rural Utah, where Jaden is a freshman, students are required to check their phones at the door when entering every class. Each of the school's 30 or so classrooms has a cellphone storage unit that looks like an over-the-door shoe bag with three dozen smartphone-sized slots.

"It helps you focus on your work, and it's easier to pay attention in class," Jaden said.

A classmate, Mackenzie Stanworth, 14, said it would be hard to ignore her phone if it was within reach. It's a relief, she said, to "take a break from the screen and the social life on your phone and actually talk to people in person."

It took a few years to tweak the cellphone policy and find a system that worked, said Jared Christensen, the school's vice principal.

"At first it was a battle. But it has been so worth it," he said. "Students are more attentive and engaged during class time. Teachers are able to teach without competing with cellphones. And student learning has increased," he said, citing test scores that are at or above state averages for the first time in years. "I can't definitively say it's because of this policy. But I know it's helping."

The next battle will be against earbuds and smartwatches, he said. Even with phones stashed in pouches, students get caught listening to music on air pods hidden under their hair or hoodies. "We haven't included earbuds in our policy yet. But we're almost there."

Jocelyn Gecker reports for the Associated Press.

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Kids are using phones in class, even when it's against the rules. Should schools ban them? - Maryland Daily Record

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Around the country, including in Maryland, educators give countless examples of how smartphones distract from teaching and learning.

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Should Smartphones Be Banned In School? The Pros and Cons

Nowadays, smartphones are something most people can't live without, young or old. We use them to text friends, watch videos, surf websites, play games, take pictures, etc. These wondrous little technological marvels have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. 82% of high school students are reported to use it highly frequently.

Yet, the question remains as to what role they play in education. Should schools ban smartphones or should they be allowed? Here, we will examine the pros and cons of smartphones in schools.

The Pros of Smartphones in School

One main advantage of having a smartphone with you at all times is it gives you the ability to instantly communicate with someone else. Students are able to contact parents, guardians or the authorities without much hassle and vice versa.

This can be especially useful in emergency situations. In fact, it can be a literal life-saver in dangerous situations such as kidnappings, accidents, and assaults. Smartphones' GPS tracking feature could also be incredibly useful in the case of a missing student.

Smartphones are all about the apps and the amazing things they can do, can be used in a number of creative ways to facilitate their classroom learning experience. Students could take pictures of whiteboards, voice record lessons, take more organized notes, keep track of schedules and dates, and more. Smartphones could potentially be a tool of convenience that gives students more time and power to focus on their studies.

For all the distractions a smartphone provides, there is no doubt that users have the wealth of human knowledge at their hands thanks to it. With the power of the internet, students can access research, news and videos to enhance their learning. Students will be able to immediately get answers to questions and have additional information available to give context to their studies.

Rather than restrict its use, teachers can actively integrate smartphone usage in class to make lessons more engaging and collaborative. However it could be argued that utilizing tablets or laptops are more appropriate in a classroom. On the other hand, smartphones are more cost-effective and commonly used.

The Cons of Smartphones in School

In modern times, bullying has been upgraded to breach the digital frontier, with 59% of students reporting experience being cyber-bullied. Smartphones can be utilized for digital harassment in and out of school, giving them more and instantaneous opportunities to humiliate other students. A smartphone could also be an indicator of socio-economic status and students using older technology could be mistreated and ostracized. It could also be be used to take pictures or videos of students and uploaded online to mock them.

Of course, with all the wonders of smartphones from games, videos to social media, students could become highly distracted from the many sources of entertainment. Thus, it could divert their attention from lessons and negatively impact their academics. Furthermore, their usage could distract other students around them. In addition, smartphones could be used for cheating in exams and quizzes.

Frequent usage of smartphones has been linked to negative effects on both physical and mental health. Increased screen time is associated with poor impulse control, addictive-like behaviors, and lack of concentration. Social media use is also linked to poorer self-esteem and increased depression and anxiety.

Additionally, it could potentially further damage relationships by limiting in-person communication. In terms of physical health, bluelight of smartphones could damage eyesight, lead to sleeping issues and more. Thus, some believe time off from smartphones is better for students' well-being.

Overall, the pros and cons of smartphones in school is a widely debated and important issue that has multiple facets. It has also been argued that rather restrict smartphone usage, schools should accept it as inevitable part of modern life. They argue that the cons can be mitigated by providing more engaging lessons, more postive environments and cultivating good digital citizenship skills. For more interesting articles on controversial topics, browse our education trends page.

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Should Smartphones Be Banned In School? The Pros and Cons - The Global Scholars

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Nowadays, smartphones are something most people can't live without, young or old. We use them to text friends, watch videos, surf websites, play games, take pictures, etc. These wondrous little technological marvels have become an inseparable part of our daily lives. 82% of high school students are reported to use it highly frequently.

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10 Science-Based Benefits of Having a Dog – American Kennel Club

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Recent research shows that owning a dog is good for you physically and emotionally. Here are the science-backed benefits of owning a dog.

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Humans and dogs have evolved together over the last 30,000 years.

There are many reasons why dogs are known as man's best friend. They entertain us with their antics, greet us with an exuberant wag of the tail every day (no matter how many times you leave and come back), and offer endless photo ops to fill our social feeds. But these aren't the only reasons why dogs are the best. In fact, science can back up the claims that our canine companions are the superior species, too! Read on for 11 reasons why dogs are the best friends we could ever ask for, and share why you love your pup with us on Instagram via @DailyPaws.

1. They Provide Endless Entertainment.

Whether we're watching our four-legged friends get the zoomies around the house or romp with their pals at the park, there's nothing that says "pure joy" like puppies at play. Those big floppy ears and goofy grins are the highlight of our days. So much so, that a 2017 study conducted by BarkBox found that the average dog owner posts about their pup six times per week on social media.

2. They Are Great Company, No Matter What You're Doing.

The companionship of a dog is like no other. Just think: What friend of yours always wants to do whatever it is you're doing? Unless your BFF also happens to be a dog, we know that every duo eventually differs on favorite activities, or places to eat, or what to watch on Netflix. Except dogs. Want to go for a run? YEP. How about a car ride? Double yep! Lounge on the couch and munch on treats? You betcha. Dogs are down for anything. (Except maybe this pup, who's had enough of your shenanigans during his scheduled nap time, thankyouverymuch.)

3. They Lower Our Stress Levels.

It's a wonderful feeling to have a fur-ever friend who greets you at the door with a wagging tail each day. But did you know that having a dog around can actually help manage stress? Research has shown that being around a canine companion can have a calming effect on humans, and help us control stress two ways. First, by increasing levels of oxytocin (a hormone in the body that releases feelings of joy). Second, by reducing levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) in the body. So if you're looking for a reason to add a dog to the family, chalk it up to putting you in a better mood.

4. They Make Exceptional Coworkers.

Dogs have worked alongside man for centuries, hunting, herding, and helping us get where we need to go safely as we evolved alongside each other. Hieroglyphs depicting scenes from ancient Egypt and Greece showcase this symbiotic relationship between animal and human, and the working dog continues to thrive even to this day. With their enhanced sense of smell and keen instincts, dogs still work alongside their human counterparts in great numbers. K-9 units help law enforcement and first responders sniff out weapons, detect arson, and track missing persons. Service and therapy dogs help their handlers navigate life with a sense of stability and freedom. Farm dogs protect livestock and herd animals to pasture. (And it goes without saying that pups make great distractions for those of us working from home, too!)

5. They Help Us Sleep Better.

In a recent survey of pet parents of both dogs and cats, dog owners whose pups sleep in bed with them reported fewer disturbances than their cat-owning counterparts. They also said that sleeping in bed with their pup gave them a stronger feeling of comfort and security. Whether or not they snore ... well, that's another story.

6. Their Loyalty Knows No Bounds.

7. They're the Original BFF.

Dogs have been human companions since the beginning of civilization. It's thought that Paleolithic humans were the first to tame dogs from wild wolves some 15,000 years ago. Evidence of a child's footprints walking alongside a dog's paw prints appears in a cave in France, suggesting that bond may extend even farther back-closer to 30,000 years. Either way, the first wolf looked at Neolithic man thousands of years ago across the fire, and each realized they could benefit from one another's presence (probably over food, if we had to guess). Though their relationship probably bordered on the wilder side of things, it was the beginning of a friendship that would continue to evolve over thousands of years as dogs were domesticated into the pets we know today.

8. They Keep Us Active and Healthy.

Not only do dogs help us sleep better, they also help us get more exercise. In fact, a survey of dog owners in the UK found that people who have dogs get about 200 more minutes of walking each week than people without dogs. All those walks around the block with Spot add up: Walking helps lower the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes. Plus, our pups make for adorable exercise buddies who simply refuse to take "no" for an answer. Even just having a dog around may lower your family's risk of obesity and improve gut health!

9. They Help Humans Live Longer, Happier Lives.

With all that extra exercise, it's no wonder dog owners live longer. But aside from the physical benefits of having a dog, research shows some incredible psychological and emotional benefits, too. While all pets provide valuable companionship, dogs' innate need to go out regularly means owners are required to get outdoors and experience nature. Having a dog can help decrease isolation and loneliness, as pups provide a sense of purpose and create opportunities for owners to socialize with others on their adventures together.

10. They Teach Us How to Love Unconditionally.

Your pup doesn't care if you put the dishes away in a timely fashion or forgot to put the toilet seat down. He loves you-flaws and all-forever and ever and ever and ever. On good days, your doggo will be at your side to celebrate. And on bad days, he'll be right there too, steadfast in his loyalty and ready to play fetch as soon as you're back up and at 'em.

11. They Understand-Even When No One Else Can.

From roly-poly puppies to those beloved senior sugar snouts, there's just something about dogs' disarmingly sweet faces that's so hard to resist. But is that adorable head tilt really Spike's way of telling you he's listening when you tell him about your day? There are several scientific theories that explain the ways in which dogs have come to understand human cues, even syncing their behavior with their owners' over time. Over centuries of domestication, dogs have learned to read human expressions and emotions. So the next time you wonder if your dog really knows what you're thinking, go ahead and tell him he's a good boy telepathically before you go in for a belly rub. He might just get the message!

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We love all our furry friends, but these reasons why dogs are the best truly explain why they're man's best friend. From golden retrievers to great Danes, living with pups can lower stress, improve health, and can even help dog owners live longer, healthier lives.