It’s the season of those late night/early morning automated messages stating: school is closed due to inclement weather. Now some of us are excited and some groan. For the last twelve years I’ve been the person behind making these decisions for Austin Catholic and it’s not an easy task. I’ve been called the “snow day miser” by students and have said “unless those little flakes are falling I’m not calling on projection alone.” But over time I’ve become much freer in making “the call” not because of worse conditions or even parent pressure. Ultimately, I’ve learned to slow down and see that our students do too. It’s ok for us to not go to school today, kids will still learn. I’ve come to see snow days not as “Oh God, how are we going to make this or that up” but as “Oh Thank you God for this day”. Letting go of the control and tight life schedules is freeing. I don’t dread the process of calling a snow day anymore, instead I welcome it and feel like it’s God’s little gift to me and all educators and students. And I get the demands these no-school days put on working parents, but as an educator and mom, the value in staying home with the kids is definitely a gift from God. To just be present. Snow days are days to “learn” in other ways and spend some un-structured time together. While the kids are just excited to sleep in and maybe go sledding (I am too!), we can always sneak in some learning together. Here are a few of our favorite snow day activities …
- Bake and cook together. The math and science combined with life skills is the best. Donate some of your extra goodies to shelters.
- Clean closets and donate to local charities.
- Make your Valentine’s …getting a jump start on these is so helpful.
- Grab some popcorn and watch a good documentary or historical movie.
- Crafts… any and all kinds. It can get messy but creativity and exploration is great for the soul.
- Board games. My youngest is currently infatuated with Mancala and BattleShip. Both great for improving critical thinking and math skills.
- Focusing mealtime prayer on the weather and what these conditions can mean for others.
So while winter continues to play games here in Michigan I hope everyone can thank God for a snow day or two; and find the time to enjoy the unexpected day at home – or at least my educator friends can.